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.

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Upcoming Service

Bending and Breaking

As we begin our February theme of Embodying Resilience, we look at the nature of resilience and how it differs from resistance. In a world that frames most conflicts in win-lose zero-sum terms, how might embodying resilience improve our lives?

Join our Livestream!

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

Forum: Aging in Place

Join us to explore aging in place and the range of services that enable us to stay independent in our homes as we age. Crystal Doig from Aging Resources of Central Iowa will lead us in conversation about what aging in place means to each of us, the costs associated with aging in place, and what we need to thrive as we age.
Upcoming Services Previous Services

Church Calendar

  • Family Breakfast

    January 31, 2026  8:30 am - 11:30 am
    Griffin/Kitchen

    Join us for a Family Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, January 31, in Griffin/Kitchen, from 8:30–11:30 a.m. This gathering is designed for parents to connect, build community, and enjoy casual table conversation with other families while children play nearby. Please note that childcare is not guaranteed for this event.

    See more details

  • Art Wall

    January 31, 2026  11:30 am - 1:30 pm
    Griffin Hall

    See more details

View Calendar

I’m New Here

Ready to explore Unitarian Universalism and our church? We’re ready for you!

  1. Start by joining us for our Sunday service at 9:30 a.m. CT in-person or via livestream. 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 Team member, who will direct you to visitor information and UU information.
  3. Join us after the service for coffee hour! Enjoy a generous spread of delicious food and take the opportunity to connect, mingle, and meet new people in a welcoming atmosphere.
  4. Check out our Affinity Groups for adults. We also have programs for children, youth, and adults.
  5. 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.