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

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

  • Humanist Braver Angels Group

    August 8, 2026  10:00 am - 11:00 am
    Ames Public Library

    Join the Humanists for a discussion of interesting and controversial topics. The Braver Angels group will meet on Saturday, August 8th at 10:00 AM at the Ames public library. The August topic will be “PRICED OUT, REGULATED OUT or BOUGHT OUT?   Why Is It So Hard to Afford a Home—and Who Is Responsible?”. Contact Al Powers if you are interested in car pooling.

    See more details

  • Humanist Watch Party

    August 8, 2026  2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
    Stine Barn

    Watch Party at 2:00 PM on Aug. 8th at the Stine Barn.  We will watch one or more programs on humanism or science followed by discussion. Bring a snack and enjoy the company!

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  • Lebanese Dinner Food Fair Event

    August 8, 2026  5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Griffin and Kitchen

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  • mUUvie group

    August 8, 2026  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Geode Room

     "Adventureland" Watch Party and Discussion
              Saturday, August 8th at 7:00 PM
                 Geode Room 

    Join the mUUvie Discussion Group to bid farewell to summer by viewing the 2009 romantic comedy-drama "Adventureland." Set in 1987, the film follows a recent college graduate (Jesse Eisenberg) who takes a summer job at a Pittsburgh amusement park to save money for grad school, where he falls for a coworker (Kristen Stewart). The film has been praised for its honest, low-key humor and emotional depth.

    Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/4PlF9XjGfqI?si=732Gqe3AO9KU-sWR

    We will have ice cream! RSVP to mUUvie@ucdsm.org to let us know that you are coming.

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  • 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

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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.