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

Space, Science and Spirituality – The Overview Effect

picture showing a person on rocks looking up at the night sky

Join the Celebrant Team as we explore how space exploration, science and spirituality intersect.

 

Join us live on YouTube

 

Click here for the Order of Service

(Order of Service is available on Fridays)

Forum: Strength for What Lies Ahead

 

Iowa City writer and UU Andy Douglas’ new book, Strength for What Lies Ahead: Restoring Balance in a Time of Crisis looks at where we stand today in terms of climate and other crises, explores grief related to these ruptures and strategizes around themes of community, resilience, spiritual practice, joy, economic democracy, and our relationship with the natural world. Drawing on interviews and research, the book offers hope and practical ways to navigate these challenging times. You may remember Andy reading at UU Des Moines a few years ago from his book Redemption Songs, about singing in a choir with prisoners. His new book will be available for purchase.

Upcoming Services Previous Services

Church Calendar

  • Tai Chi

    July 16, 2026  9:30 am - 10:30 am
    Griffin and Gathering Area

    See more details

  • Summer SGM Social Session

    July 16, 2026  7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
    Minister's Office

    See more details

  • Meeting

    July 17, 2026  11:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Stonewall Conference Room

    AM

    See more details

  • Celebrant Team Meeting

    July 18, 2026  9:00 am - 10:30 am
    Stonewall Conference Room

    Join Zoom Meeting
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81038991478?pwd=UOR0NrS5iKdxeI9BVDtJ3UFpoEHwVP.1

    Meeting ID: 810 3899 1478
    Passcode: Celebrant

    See more details

  • Event Turnover

    July 18, 2026  3:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    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.