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

Where Does a Humanist Turn?

As a long-time agnostic secular, Paul Derrick, a member of the Humanist Society, doesn’t rely on any God or gods to watch over and comfort him, to hear and answer prayers or to intervene in human affairs. So, where does he turn for strength, comfort, solace, support and consolation? This Sunday we welcome back the Westphals for horn duet music.

Forum: Where Does a Humanist Turn?

Join Paul Derrick for further discussion about the Humanist Society after the service.

Join us live on YouTube

 

 

Click here for the Order of Service

 

Labor Day ’26

The focus of this service will be Labor Day.  We’ll explore the origins of America’s Labor Day celebration and the uniquely American view of the value and meaning of work.  We’ll also enjoy music honoring those who labor.

Join us live on YouTube

 

Click here for the Order of Service

Upcoming Services Previous Services

Church Calendar

  • Community Faire Check-In Meeting

    August 29, 2026  8:30 am - 11:00 am
    Griffin/Kitchen

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  • Back-to-School Ice Cream Social

    August 29, 2026  1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    A multi-generational event co-sponsored by the Queer & Trans Action Group of First Unitarian Church and Central Iowa Rainbow Families. Drop in any time during the afternoon for some ice cream, other frozen treats, and cold beverages in our covered picnic shelter. Dairy and gluten free options will be available, and there will be a sundae bar with various fun toppings, too.

    Enjoy making crafts, playing lawn games, and playing on the adjacent playground as well. A pond with a fishing pier is also just down the hill. Full-service restrooms and water are also adjacent. LGBTQ+ and allied families and folx of all ages welcome! For questions, contact qtag@ucdsm.org.

    DIRECTIONS: There is a small parking lot at 34th St. & Witmer Pkwy., then follow the path up the hill on the SOUTH side of the pond to the larger shelter & playground (NOT the path around the north side of the pond to the smaller smaller shelter). You may also park on 37th St. closer to the shelter

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  • UU Explorers

    August 30, 2026  9:15 am - 10:45 am
    Woods (213)

    This class is recommended for children ages 7-10 or children who are ready to explore simple abstract concepts through artistic and constructive play. Activities in this class will require the ability to follow simple directions.

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  • UU Friendship

    August 30, 2026  9:15 am - 10:45 am
    Acorn Room (211)

    This class is recommended for children ages 4-7 or children who need additional support for learning or behavior. The goals of the class include developing the skills needed to participate in Faith Formation classes, establishing caring and trusting relationships, and becoming familiar with the church building, staff, and leadership.

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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.