What to Expect
Saturday Service at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Services at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Our services reveal the heart and soul of our First Unitarian of Des Moines community. Through these enlightening, caring, joyful occasions, hearts, minds, and doors are opened. To those of you considering a first time visit, we extend a special welcome and invitation.
When you visit to First Unitarian of Des Moines you’ll be warmly greeted at the door by one of our members. Inside, many people, happy to see each other, join in a flurry of conversations. Nearby, the Visitors Table displays an array of informational brochures. Here, a church member will happily answer any questions you may have. Immediately following the Service, you are invited to enjoy refreshments and conversation.
At a typical Service you will experience:
- responsive reading as a call to gather, accompanying the lighting of the chalice
- welcome to visitors
- sharing of joys and concerns
- readings
- singing of hymns by the congregation
- special music by our choir and/or professional musicians from the church or wider community
- offering to support the church operating fund and the community organizations we support
- sermon from our minister or guest speaker
We are an informal congregation. While a few might wear a jacket and tie, or dress, others come in clothes suitable for weekend activities. Children are encouraged to dress casually as they may be engaged in arts and crafts or outdoor activities.
For your children
Children are always welcome and valued at First Unitarian Church of Des Moines. It is the parents' choice whether they would prefer to have their children with them in the services, or playing in the childcare area with staff supervision, or attending the regularly scheduled children's programming.
Religious Education during Services: Religious education classes are offered during all services. Any child or youth attending religious education classes are invited to sit with their parents during the first few minutes of the service, and after the “Story for All Ages", will then be dismissed to classes. Childcare is always available for infants up to 5 years of age.
Wednesday Evening: Childcare is available for infants through Pre-K during Wednesday Night Programming (September - May). Children in Kindergarten - 6th grade are invited to have fun in an Activity Room with crafts, games, Legos, ping-pong, and socializing.
Choir: Children are invited to participate in the musical ministry of the church. First Unitarian Church offers three different musical groups for children and youth: The Sparks (ages 4 – 1st grade), Chalice Choir (2nd grade-6th grade), and The Flames (7th grade-12th grade). The Sparks and Chalice Choir practice on Wednesday evenings; The Flames rehearse on Saturdays before the service. See Music Ministry for more information.
Childcare is available for other church programs as requested. If you would like childcare to be provided for a church program, please contact Lori Emison Clair, Director of Congregational Life at dcl@ucdsm.org.
Take a Tour of First Unitarian
with the UU Youth!