Intercom Weekly- October 2, 2026

Taking the Leap

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Courage means taking on risk of failure or foolishness, of becoming vulnerable. And, courage asks us to confront what is easier to avoid, to say what needs to be said. How do we find courage in the midst of fear and avoidance?

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.

Livestream for 9:15 a.m. Service

Church Announcements (click for details)

Construction Update
Welcome New Member Lindsay Warden
New Immigrant Family Support
Deepening Spiritual Practices
Food Pantry Update
Welcome New Members!
Upcoming AMOS Opportunities

Upcoming Events (click for details)

October 2: Remembering Pat Winters
October 3: Grounds Work Day
October 3: Braver Angels
October 3: Progressive Voices Concert
October 4: Humanist Book Group
October 4: Humanist Croquet at Stine Barn
October 5: Politics & Policy Study Group
October 8: Tai Chi Social Hour
October 10: Social Justice Imagination Summitt II
October 10: The People's Tribunal on US Government Complicity in Gaza
October 10: Humanist Watch Party
October 11: Grief Support Circle
October 11: Windbreakers
October 13: ROOT
October 13: Women Around the Table
October 14: Wednesday Night Dinner
October 14: YRUU
October 15: Unity Circle
October 17: Centering Nature Hike
October 18: Living Well for Seniors: Combatting Isolation and Finding Meaning
October 18: Humanist Book Group
October 21: Women's Wednesday
October 21: Parent Support Group
October 24: Scrappy Hour
October 25: Free Grief Seminar

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.

Atta Person Gratitudes

This space is dedicated to recognizing the many hands that keep our building running smoothly and looking its very best each day.

Click here to see who we are thanking this week!

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 .

First Unitarian Church of Des Moines

1800 Bell Ave. | 515-244-8603