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.
Upcoming Service
Church Calendar
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DMARC Book Group
April 29, 2024 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Stonewall Conference RoomJoin Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89454166012?pwd=UVJGR2RlQzZqWExjd1o5VFFseXpBZz09
Meeting ID: 894 5416 6012
Passcode: 231074 -
Tai Chi
April 29, 2024 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Monday and Thursday at 10:00 at First Unitarian as weather cools and we move inside to Griffin Hall. Outside sessions are currently being held at the American Legion Park in West Des Moines on 4th and Vine.
Tai chi is an ancient form of gentle exercise sometimes called ‘moving’ meditation. This class will focus on a short form (Sun style) designed specifically to improve joint movement (which may decrease pain) and improve balance and prevent falls. In addition to these benefits, research has also shown tai chi may reduce stress. Basic aspects of tai chi will be discussed and practiced, including breathing, weight shift, posture, slow circular movements, elongation and focus to enhance the flow of chi. The classes are taught by repetitively practicing small portions and gradually adding until the entire form has been covered. Regular attendance is encouraged for the full benefit. There is a small fee ($20) for participants for the day session while the evening session is free. Register here: https://forms.gle/poBmQ4hsdPfQpSir7 -
Awakening Heart Sangha
April 29, 2024 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’. We meet by Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time. All are welcome on a drop-in basis to this ongoing group.
All levels of practice are welcome, regardless of whether you are a newcomer to meditation or have had a meditation practice for a while. Brief meditation instruction will be offered at each meeting as needed for any newcomers. At each meeting, we will check-in, practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation followed by a short reading and discussion.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85777386156?pwd=ZFFYQUFacTlHOXU4bFk4a0Y4TWxpdz09Email sangha@ucdsm.org for more information or to be added to the weekly Sangha meeting announcement email list.
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A Word With You
April 30, 2024 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Stonewall April-March, Zoom December-March
“A Word With You” meets once a month in person and discuss topics that interest members. We would like to invite new-comers (or old ones) to our church who could join us or just visit with us. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 10:30 am. The topics vary from environment to personalities.
Please contact Sachiko Murphy (wordwithyou@ucdsm.org) if you are interested.
Announcements
- Seeing is not Believing: How to Grow Compassion into Your Observations: Sat., Apr. 27th from 10a-12p
- Sacred Bridges CUUPs Presents Sage Advice with Dr. Susan: Sat., Apr. 27th from 1-3p
- Humanist Watch Party: Sat., Apr. 27th @ 2:00p
- Fellowship, Food and FUNds (FFF 24): Sat., Apr. 27th from 5-7p and Sun., Apr. 28th from 10:45a-12:00p
- Less Mow May – Enroll Sun, Apr. 28th after Service
- Iowa’s First Mini-Forest: Volunteers Needed: Apr. 28th and May 2-4th
- Proposed Amendments to Article II of the UUA Bylaws: Wed., May 1st, 5:30p-8:30p
I’m New Here
Ready to explore Unitarian Universalism and our church? We’re ready for you, even during the pandemic!
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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