Hello!

Welcome to the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines! We’re glad you’ve found us and hope you find a church home with us.

At First Unitarian, we’re brave, curious, and compassionate thinkers and doers. We’re people of many beliefs and backgrounds – people with a religious background and people with none; people who believe in a God and people who don’t, and people who simply let the mystery be. And while we represent a diversity of faith, ethnicity, history and spirituality, we agree that we want to do good work in the world.

So we welcome you – your whole self, with all your truths and your doubts, your worries and your hopes. Let us support you on your faith journey.

Learn More

Upcoming Service

Every day is Earth day, of course. But we don’t always talk about it in our Sunday service. This Sunday, let’s talk about it!

Zoom may not be available for this event. Please contact Bill Paxson if you have an interest in joining the Zoom team.

Click here for the Order of Service (updates every Friday afternoon)

Forum: Managing our Grief as We Navigate the Uncertainty of Climate Chaos

In acknowledging Earth Day on April 21st, members and friends of First Unitarian will gather in Griffin Hall at 11:15 a.m. to join the storytelling Climate Ribbon Project. Participants will be asked to answer “What do you love and hope to never lose to Climate Chaos?” followed by sharing what they are doing to mitigate the chaos and how others may join them. To learn more about the Climate Ribbon Project, click here.

Church Calendar

  • SET-UP/CLEAN-UP Sacred Bridges CUUPS: Olympian Gods: An Introduction with William

    April 19, 2024  6:45 pm - 9:45 pm
    Stonewall Conference Room

    See more details

  • Sacred Bridges CUUPS: Olympian Gods: An Introduction with William

    April 19, 2024  7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Stonewall Conference Room

    Prepare to embark on a captivating journey through the realms of Greco-Roman mythology with Sacred Bridges CUUPS! 

    Join us on April 19th at 7:00 pm for an immersive event titled 'Olympian Gods: An Introduction with William.' Whether you're able to join us in person or prefer to participate via Zoom, get ready to delve deep into the enchanting tapestry of Greco-Roman mythology.

    During this unique event, William will serve as our guide, leading us through the basics of Greco-Roman mythology while offering fascinating insights and recounting spellbinding tales of the Olympian gods. From Zeus and Hera to Athena and Apollo, discover the rich pantheon of deities that have fascinated and inspired humanity for centuries.

    This is an unparalleled opportunity to enrich your understanding of ancient myths and connect with fellow enthusiasts who share your passion for these timeless stories. So, mark your calendars, set your reminders, and make sure to join us for an unforgettable evening filled with wonder, discovery, and camaraderie!

    Don't miss out on this chance to deepen your appreciation for Greco-Roman mythology and forge connections with like-minded individuals. Spread the word, invite your friends, and get ready for an enchanting experience that will leave you captivated!

    RSVP HERE: https://fb.me/e/5bc6yWBOt

    Zoom: Join Zoom Meeting
    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86484683715?pwd=0ZZFiHQxEt0QzUWO0QiQ9bKduAXpq5.1

    Meeting ID: 864 8468 3715
    Passcode: ZEUS101

    See more details

  • Leadership Support Group Set-UP/Clean-UP

    April 20, 2024  8:30 am - 11:00 am

     Griffin Hall
     
    Volunteer Training series

    See more details

  • Celebrant Team Meeting

    April 20, 2024  9:00 am - 10:00 am

    Stonewall

    See more details

  • Leadership Support Group

    April 20, 2024  9:00 am - 10:30 am

      Griffin Hall
     
    Volunteer Training series- 
    We will meet 6 Saturday mornings: April 6, April 20, May 4, May 18, June 1, June 15
     
    Everyone is welcome to attend.
    We will use a UUA curriculum, "Stop Recruiting, Start Retaining," in the form of webinars. Everyone is welcome, and leaders are particularly encouraged to attend. If you're part of a group but not a leader, you'll come away with a better understanding of healthy group dynamics.
    If you can't commit to all six sessions, you can catch up by watching the webinars on your own.

    See more details

View Calendar

I’m New Here

Ready to explore Unitarian Universalism and our church? We’re ready for you, even during the pandemic!

  1. Start by joining us for our Sunday service at 9:30 a.m. CT in-person or via Zoom. You can also click here for directions to our building!
  2. In the front lobby of our church, you’ll be welcomed by a Congregational Life Committee member, who will direct you to visitor information and UU information.
  3. Check out our Affinity Groups for adults. All groups that are meeting virtually are open to new participants. New programs for children, youth, and adults will begin this September.
  4. And finally, explore our website! There’s a lot to see and we encourage you to reach out to the contact people listed throughout the site if you have questions or want to get involved.

Social Media