A Unitarian Universalist Church | 1800 Bell Ave., Des Moines, IA 50315 | P: 515-244-8603
This Sunday, February 18, 2018
Hanging On
with Rev. Erin Gingrich
9:15 & 11 am

Perseverance carries an exhausting connotation, especially if we think about perseverance as holding our breath as we push through impossible conditions. This month our theme in worship asks us how we are called to be a people of perseverance. What alternative understandings of perseverance might we need to share if we are to be a people who persevere together?
Joys & Concerns for Sunday must be submitted by noon on Friday.
You may also submit a hand-written joy or concern on Sunday morning.
If you are in need of temporary assistance, such as meals, rides, or hospital visits, OR if you would like to help please visit the Caring Ministry web page .
CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Poverty: Examining What We Think We Know
Thursday, March 8, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
This class is open to anyone and especially welcomes and encourages Family Promise or FEDS volunteers to attend. Join Rev. Erin and Amy Knudsen for this 2 hour class to rethink the American dream, explore how our ideas and beliefs on class, poverty and homelessness have been shaped and the impact these ideas have on our interactions and responses the the problem.

"Fear of poverty rests at the very core of the American Culture-the 'American Dream' is precisely the hope of rising from rags to riches... The media offers those who are not poor, especially Whites, little guidance in reconciling the conflicting emotions toward poverty embedded within American culture, with its simultaneously sympathetic and impatient assumptions that America offers the promise of escape from poverty to all who work hard." (Framing Class: Media Representation of Wealth and Poverty in America, Diane Kendall)

Meet our New Director of Finance & Administration!
First Unitarian welcomes Charles R. Lewis as the new Director of Finance & Administration (DFA). Charlie served for the past nine years as DFA at the 534-member Eliot Unitarian Chapel in Kirkwood, Missouri (a suburb of St. Louis). He moved to Des Moines last summer to support a job change for his spouse. Eliot Chapel, like First Unitarian, follows policy governance and has a staff and ministry team structure similar to ours. Charlie’s references couldn’t say enough good things about him. Our senior staff team (including outgoing DFA Deb Dessert) interviewed Charlie and are delighted with the beautiful synchronicity of his arrival in Des Moines. Charlie will begin working part-time during February, working closely with Deb to ensure an effective transfer of responsibilities.
Ministerial Search Starts with
Search for Committee Members
How do we choose a Search Committee for our next settled Senior Minister? We ask you: what kind of people do you want to make up the Search Committee? We need to know who in the congregation you would trust to be a great member of this important committee and why. 

Watch your mail for an important letter from us outlining the process for selecting the Search Committee. Then, we’ll call to ask for your input. If we call and don't reach you we'll leave a message. Please do return the call. Getting your input is vital.
Time to Plan for Annual UUA General Assembly
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Through inspiring workshops, lectures, sermons, and social justice witness & actions, we connect with UUs from around the world, and open our eyes to new ways of thinking about our life as a congregation and our own paths. In business meetings, delegates shape the agenda for the UUA in the years to come.

This year GA is unusually close to home, in Kansas City, MO, June 20-24. Anyone may attend GA, but you must be a member to be a voting delegate for our congregation. (Delegates will be chosen later this spring.)

Early registration & housing signup begin March 1. Lodging near the convention center will fill quickly, so If you are considering going be sure to get your housing registration in on day one. Also beginning March 1, you can apply to volunteer at GA in exchange for free or reduced registration. Volunteer and financial aid applications will be accepted March 1 –31. If you plan to apply to volunteer do not register until after you have been notified of the status of your volunteer application. 

For more information about the 2018 General Assembly, including links to information about housing and financial aid or volunteering, visit:  https://www.uua.org/ga
Upcoming Visitor and Member Classes
Pathway to Membership Class
Tuesdays, Feb. 20 & 27, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Ready to join? In this two-part session, we discuss what it means to make commitments about how we are going to be together in religious community rather than requiring what we believe. This class articulates these commitments, as well as the rights and responsibilities of membership. People considering joining the church are encouraged to take the Introduction to the UU Journey class in addition to Pathway to Membership. At the end of Pathways, those wishing to officially join the church will be invited to sign the Membership Book.


Newcomer Circles
Thursdays, March 8 & 22, 6 - 7:30 pm
Whether you’re reflecting on your own spiritual journey and where it is taking you, getting to know Unitarian Universalism on a deeper level, or looking to connect with more people at First Unitarian, Newcomer Circles may be right for you! Over four sessions we explore all of these topics utilizing short readings and sharing our own stories. These small groups (no more than 10 per group) utilize the “circle” format and are designed especially for those new to First Unitarian. (If you still feel new, you qualify!).

