Healing

Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026

What does it mean to heal? Why is healing often so difficult or scary? Join us for a courageous look into the practice of healing. We will honor those we have lost in our annual ritual of ribbons of remembrance. 



9:15 a.m. Service

Gather in the Auditorium for a full Sunday service featuring readings, hymns, reflections, musical ensembles, and a sermon. Come listen, reflect, sing, and connect.

 

11:00 a.m. MOSAIC Service

Join us in Griffin Hall for a more intimate, discussion-based service exploring the same themes and questions in a participatory way. MOSAIC stands for Meaning, Openness, Sharing, Authenticity, Inquiry, and Connection.

 

For Children & Families

Faith Formation classes for children are offered during the 9:15 a.m. service ONLY. Childcare for children ages 0-4 will be available during both services.

Church Announcements (click for details)

  • Construction Safety Reminder!
  • No Stair Access After November 9
  • Get to Know a Team!
  • REACH Grant Recipients
  • Warm Clothing Collection and Food Drive
  • Office Closed for Veterans Day

Upcoming Events (click for details)

  • October 30: Memento Mori: A Night of Remembering
  • November 1: Living Well for Seniors: Death With Dignity
  • November 1: Humanist Book Group
  • November 2: Politics & Policies Study Group
  • November 7: Ned Philip Miller Memorial Service
  • November 7: Espresso Yourself Coffeehouse
  • November 8: Grief Circle
  • November 8: Windbreakers
  • November 10: Women Around the Table (WATT)
  • November 10: ROOT
  • November 11: Wednesday Night Dinner
  • November 11: YRUU
  • November 14: Centering Nature Hike at Walnut Woods
  • November 14: Progressive Voices Concert Series: Peter Mayer
  • November 18: Women's Wednesday
  • November 18: Parent Support Group
  • November 18: YRUU


Click here for the full church calendar.

 

Dare to Dream Updates

In 2024, First Unitarian embarked on a visionary plan to reimagine our church facilities and property for future generations of Unitarian Universalists in Des Moines called “Our Future Is Now – Dare to Dream".



Click here for current updates.

 

Faith Formation Updates

Join us as we kick off a new year of Faith Formation at First Unitarian! Whether you're returning or joining us for the first time, everyone is invited to celebrate the start of a new season of learning, growth, and community.



Click here for current updates.

 

What Do You Think? Podcast with Rev. Steve

In this new podcast, Rev. Steve sits down with thoughtful people from across the Des Moines metro to ask what's on their mind.



Click here to listen to the podcast.

 

Griffin Hall Artist

Each month in Griffin Hall, we celebrate the artistic talents of a local artist. Click the link below to find out more about this month's artist.


Click here to learn more about this month's artist!

 

Submit a Request

Church Announcement or Event for Publication

To submit an announcement or event for publication, send an email to communications@ucdsm.org. Deadlines for submissions are Wednesday at noon for Friday publication.



Joys & Sorrows

As a community, we care about your joys and your sorrows, the news of significant personal challenges, successes, and milestones that impact your life. We invite you to share those with us in whatever way feels appropriate for you. Click here to submit a Joys & Sorrows Request.


Caring Ministry

Visit the Caring Community webpage for information on temporary assistance, such as meals or rides, or to volunteer, send an email to caring@ucdsm.org.

If you need Pastoral care for support through a difficult time, please call (515) 423-0847 or email pastoralcareteam@ucdsm.org.


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. Click here to submit a UU Recognition.


Our Congregational Spotlights

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). Click here to submit a Spotlight Request.

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