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

515-244-8603

If the future is unknowable, why choose hope? What value does a hopeful outlook bring to our lives? Join us for a celebration of possibility.

Join our Livestream!

Forum: Iowa's First Mini Forest

Iowa's first mini forest was planted in May 2024 with a lot of support from First Unitarian. What happened and how is the forest doing?

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

You Are the Fuel!

So much excitement surrounds our Dare to Dream remodeling project. Can you feel it? We hope so because you and your fellow pledgers are fueling the work with your generous financial support.

We asked you to help us reach $3 million by Thanksgiving (on our way to $3.7 million) – and you did it! Individual pledges at all levels, plus our match challenges, allowed us to start construction last month. Our Steering Committee is committed to a debt-free project, so they make decisions about what work can be done based on the pledge dollars available. That’s why your generosity is our fuel! If we can’t pay for it – it won’t be done.

If you’ve made a Dare to Dream pledge, please be sure you make your first-year payment by December 31. If you haven’t made a pledge yet and now you’re ready to add your support, contact the Dare to Dream team at daretodream@ucdsm.org. Pledges at any level are welcome!

Please plan to attend our Forum on Sunday, January 11, for an update on Dare to Dream from project leaders. Learn about what we’ve done and what’s coming up.

Construction Updates

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

Tai Chi Winter Holiday Break

Tai Chi will take a two-week break over the holidays. No class on these dates: December 22, 25 and 29, January 1. Hope to see you all back on January 5!

Additionally, when Des Moines Public Schools cancels or delays school, Tai Chi is also cancelled. With winter weather in full swing, we wanted to remind participants!

Upcoming Green Sanctuary Event and Book Information

In the spirit of truth and reconciliation The First Unitarian Green Sanctuary Team and IUUWAN Environmental Justice Team are inviting you to attend by zoom the Decorah UU Fellowship Community Book Read, "Red Earth Nation" by Eric Zimmer and Meskwaki Historians, Johnathan L. Buffalo and Dawn Suzanne Wanatee Buffalo.  

Discussion of the book will be held on Tuesdays February 10, 17, and 24 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in person at Luther College Student Union or on zoom, but you can purchase the book now to read before the discussions.

"In 1857, the Meskwaki Nation purchased an eighty-acre parcel of land along the Iowa River. With that modest plot secured as a place to rest and rebuild after centuries of devastation and dispossession, the Meskwaki, or "Red Earth People," began to reclaim their homeland—an effort that Native nations continue to this day in what has recently come to be called the #Landback movement. Red Earth Nation explores the long history of #Landback through the Meskwaki Nation’s story, one of the oldest and clearest examples of direct-purchase Indigenous land reclamation in American history." - synopsis from the website of "Red Earth Nation", University of Oklahoma Press.

This book was recommended by Shelley Buffalo from the Meskwaki Settlement. This is an important history of Iowans to know. Red Earth Nation can be purchased at Dragonfly Books for a 10% discount, at University of Oklahoma Press, or Amazon. If you or a friend wishes to join the discussions of Red Earth Nation, please email decorahuu.contact@gmail.com to obtain the zoom link.

Additional Parking on Sundays

We are thrilled to announce additional parking located behind 1963 Bell Avenue (that's the building across the street, just north of us).

• How to find it: Just turn at 1963 Bell Avenue and go around back.
• Is it "fabulous"? Look, it’s a parking lot, not a luxury spa. But it is empty on Sundays and, more importantly, it's closer than that spot you found near the next county line.



Save your steps for your Fitbit, not the sidewalk! Enjoy the extra few minutes of sleep, and park like a pro.

CHURCH EVENTS

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

Deadline: Wednesday by noon

Friday Night Out!

Friday, December 5, from 5-8 p.m.

The Congregational Life Team knows how hard it can be to find time for yourself — whether that’s a quiet dinner, holiday shopping, or simply relaxing at home. So, we’re giving you a night off!

Drop your kiddos off at church from 5–8 PM on Friday, December 5, and enjoy a kid-free evening while they have a fun night with their church family. We’ll keep them entertained with games, crafts, and more, and we’ll also provide dinner.

Please RSVP using the button below so we can plan for enough volunteers, food, and snacks.

If you need some fun date night ideas of things happening in Des Moines on Friday, December 5, we've made you a list of some great events! 

New artist exhibit at Moberg Gallery

First Friday at Mainframe Studios

East Village Promenade

Live Music Friday at Bevy's Tavern

K Pop Demon Hunters Skate night at Skateland

Ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza

Live music at Lefty's

Dome for the Holidays- Botanical Center

Love on Fire: UCDSM, You and Social Justice

Saturday, December 6, from 9-11 a.m.

Join Rev. Steve and the Social Justice Support Team for a conversation on issues, passion, our UU values, and how to manage the emotional toll of working to create a just and equitable community. We'll explore ways we can support ourselves and one another, prepare for the work ahead, and keep Love at the center of all we do. Whether you are part of our justice ministry already, or curious about what it means to be a UU in the world, join us!

Espresso Yourself Coffeehouse

Saturday, December 6, from 6-8 p.m.

Musicians, Poets, and Storytellers!

It’s time to start making your plans for the next coffeehouse! The "Espresso Yourself" event will be held on Saturday, December 6, from 6-8 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines. Please mark your calendars!

Come to listen, perform, or simply enjoy the evening—everyone is welcome! This is a BYOB event, so feel free to bring your favorite drinks, and if you'd like, bring a treat or snack to share. A few snacks will also be provided.