New Saging Book Group and Seminar Series for Seniors
Saging Book Group
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, beginning February 27, 10:30 am – noon
Our first book will be Claiming Your Place at the Fire, Living the Second Half of Your Life on Purpose by Richard Leider and David Shapiro. This book uses dozens of inspiring and surprising stories of new elders, as well as thought-provoking exercises. The book is available on Amazon. Good used versions are less than $5. Facilitated by Bob Henderson. Learn more


Seminars for Saging
1st Thursday of the month, beginning March 1, 1:15 – 2:45 pm, Room 107 (lower level)
This seminar series will offer alternating programs in Media Programming and a Speaker Series. The goal of the Media Programming component is to present relevant audio and video programs for viewing/listening and discussion. Media Programming will include TedTalks, podcasts, YouTube videos, and feature films. Facilitated by Bob Sobiech.

Vegan Pizza Night & Games
Thursday, March 1 at 6 pm, Channing Hall
All are welcome to join us at a monthly vegan potluck hosted the first Thursday of the month! The event is free and open to the public.

March's theme is vegan pizza!! Let's get creative! All dishes should be vegan, no animal products including meat, dairy, eggs, or honey.

It isn't necessary to bring tableware (plates, silverware, etc) as we use the dishware available at the church. There is access to a microwave and stove/oven as well if needed.
Progressive Voices Concert Series Presents:
Tim & Myles Thompson
Saturday, March 3, 7:30 pm
The unique relationship of a father and son cannot be argued nor explained, but when the relationship includes musical passion, virtuosity and showmanship – magic happens!
No one music genre totally encompasses the Thompson’s repertoire. Is it acoustic rock, pop, country, Celtic, jazz, funk? The simple answer is yes to all of the above. To experience a Thompson performance is to never forget it.

Tickets on sale now: $20 advance / $25 at the door
Get your tickets on-line at BrownPaperTickets.com

Position Open for Youth Coordinator
The Youth Program Coordinator will provide creative and dynamic leadership of youth programs and compassionate and enthusiastic support for high school youth at First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, in collaboration with the Director of Religious Education and the Faith Formation Council. 
This is an 8-hour/week position.
To learn more and how to apply, go to ucdsm.org/job-openings-ucdsm.
Position Open for Child Care Provider
Do you love working with babies and toddlers? Would you enjoy making First Unitarian a place they feel happy, safe, and loved? We are hiring for Child Care Providers to provide care and supervision for children while the children’s parents/guardians are attending church programs. To learn more and how to apply, go to https://ucdsm.org/job-openings-ucdsm.
Applications for Community Outreach Partnerships
Your Faith in Action Community Partnership is coming into our 4 th year of offering opportunities for you to share your time and treasure. We have partnered with over 13 different 501(c)(3) organizations in the Greater Des Moines area. Now it is your turn for you and your organization to be considered as our next Partner.  
Visit ucdsm.org/faith-in-action to review the application process, criteria and the Roles & Responsibilities.  The application deadline is May 1, 2018 at 11:59 pm. If your organization has been a partner before, please feel free to reapply. Please reach out to the Faith in Action team at faithinaction@ucdsm.org if you have any questions or concerns.
We recognize the great gifts volunteers offer our church through their time and talent.

Thank you to Bob Brunia for spending another Saturday helping finish up the work to prepare the janitor closet for the future sanctuary shower.

Thanks to Al Powers for again "rescuing" the dishwasher by installing new parts to make it work again and save those kitchen volunteers from washing dishes by hand.
SOCIAL JUSTICE HIGHLIGHTS
Birthday Box Collection Project
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We are from Soul Matters for Kids. We are fourth, fifth and sixth graders who meet on Wednesday nights. We talk about our lives and also think about the Soul Matters themes just like the adult groups. We have also brainstormed a variety of social justice issues that we want to learn more about, and try to think of ways we can have a positive impact in our world. 

We are asking the congregation to help us with a Birthday Box project. We want to create Birthday Boxes for kids living with homelessness or for families who might not otherwise be able to afford to have a birthday party for their children.

