First Unitarian Church of Des Moines

As you may have noticed over the last three years, the church has been fortunate to have a group of talented and energetic volunteers who have built trails in the woods, cleaned out invasive species, and improved the creek for control of water flow. This spring a new play structure was installed in the woods to … Continued

This summer, the Des Moines City Council voted to create a Sustainability Task Force to advise the City Manager’s Office about how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Now that this has been approved, we need to build up a strong think tank to make sure that we develop many workable solutions in the areas of … Continued

Become a Celebrant? Do you appreciate our Sunday services?  Would you like to contribute to making them the best they can be? This month we are recruiting for our celebrant team, the members who work with the ministers and with each other to lead our weekly services.  If you’d like to know more about this … Continued

In September and October, we partnered with Family Promise, a network of congregations who provide housing and support to families experiencing homelessness. We hosted 3 families with 4 adults and 10 children from 10/23-10/30. Thank you to Sue Huber, Angela Tedesco, Mike Stimson, Bruce Martin, Becky Evans, Barb Martin, Barb Hendricks, Stephanie Stenberg, Michael Stimson, … Continued

Twice a year we honor our newest members in a ritual during our weekend services. The next membership ceremony is Sunday, November 13. If you are considering joining the congregation, would like to submit your Intention to Join packet, or have questions about membership, please contact Laura Berardi, Membership Coordinator, by Tuesday, November 8.  Laura … Continued

Would you like to have your child dedicated? As part of the November 20th services, we will have an opportunity to share in a ritual of dedication for some of the children in our church community.  During this simple ceremony we will acknowledge the children’s given names, bless (or honor) them with the four elements, … Continued

We’re Shaking Up the Winter Holiday Party! Like the fake flakes of a snow globe, we are shaking up the winter holiday party this year! TIME CHANGE: Still on Sat., Dec. 3, but now an afternoon open house festival from 2-5 p.m. Craft and game tables will highlight some of the different winter holidays and … Continued

Saturday, November 12, 3:30 pm, Auditorium Compassion and Choices / Death with Dignity will be showing the 2011 documentary film How to Die in Oregon, which gives an intimate portrayal of what it means to die with dignity. Click here to learn more about the film.

Sunday, November 6 at 11 am and Sunday, December 4 at 11 am, Channing Hall  Crossroads of Iowa is our Outreach partner for November and December 2016. Please join us for a forum with Crossroads of Iowa to learn more about their program. Crossroads is dedicated to providing a residential environment and programs to reduce … Continued

The small lot near the south doors is for visitors and persons with handicapped parking permits only. If you’re able-bodied, please park in the Wells Fargo lot across the street on Sunday mornings.

Caring Associates are a small team of individuals (within our larger Caring Ministry program of calls, visits, rides, meals, etc.) with special skills such as nursing, social work, counseling, or even real estate. There are currently four CAs who have provided on-going, long-term services to six people in the past year. Terry Lambert (Caring Coordinator) … Continued

Our weekly Wednesday dinner and programming is in full swing again! Wednesday dinners are completely volunteer run by teams who share the duties of shopping, preparation, cooking, and collecting money. If you are interested and/or willing to help, please contact Lisa Houchins at mchouchins@gmail.com.