We’re excited to come together for another fun and inspiring evening of creativity and community!

cUUriosity Conversations

Sunday, December 7 following the Service

Join us after the service for cUUriosity Conversations! This is an open and welcoming time for visitors and friends to ask questions, share thoughts, and learn from one another about Unitarian Universalism and our congregation. We look forward to seeing you there!

Grief Support Circle

Monday, December 8 at 5:30 p.m.

The Grief Support Circle meets monthly on the 2nd Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the Minister's Office. Our society is not great at confronting grief. As a result, there is abundant unhelpful advice, platitudes, and reactions out there. Perhaps even more unsettling, though, are the things we can’t talk about. What if you feel relief after someone dies? What if losing them also means losing a way of life for you? Let’s lay it all out on the table in a safe, judgment-free zone. Beyond losing a person, what else are you dealing with? What do you wish people would ask you? What do you wish they’d stop saying? We’ll extend ourselves – and others – a hefty dose of grace as we talk through this sticky topic.

Women Around the Table

Wednesday, December 10 at 11:30 a.m. at Noah's Ark Ristorante- Change in date, time and location!

The December meeting of Women Around the Table will meet at Noah's Ark Ristorante on Ingersoll in Des Moines for lunch together on Wednesday, December 10 at 11:30 a.m.

Please note, this is a date, time, and location change for the December meeting! Please RSVP to Lynne George at womenstable@ucdsm.org.

Remember Wednesday Night Dinners?

Wednesday, December 10 at 5:30 p.m. in Griffin Hall

Remember the good old days of Church Community Wednesday Night dinners? We're bringing it back, potluck-style, on Wednesday, December 10 at 5:30 p.m. in Griffin Hall! The Seeker’s Guide Book Club will provide main courses; we're asking that you bring a side, salad, dessert, or drink to share.

Come share a meal with your church community before your class, practice, or busy-ness of the weeknight! All are welcome!

ROOT: Rising Our Own Tribe

Wednesday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. in Griffin Hall

If you're an emerging adult (ages 18-29ish) come join us at ROOT, our new UU community just for emerging adults—whether you’re studying, working, exploring, or rebuilding. Come grab some food and meet others who want to grow deep roots in real community.

ROOT is a space for connection, curiosity, and belonging for folks ages 18 to 29. Join us for free food, games, and a chill community!

Winter Solstice Hike at Brown's Woods

Saturday, December 13, at 9 a.m.

Our December nature walk is a hike! We are hiking the three-mile loop at Brown’s Woods in West Des Moines. We’ll meet at 9:00 AM at Brown’s Woods, 465 Brown's Woods Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265. There is parking at the trailhead and additional parking along the road just west of the main lot.

The theme for our hike is “Winter Solstice,” since it takes place about a week before the official start of winter. As the days grow shorter, we’ll embrace the beauty of the changing seasons, and think of it as a time of rest and inner transformation - for the natural world and for ourselves.

Brown’s Woods is considered a moderate trail; you can view the trail map here. We will hike the outer loop, which totals three miles, including a few moderate hills. We expect the hike to take between 1½ - 2 hours. 

During the hike, we’ll have the opportunity for conversation, reflection, and moments of quiet. We’ll walk a bit faster than we do on our nature walks, but we will still find some time to identify plants, trees, and bird species, and to connect to the ancient land in which we live. 

This nature walk is co-led by the Centering Nature Leadership Team from First Unitarian Church of Des Moines and is funded by the REACH program (Radical Engagement And Creative Happenings) through the church.

We appreciate knowing if you are planning on attending. To RSVP, please email centeringnature@ucdsm.org. Bring comfortable walking shoes, binoculars if you have them, and water and nourishment as needed. Please do not attend if you are ill.

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 5-7 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 5-7 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 will be provided.

Please reach out to Faithyna Leonard, CongregationalLife@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.

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 7th, at 12:00 p.m. in the Mary Safford room (at the back of the auditorium). We will be discussing Chapter 11 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 next Watch Party will be Saturday, December 13th, 2:00 PM at the Stine Barn. We will be watching a program from the Nova series. 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- Katie Kamienski, Executive Director of YMCA Supportive Housing Campus

Links from the Show:

• Volunteer at YMCA Supportive Housing Campus
• Donate to YMCA Supportive Housing Campus

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 5

5:00 p.m.

Friday Night Out

Sat Dec 6

9:00 a.m.

Love on Fire: UCDSM, You and Social Justice

1:00 p.m.

Holiday Decorating

3:00 p.m.

Faith Formation Team Meeting

6:00 p.m.

Espresso Yourself Coffeehouse

Sun Dec 7

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

cUUriosity Conversations

12:00 p.m.

Humanist Book Discussion

1:30 p.m.

NAC Rental

Mon Dec 8

8:30 a.m.

DMARC Book Group

9:30 a.m.

Tai Chi

5:30 p.m.

Grief Support Circle

6:30 p.m.

AMOS at UCDSM

7:00 p.m.

Awakening Heart Sangha, Zoom

Tue Dec 9

5:30 p.m.

Financial Oversight Committee

Wed Dec 10

9:00 a.m.

CPR Classes

11:30 a.m.

Women Around the Table at Noah's Ark

5:30 p.m.

Wednesday Night Dinner

5:45 p.m.

Bell Choir Rehearsal

6:30 p.m.

ROOT

Book Study Group

7:00 p.m.

Recovery Group

Queer/Trans Action Group Meeting

Steering Committee

Thu Dec 11

9:30 a.m.

Tai Chi

7:00 p.m.

UU Singers Adult Choir

Small Group Ministry

Fri Dec 12

8:30 a.m.

Social Justice Leadership Meeting

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

9:45 a.m.

One Room SchUUlhouse

11:00 a.m.

Forum

7/8 OWL

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