A Unitarian Universalist Church | 1800 Bell Ave., Des Moines, IA 50315 | P: 515-244-8603
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Stone Soup
with Rev. Jennifer Brooks, Rev. Erin Gingrich, & Tracy Beck, DRE
9:15 & 11 am
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The old story of
Stone Soup
tells of two weary travelers who arrive in a small village and unexpectedly bring a community together under the guise of making a delicious soup from stones.To make this story come to life, we’re encouraging
everyone who can to bring pre-cut veggies to add to the pot, as well as non-perishable food to support the children with their food drive
. This participatory service will engage young and old alike in this important tale and also offer food to the hungry in our community.
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This week is a service for all ages
Child care for infants & toddlers 4 and under available in Room 112 during both services.
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FORUM: Senator Matt McCoy
Sunday, November 19, 9:15 & 11 am
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Senator Matt McCoy will discuss what we can expect in the upcoming Iowa legislative session. He’ll cover some of the bills likely to be introduced, including the Healthy Iowans for a Public Option healthcare bill (HIPO). Senator McCoy is serving his seventh term in the Iowa Senate, after serving two terms in the Iowa House. He represents Senate District 21, which includes the southwestern and western portions of Des Moines, part of West Des Moines, and Cumming in northwest Warren County. The forum will include time for Q&A.
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Joys & Concerns for Sunday must be submitted by noon on Friday.
You may also submit a hand-written joy or concern on Sunday morning.
Past Joys and Concerns - there are no new Joys & Concerns
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10:30 am:
Meditation (Room 108)
Noon - 1:30 pm: Grounds Council (Peace Conference Room)
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*** The Church office will be closed Nov. 23-24
for the Thanksgiving holiday. ***
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Festival of Winter Holidays
Saturday, December 2, 1 - 4 pm
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- 6 craft/activity stations highlighting different winter holidays from around the world
- Hot cocoa bar
- Bring a traditional-to-you snack to share
- Everyone welcome!
- Songs of the season at 3:30 pm!
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FORUM: Iowa Policy Project (IPP)
Sunday, December 3, 9:15 & 11 am
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Mike Owen, Executive Director of the Iowa Policy Project will join us to discuss the upcoming session of the state legislature. The Iowa Policy Project (IPP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 2001 to produce research and analysis to engage Iowans in state policy decisions. IPP focuses on tax and budget issues, economic opportunity and family prosperity, and energy and environmental policy. The forum will feature discussion on several issues expected to be big in the 2018 legislative session and examine the impact of tax credits and tax policy on Iowans' traditional priorities of education, clean water and safe communities.
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Propose a Class by Nov. 20
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It is that time of year! We will be putting together our Winter/Spring 2018 Programming Brochure to mail out by the end of the year. If there is an Adult Faith Development class(es) that you would like to propose, please email your class description, possible date(s), time and facilitator names to
dre@ucdsm.org (Tracy Beck)
by Monday, November 20.
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Be an Outreach Matchmaker!
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Every week you get to hear about how Faith in Action brings together you and organizations that make the world a better place. We match 503C Organizations with UU resources. Come be a matchmaker! The Faith in Action Coordinating Committee has a place for YOU! You are invited to join the committee at their next meeting on
Monday, November 27 at 6:30 pm to see how we do what we do. Bring your questions to this
no obligation opportunity to make this wonderful program even better.
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Holiday Outreach Cards Needed
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Do you have leftover Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas cards & envelopes you could donate? Even blank any-occasion cards are appreciated. As part of the Winter Holiday Workshop/Party we again this year are writing cards to Church of the Larger Fellowship members who are current!y incarcerated. Please bring the cards to church by the end of November and leave at the Welcome Desk. Questions, contact Kathie Karpinen: karpinen@mchsi.com.
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Social action will again be working with community partners and providing a Giving Tree. This is an opportunity for congregants to provide gifts and needed items for individuals. If you know of an individual in our church community who has needs that aren't being met and would like to be included, please contact Rev. Erin Gingrich at
sjminister@ucdsm.org. Individuals remain anonymous on the Giving Tree.
Additionally, we are looking for volunteers to assist with the coordination of the program. Please contact Amy Knudsen at gumby123490@msn.com if you are able to help, or
sign up on-line.
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Want to be part of something exciting and use your gift of gardening and design at the same time? As part of the East Entrance Beautification Project, we now have four beautiful planters that need caretakers. We are looking for a member, one member per season, to adopt all four planters. As a volunteer, you would design the planters, purchase the materials (tax-deductible to you), plant and care for (water, fertilize, etc.) these during the “season you adopt.” The seasons would run: Spring – April 1 to May 31, Summer – June 1 to August 30, Fall – September 1 to November 20, Winter – November 21 to March 31.
Help beautify this entrance to the church by sharing your talents! Contact Director of Finance and Administration Deborah Dessert, dfa@ucdsm.org or 244-8603, ext. 101, with questions or to volunteer.
