Committees, Councils and Ministries
First Unitarian Church is a vibrant community that benefits from dedicated volunteers who help things run smoothly, as well as reach out to those who are in need. The following groups meet regularly throughout the year.
Hospitality Ministry
Every Sunday morning, members and friends arrive at First Unitarian Church of Des Moines to a warm welcome. They are greeted at the door, guided to their seats, and following the service enjoy coffee, treats and fellowship. Hospitality teams make all this possible. These teams of 10-15 volunteers support the smooth running and personal touches before and after the services. Two teams are in action each Sunday, with each team scheduled at either the 9:30 or 11:00 service once every two months. To volunteer, or for more information, contact Lori Emison Clair, Director of Congregational Life, at 244-8603 ext. 103, or dcl@ucdsm.org.
Caring Ministry
Through our Caring Ministry at First Unitarian, members and friends reach out when others in the Church community need a helping hand through difficult times or milestones in their lives. The Caring Ministry Coordinator in consultation with the Minister, reaches out to the Neighborhood Leaders who create a caring community in a church member's neighborhood. Requests may include:
- Transportation (rides to church, appointments)
- Meals/Household Help (following hospitalization)
- Visits/Check-ins (phone and in-person calls)
- Memorial Committee (receptions following memorial services)
- Correspondence (cards of sympathy, joy)
- New Babies/Parents (meals, consultation, respite and quilts)
- Disability Equipment Lending
If you are in need, or know of someone who might be, please send an email to caring@ucdsm.org. For more information on serving on a Caring Ministry team, please contact Terry Lillie at caring@ucdsm.org or call 657-7672. You may also find a Caring Ministry form for advance notice of needs in the church entry.
Religious Services Celebrants
Twelve or more members of the church who work with the minister and with each other to play off our monthly themes in pursuit of excellent Saturday and Sunday religious services that spark the mind, lighten the spirit, and touch the heart. Celebrants are the congregation's “living lectionary,” staying in close touch with the needs of our members and friends and striving to help respond to those needs in our services. A celebrant is assigned to each weekend of services and then works closely with the preaching minister or guest speaker to prepare and then to conduct the service, possibly including the selection of readings, music, and other liturgical elements, such as opening words and meditations. A celebrant attends quarterly planning sessions in addition to the meetings required for working on particular services.
Celebrants serve a two-year term upon invitation of the minister. If you have an interest in serving in the future, contact Rev. Stringer at minister@ucdsm.org.
Religious Education Council
The Religious Education Council (REC) collaborates with the Director of Religious Education (DRE) in creating a faith development program plan which strengthens and clarifies the ethical, moral and spiritual lives of children and youth. The REC does so by making and following policies; creating, reviewing and evaluating programs; and securing resources (volunteers, space, budget) to meet the program plan and the Ends Statements of First Unitarian Church of Des Moines.
The REC time commitment is a 2 year term, if possible, with 10-11 meetings per year. If you are interested in participating on the REC, please contact Tracy Beck, Director of Religious Education for Children and Youth, at 244-8603 x. 104, or dre@ucdsm.org.
Adult Religious Education Council
The Adult Religious Education Council is committed to providing structured classes to nurture and stimulate personal and religious/spiritual growth and enhance social justice awareness. As part of our ongoing curriculum, members and friends can meet and learn together in the following areas: Unitarian Universalist Identity, History, and Polity; Religious Traditions; Theology & Spirituality; Faith in Action; and Family Enrichment. If you are interested in being part of the AREC, please contact Lori Emison Clair, Director of Congregational Life, at dcl@ucdsm.org, or 244-8603 x. 103.
Social Justice Council
The goal of the Social Justice Council is to empower and encourage work for Social Justice within our congregation and the world. With its guidance, the action groups listed, below, continue to practice our Unitarian Universalist theology of engagement to help heal the brokenness in our larger community and world. For more information please contact Kate Allen, ka.65(at)live(dot)com.
The Social Justice Council consists of the following Action Groups: Energy & Justice for All, Human Rights, and Hunger (The FEDS). Affirmed Justice Groups are sanctioned by the SJC at the Martin Luther King, Jr. service in January. For more information, click here.
Council for Congregational Ministries (CCM)
The CCM consists of 6 Ministerial areas, plus a Councilor at Large: 1) Congregational Life, 2) Facilities & Grounds, 3) Religious Growth & Learning, 4) Social Justice, 5) Worship & Arts, and 6) Stewardship. It is the purpose of the CCM to nurture and promote the health and vitality of our church by thoughtfully engaging with the church staff and volunteers in the pursuit of the Ends Statements articulated by the Board of Trustees. Council members covenant to challenge assumptions, reach for creative ideas and solutions, foster leadership, and empower volunteers whenever possible. CCM meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month.