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

The Theology of Play

What if play is not something we outgrow, but something that helps us grow? This sermon explores the theology of play—the role of imagination, wonder, and joy in developing faith, strengthening mental health, and building beloved community. Through humor, personal stories, and Unitarian Universalist values, we’ll consider how staying curious and a little silly can be a sacred practice.

Join us live on YouTube

 

Click here for the Order of Service

Forum: Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers

The president of the Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers will discuss the basics of atheism, living in a society that emphasizes religion, and the impact and intertwining of religion and government from an atheist perspective.

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.

Upcoming Services Previous Services

Church Calendar

  • Childcare

    August 9, 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

  • Sunday Service (Hybrid)

    August 9, 2026  9:30 am - 10:45 am
    Griffin Hall

    Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/@firstucdsm/streams

    The Theology of Play

    What if play is not something we outgrow, but something that helps us grow? This sermon explores the theology of play—the role of imagination, wonder, and joy in developing faith, strengthening mental health, and building beloved community. Through humor, personal stories, and Unitarian Universalist values, we’ll consider how staying curious and a little silly can be a sacred practice.

    See more details

  • Sunday Forum

    August 9, 2026  11:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Griffin Hall

    See more details

  • Grief Support Circle

    August 9, 2026  3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Minister's Office

    Meets in the Minister's Office

    Any who are dealing with the loss of a loved one are invited to attend as many or as few sessions that work for you. Feel free to bring your dinner, if you'd like. If this group doesn't work for you but you need help working through your grief, please reach out to the Pastoral Care Team

    See more details

  • Windbreakers

    August 9, 2026  5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Gathering Area/Griffin and Kitchen

    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.