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Newcomer Circles
Sundays, December 3 & 17, January 7 & 21, 12:30 – 2 pm
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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!). Child care available upon request.
Click here to register or contact Laura Berardi, Membership Coordinator, for more information: membership@ucdsm.org or 244-8603 ext. 103.
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Introducing the Building Tomorrow Team
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To continue enhancing our indoor and outdoor spaces, as studied and recommended by the Tomorrow Team, we are thrilled to announce the formation of the “BUILDING TOMORROW TEAM.” This team will begin the detailed planning of a new bridge from the east parking lot to the church entrance, parking lot improvements as well as new signage and lighting on the east side of the property.
The Building Tomorrow Team will be led by
Steve Herwig with team members
Megan Klee, Nicky Keller, Dana Sorensen, Pat Headley and Will Heidebreder. Chris Jorgensen, Building and Grounds Councilor, will be consultant to the project and Deb Dessert, Director of Finance and Administration, will be staff support.
Stay tuned for news from the team!
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Consider UUSC in Your Giving This Year
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UU Service Committee (UUSC) advances human rights through grassroots collaboration. In more than a dozen countries throughout the world, UUSC fosters social justice and works toward a world free from oppression. UUSC's innovative approach and measurable impact — in promoting economic justice, bolstering environmental justice, and protecting rights at risk — are grounded in the belief that all people have inherent power, dignity, and rights. Please consider supporting this important organization:
https://www.uusc.org/ways-to-give/
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First Thursday of the month at 6pm in Channing Hall.
Open to everyone, please bring a vegan dish to share. Eating plants instead of meat reduces your carbon footprint and is a kinder choice to eating animals. Join us for a compassionate, sustainable meal once a month. Meet new people and have interesting conversations.
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Progressive Voices Concert Series Presents:
Peter Mayer
Saturday, November 18, 7:30 pm @ First Unitarian
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Peter Mayer writes songs for a small planet—songs about interconnectedness and the human journey; about the beauty and mystery of the world. Whimsical, humorous, and profound, his music breaks the boundaries of “folk”, and transcends to a realm beyond the everyday love song, to a place of wonder at the very fact of life itself.
“He is unafraid of complicated topics and always strives to look beyond the easy sentiment…Peter does nothing less than address the very nature of our existence…Trust me, most songwriters can’t pull this off. Peter Mayer does.” –Dale Connelly, Morning Show Host, Minnesota Public Radio
Advance ticket for one show: $20 / Ticket at-the-door: $25
Enjoy more PVC concerts and save - 4 shows for $70 (pick any 4, save $30!)
Go to
brownpapertickets.com to buy season tickets today! When you buy a season ticket package, tickets are transferable if you would like to transfer your ticket to another person. There will also be a special front and center block of seats reserved for season ticket holder until 10 minutes before the start of each show, so you don't have to worry about arriving early to get good seats!
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Just Three (3) Fabulously Fun Food Fair Events
with Open Seats Remain
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Next up:
Doctor Who Watch Party - Do you love Doctor Who? Are you a fan of Tennant or Smith? Or do you prefer Baker, Pertwee or McCoy? We love them all & would love to share an evening geeking out about Doctor Who with you. Join us for a casual dinner & watch the newest Doctor Who Christmas Special. NOTE: Location TBD - may have cats. HOST(S): Andrew Curl & Louise Alcorn.
SUN, 1/7/18. 7PM. 2 seats left. $20.
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Shoppin' 'til you're droppin'... online?
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Don’t forget to take the church along to earn some extra cash for our great programming and staff support. When you make purchases from Amazon,
click here or use the yellow button link on the bottom of the First Unitarian website –
ucdsm.org – and part of your purchase price is donated to the church. And it’s free for you. Who said you can’t get something for nothing?
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We recognize the great gifts volunteers offer our church through their time and talent.
Gratitude to
Karen Kittell and
Jan and Karl Knock for their donations to the library.
It takes a village! Thank you to our Faith Formation teachers & facilitators this year:
Karen Lauer, Carolyn Spencer, Jill Philby, Naomi Adams, Kathy Jorgenson, Sara Jensen, Terry Meek, Cale Finnegan, Becky Evans, Keary Saul, Michael Lauer, Janine Choudhury, Theresa Miller, John Audlehelm, Linda Kearins, Aria Pulley, Chelsea Hayes, Shanna Killam, Kim Gunnes, Dana Stuehling, Jeff Chungath, Lisa Irey, Julie Brown, Jon McAlister, Holly Hanson, Sally Boeckholt, Kathyrn Sutton, Gene McCracken, Keegan Walpole, Scott Clair, Mark Metz, Harvey Harrison, Ken McCann, Deidre Fudge, Amy Luebbert, Michael Lewis, Sue Huber, Barb Royal, Hilary Hippen-Leek, Shirley Willard, Sandy Wyatt, Judy Davis, Sally Boeckholt, Susan Seitz, Jo Fitz, Martha Shen, Marilyn Lantz, Barb Kroenig, Martha Stephenson, and
Ben Spadt.
