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

We the People

For many, the word politics has come to mean division, spectacle or partisan warfare. But, politics, at its best, is the work of the people for the common good. Come hear how ordinary people learned to turn private pain into public action, and believe that good power grows where people are connected and ready to act together.

Join us live on YouTube

 

Click here for the Order of Service

Forum: AMOS

Maybe you’ve turned private pain into public action? Maybe you’re curious how to move from frustration to responsibility, from charity alone to justice and social change. First Unitarian is a long-time member of AMOS, a broad-based organizing collective working towards systems change.  You’re invited into discussion and sharing, to see that good power grows where people are connected and ready to act together.

All Things in Time

At First Unitarian we’re in a season of big changes: to faith formation, service schedules, architecture, and more! How do we hold a sense of peace and community when everything is in flux? Join us this Sunday for a service of grounding and visioning.

Join us live on YouTube

 

Click here for the Order of Service

Forum: Aging in Place

Upcoming Services Previous Services

Church Calendar

  • Board Game Night

    August 14, 2026  6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Griffin Hall

                                                                                                                           
    Contact: Gianfranco Berardi, gamenight@ucdsm.org

    Meets: Second Fridays; 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. CT; Griffin Hall

    Welcome: All

    Please join fellow UU friends for a fun night of board games in Griffin Hall. Bring your favorite game as well as any beverages or snacks you might want to share.

    See more details

  • Celebrant Team Meeting

    August 15, 2026  9:00 am - 11:00 am
    Stonewall Conference Room

    Join Zoom Meeting
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81038991478?pwd=UOR0NrS5iKdxeI9BVDtJ3UFpoEHwVP.1

    Meeting ID: 810 3899 1478
    Passcode: Celebrant

    See more details

  • Rental - Memorial

    August 15, 2026  10:30 am - 12:30 pm
    Griffin Hall and Kitchen

    See more details

  • Food Fair Event

    August 15, 2026  4:30 pm - 10:00 pm
    Prairie Room and the Kitchen

    NM

    See more details

  • Childcare

    August 16, 2026  9:15 am - 12:15 pm
    Little Sprouts Room on the Lower Level

    Childcare is always available during Sunday services for children aged 0-4 years-old

    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.