First Unitarian Church is a vibrant community that benefits from dedicated volunteers who help things run smoothly, as well as reach out to those who are in need. The following groups meet regularly throughout the year.

Hospitality Ministry

Every Sunday morning, members and friends arrive at First Unitarian Church of Des Moines to a warm welcome. They are greeted at the door, guided to their seats, and following the service enjoy coffee, treats and fellowship. Hospitality teams make all this possible. These teams of 10-15 volunteers support the smooth running and personal touches before and after the services. Two teams are in action each Sunday, with each team scheduled at either the 9:15 or 11:00 service once every two months. To volunteer, or for more information, contact Laura Berardi, Membership Coordinator, at 244-8603 ext. 104, or membership@ucdsm.org.

Caring Ministry

Our church believes in community and that is what Caring Ministry is all about. We want to make it easier for you to ask for support when you need it, and offer support when others are in need. If you have questions, contact our Caring Ministry Coordinator, Terry Lambert (515) 657-7672 or caring@ucdsm.org, or visit the Caring Ministry page for more information.

Religious Services Celebrants

Ten or more members of the church who work with the ministers and with each other to play off our monthly themes in pursuit of excellent Sunday religious services that spark the mind, lighten the spirit, and touch the heart. Celebrants are the congregation’s “living lectionary,” staying in close touch with the needs of our members and friends and striving to help respond to those needs in our services. A celebrant is assigned to each Sunday and then works closely with the preaching minister or guest speaker to prepare and then to conduct the service, possibly including the selection of readings, music, and other liturgical elements, such as opening words, meditations, and a celebrant reflection. A celebrant attends quarterly planning sessions in addition to the meetings required for working on particular services.

Celebrants serve a two-year term upon invitation of the Senior Minister. If you have an interest in serving in the future, contact Rev. Stringer at minister@ucdsm.org.

Religious Education Council

The Religious Education Council (REC) collaborates with the Director of Religious Education (DRE) in creating a faith development program plan which strengthens and clarifies the ethical, moral and spiritual lives of children and youth.  The REC does so by making and following policies; creating, reviewing and evaluating programs; and securing resources (volunteers, space, budget) to meet the program plan and the Ends Statements of First Unitarian Church of Des Moines.

The REC time commitment is a 2 year term, if possible, with 10-11 meetings per year. If you are interested in participating on the REC, please contact Tracy Beck, Director of Religious Education for Children and Youth, at 244-8603 x. 104, or dre@ucdsm.org.

Council for Congregational Ministries (CCM)

The CCM is convened by the Senior Minister and consists of 6 Ministerial areas, plus a Councilor at Large: 1) Congregational Life, 2) Facilities & Grounds, 3) Religious Growth & Learning, 4) Social Justice, 5) Worship & Arts, and 6) Stewardship. It is the purpose of the CCM to nurture and promote the health and vitality of our church by thoughtfully engaging with the church staff and volunteers in the pursuit of the Ends Statements articulated by the Board of Trustees. Council members covenant to challenge assumptions, reach for creative ideas and solutions, foster leadership, and empower volunteers whenever possible.
Click here for the church organization chart (PDF), which includes the current CCM members.