Thank you to
Bob Brunia, Al Powers, Gene McCracken, Dave Witke, Ed Hotchkins, Rob Malcomson, Mike Lauer, and
Sue Huber for their help with work in the lower level of the church, including electrical updates.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE HIGHLIGHTS
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We are Family Promise Hosts for Christmas Week!
Sign up to volunteer
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We need volunteers for Christmas week for Family Promise -
please sign up. In addition, we would like to give the families that are involved with Family Promise a nice, peaceful Christmas this year. Bring some holiday cheer to Family Promise families by
signing up as a host on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. With enough volunteers, we will be giving the employees of Family Promise a break, AND the families won't need to shuffle between places on Christmas Day.
As usual, there is a need for volunteers all week long to make dinners, be evening and night host, and drive the van.
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Nourishing Justice
A potluck and immigration film series
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Monday, Dec. 4; Potluck at 6 pm, Film at 7 pm
Bring a dish to share; we provide tableware
In 2011, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas outed himself as an undocumented immigrant in the New York Times Magazine.
Documented chronicles his journey to America from the Philippines as a child; his public struggle as an immigration reform activist/provocateur; and his journey inward as he reconnects with his mother, whom he hasn't seen in 20 years. A broken immigration system leads to broken families and broken lives.
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November / December Outreach Partner
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In November and December, First Unitarian is partnering with Project Iowa,
Project IOWA (Iowa Opportunities for Workforce Advancement) is a 501c3 non-profit that offers support and training opportunities to Iowans seeking a better career. They believe that everyone has something of value to offer and has the potential to improve their own lives no matter their circumstances or background. Project IOWA was established in 2012 with the mission to serve as a bridge between underemployed and unemployed persons seeking living wage careers and employers seeking workers, thereby transforming lives and benefiting communities. Project IOWA meets this mission by providing free career training and employment placement services to individuals who experience barriers to employment. Project IOWA works to create a long-lasting, sustainable impact on Central Iowans by placing individuals in livable wage employment.
Get Involved!
"Home for the Holidays" Holiday Party – Graduates, participants and their families gather together on
December 16 to celebrate past successes, the holidays and hope for the coming new year. Come and create a festive, warm atmosphere for the party and get to know members of our community at this time of celebration. This opportunity is good for a small group or family.
Sign up here
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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".
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THIS WEEK in Faith Formation
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Classes for Children and Youth
Parents and guardians: please fill out a Registration Form
for your child(ren) / youth (infant - 8th grade) with the link below.
(for 9th grade and up, please use the YRUU Registration Form below)
This Sunday is a service for ALL AGES.
Child care for infants & toddlers 4 and under available in Room 112 during both services.
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Is your child or youth interested in singing during the Holiday Music Service on December 10? We are looking for some children and youth that might want to rehearse after dinner on Wednesday nights. Please email Tracy Beck
dre@ucdsm.org
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Youth Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) is First Unitarian's high school youth group. All youth in grades 9 - 12 are invited to join us!
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First Unitarian Youth Coordinator:
Dana Stuehling
Volunteer Youth Advisors:
Gene McCracken, Scott Stilwell,
Julie Brown & Ben Spadt
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11/19 - Meeting in Room 107, 6 - 8 pm
11/26 -
NO meeting (Thanksgiving break)
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NEW!
High School OWL Workshop
Saturday, Dec. 17, noon - 4 pm
Facilitators Julie Lasche Brown and Dana Stuehling will provide high school students with relevant and age-appropriate sexuality education. Examples of topics include: preventing unintended pregnancy and STIs, pregnancy options, and sexual decision making. This is a one-time session that is open to all high school-age teens and will use resources from Planned Parenthood and the Our Whole Lives curricula. Minimum of 5 participants needed.
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Wednesday Night Programming
No Programming for November 22
We will return on November 29
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Tracy Beck
Director of Religious Education
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Megan Irey
R.E. Assistant
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More Upcoming Meetings & Events
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If you wish to schedule a meeting or event,
We do not list rentals, closed groups and committee meetings in this email.
For a FULL list of upcoming meetings and events, click on:
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For Sunday, November 19 events please see top section of this email. Events from the Announcements and Social Justice Highlights sections above are NOT repeated below.
Nov 17 |
Sacred Bridges Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPs) Potluck Dinner, 6 pm, Channing Hall
Nov 21 |
2 Tuesdays Talk @ 2 pm, RE Gathering Space
"I wish I would have known that about you?"
- Women of First U getting to know each other.
Nov 28 |
Iowa Sanctuary Planning Meeting, 6 - 8:30 pm, Channing Hall
Dec 5 |
2 Tuesdays Talk @ 2 pm, RE Gathering Space
"I wish I would have known that about you?"
- Women of First U getting to know each other.
Dec 5 |
UU Book Club, 7 pm - we will meet at Cindy Larson's house this month
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When you buy from amazon.com, use
this link and a % of the sale is donated to First Unitarian.
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