What we will do is to fill a box or bag with stuff that a family member might need to give their child an awesome birthday party. Some of the things you could consider donating: candles, plates, candies, napkins, cake mix, frosting, streamers, balloons, wrapping paper, bowls, utensils, birthday hats, Little Debbie cakes and large gift bags to put the items in. 

If you could donate by the 4th of March, please do! Items will be donated to Family Promise and Bidwell Riverside Center. We will have boxes in the Gathering Space for you to leave your donations, or you can leave them in Tracy Beck’s office. Thank you for helping us make our Birthday boxes, and make someone’s birthday better!
Immigration 202: Immigration in Iowa
Saturday, Feb. 24, 9 am - 1 pm
Channing Hall
Interested in taking your knowledge about U.S. immigration to the next level? Looking for answers to pressing questions?

Join local experts and community members as they present their experiences, stories, overview of immigration laws and lead a discussion to answer your most pressing questions. Advocates will also discuss ways Iowans are getting involved in working to advance immigrants’ rights in cities and congregations across the state.

Presented by: First Unitarian Church & AFSC Iowa. Refreshments will be served.

Upcoming Outreach Partner Volunteer Opportunities
Our Outreach Partner for the months of March & April will be Planned Parenthood of the Heartland. Lobby day is Tuesday, March 6: join other PPHeartland volunteers and advocates at the Iowa Capital to make your voice be heard!

Also in March, we will be collecting books for the PP Heartland Booksale, April 19 - 23 (volunteers wanted!). In April, we will have a collection drive for education and health centers - more information to come.

Also, keep an eye out for further information on a legislative forum on April 8 at 11 am.
January / February Outreach Partner
In January and February, First Unitarian is partnering with Family Promise of greater Des Moines. Family Promise of Greater Des Moines (FPGD) assists families experiencing homelessness through a network of 14 area faith-based host congregations that provide clean, safe overnight shelter and nutritious meals for a period of one week every three months. The host congregations provide each family with a private room for sleeping as well as supper and food for breakfast and for packing a sack lunch each day. Guests are provided a safe, secure place to be during the day at our Day Center which is located at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Please check out Family Promises website for more information familypromisedm.org

Get Involved! Host Week is Feb 18 - 25
First Unitarian Church of Des Moines is a host congregation, and our next host week is February 18-25. We will host three families (up to 14 people). We will need volunteers to make meals, to clean up the kitchen, to be an evening or overnight host, and drivers to transport families to Westminster Church in the Family Promise van.

Click here for more information on these volunteer roles, or to sign up.
If you'd like to set up a regular (weekly or monthly) contribution to our social justice activities, click here and enter the dollar amount for "Social Justice Outreach". 
THIS WEEK in Faith Formation
Classes for Children and Youth 
Learn more about Sunday morning classes and Wednesday evening classes at UCDSM.ORG.

Child care for infants & toddlers 4 and under available in Room 112 during both services.
9:15 am:
 
Grades PK-3: Spirit Play
"Small Fry"
 
Grades 4-5: Windows & Mirrors
"Choose to be UU"
 
Grades 6-8: Small Group Ministry
"Youth and Adult Relations"
11 am:
 
Grades PK-5: Spirit Play
"Small Fry"
Youth Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) is First Unitarian's high school youth group. All youth in grades 9 - 12 are invited to join us!
First Unitarian Youth Coordinator:
Dana Stuehling, youthcoordinator@ucdsm.org

Volunteer Youth Advisors: Gene McCracken, Scott Stilwell, Julie Brown & Ben Spadt
If you're a high school youth or parent of one - follow our Facebook Group!
YRUU News
2/18 - YRUU Meeting
2/25 - YRUU Meeting
3/4 - High School Youth led Sunday Service
Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Dinner service from 5:30 - 6:15 pm
Enchiladas, corn, chips & salsa, vegan spanish rice, and brownies
(prepared by Misti Craig and Family Promise volunteers)

Tracy Beck
Director of Religious Education
dre@ucdsm.org, 244-8603, x 104
Megan Irey
R.E. Assistant
reassistant@ucdsm.org, 244-8603 x 119

More Upcoming Meetings & Events
If you wish to schedule a meeting or event,
please contact Jane White: officeassistant@ucdsm.org or 515-244-8603 ext. 107

We do not list rentals, closed groups and committee meetings in this email.
For a FULL list of upcoming meetings and events, click on:
For Sunday, February 18 events please see top section of this email. Events from the Announcements and Social Justice Highlights sections above are NOT repeated below.












Mar 2 | Social Bridge, 7 pm, Channing Hall
















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