A Mother’s Love
This Sunday we honor all those who are or have been mothers. How might the experience of motherhood help us all awaken our curiosity for the world and one another?
Click here for the Order of Service (updates every Friday afternoon)
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.
Upcoming Service
Curious Voices: A Youth-Led Awakening
As we explore our May theme, Awakening Curiosity, our youth take the lead in imagining a more fully inclusive, multigenerational church. Through their reflections, they’ll share what helps them feel truly seen and valued—and what could help us grow. Come ready to listen, learn, and be inspired by their vision.
Click here for the Order of Service (updates every Friday afternoon)
No Forum. Join us for the Lower-Level Ribbon Cutting Ceremony after the Service!
Flower Communion
This Sunday we honor the 103rd annual ritual first designed by Unitarian minister Norbert Capek. How might this beloved tradition help us become more curious citizens in an interdependent world?
Click here for the Order of Service (updates every Friday afternoon)
Forum: Annual Meeting Packet Review by Board
At the annual meeting on June 7, the annual packet contains decisions the board is recommending. Come hear what the board is thinking and share your thoughts.
Church Calendar
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DMARC Book Group
May 4, 2026 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Stonewall Conference RoomFirst Unitarian is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: DMARC Book Group
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89454166012Meeting ID: 894 5416 6012
Passcode: DMARC---
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+13092053325,,89454166012# US
+13126266799,,89454166012# US (Chicago)Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/89454166012/invitations?signature=kKJDj2dHs_leQCavlbMdJuXU-V87Z7PrQAOTDFD0N00 -
Politics and Policy Study Group
May 4, 2026 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Griffin HallThe Politics and Policy group is reading The Tyranny of Merit by Michael Sandel on the first Monday (May 4 and June 1) meeting at 7pm at the church. We invite you to join us!
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Awakening Heart Sangha
May 4, 2026 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Zoom OnlyAwakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’. We meet by Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time. All are welcome on a drop-in basis to this ongoing group.
All levels of practice are welcome, regardless of whether you are a newcomer to meditation or have had a meditation practice for a while. Brief meditation instruction will be offered at each meeting as needed for any newcomers. At each meeting, we will check-in, practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation followed by a short reading and discussion.
Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83919185060?pwd=q1mGPZkWva8jnmTbKLk7JRfIls2Z0b.1Email sangha@ucdsm.org for more information or to be added to the weekly Sangha meeting announcement email list.
I’m New Here
Ready to explore Unitarian Universalism and our church? We’re ready for you!
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- Check out our Affinity Groups for adults. We also have programs for children, youth, and adults.
- 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.