A Unitarian Universalist Church | 1800 Bell Ave., Des Moines, IA 50315 | P: 515-244-8603
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This Sunday: November 11, 2018
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9:15 & 11 a.m.
Rev. Jennifer Brooks
UUA Transitions Director Keith Kron, who on Nov. 10 facilitated our "Beyond Categorical Thinking" workshop, is our special guest for this service. He will share observations from his experience overseeing the process of ministerial transitions in UU congregations for the past eight years, and in particular the way that assumptions about ministers and ministry sometimes cloud the way members think about a new settled minister. Following up on the learning from Saturday morning's workshop (9:00-noon), this service lifts up the invisible obstacles to calling the minister who is the best fit for the First Unitarian Church. Weaving a rich tapestry of music and spoken word, this worship celebration calls us to be our best selves.
Special music by
UU Singers - Dawn by Bide and Barnum
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Faith Formation Classes for Pre-K - 8th grade
9:15 & 11 am
See the "Faith Formation" section below in this email for information on this week's classes.
Child care will be available for infants and toddlers (up to age 4) in Room 112
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Joys & Concerns for Sunday should be submitted by noon on Friday.
You may also submit a hand-written joy or concern on Sunday morning.
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Beyond Categorical Thinking Workshop
Saturday, November 10, 9am - noon in Channing Hall
Who's our next minister: What was the first image that came to mind?
Is it a person of a particular gender? Race? Age?
If we keep that image in mind when we're searching for our new minister, our CATEGORICAL THINKING may cause us to overlook a person who is actually out best match.
The Board of Trustees is hosting a workshop on November 10 with Rev. Keith Kron, Director of the UUA Transitions Office. We will learn more about our church's culture and examine ways we can be more inclusive when considering ministerial candidates.
Child care will be available from 8:15 - 12:45
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Soul Matters for Kids and The Food Bank
of Iowa need your help
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The Soul Matters for Kids group recently learned about Food Insecurity. The group is holding a food drive during the month of November to help the Food Bank of Iowa. All food can be dropped off in Tracy Beck’s office.
Our Most Needed Items include all the items that our partners and clients need to keep their shelves and stomachs full. We strive to supply the most nutritious items possible, so please consider donating items low in sodium.
• Proteins
• Canned meat
• Canned fish (e.g. tuna or salmon)
• Canned vegetables
• Canned fruit
• Canned soup
• Dry pasta
• Breakfast items (including cereal)
• 100% fruit juice
• Paper and personal products (e.g., toothpaste, soap and toilet paper)
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Come one, come all
to the all-church Holiday Shindig!
Friday, December 7th 5-9pm in Channing Hall
**please note the new date**
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Get ready to have some fun with your church community as we celebrate the winter holidays. More details to come.
If you would like to help with food, decorations, program or otherwise please contact
membership@ucdsm.org.
Please fill out "Sign up Form" below.
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LAST CHANCE!
For Poinsettias
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Sunday Nov 11 is the last day to order Poinsettia plants
. If you would like to order a poinsettia to decorate the auditorium in December, order forms are available in the office and with Sunday's order of service. You may purchase a poinsettia in memory or in honor of someone - dedications will be listed in the Christmas Eve Orders of Service.
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6" container (5-9 blooms) = $7.25
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8" container (15+ blooms) = $16
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November Artist:
Meg Prange
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Meg Prange lives on a small farm south of Russell Iowa, where she has been creating vibrant, whimsical hand-appliquéd fabric wall-hangings since 1995.
She received a degree in Biology from Drake University in 1981, and worked in the fields of agriculture and aquaculture before discovering the delight of experimenting with fabric.
Meg shares her art through galleries and gift shops, commissioned work, a line of greeting cards, exhibits, attendance at around 10 juried art festivals per year, and sales to institutions, corporations and individuals.
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The Art Gallery at First Unitarian now has a web page!
Learn about the current artist, see the upcoming schedule, and find out how you (or someone you know!) can apply to be an artist of the month. Check it out under the Connect tab of our web site, or go to
www.ucdsm.org/art-gallery
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Journey of Accompaniment: Part 8
Accompaniment Story: "The right path became clear."
by Karen Lauer
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This past week has been so full - of life and the transformative power of living our faith that I’m not sure where to start!
A couple weeks ago Michael and I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with two women from El Salvador who are in Des Moines seeking asylum. They speak no English and my Spanish had to be dredged up from 30-plus years ago. As the afternoon wore on, and with ample help from Google translate, I could understand more and more and make myself understood much better. But conversational Spanish it was not.
As I thought about this experience, and added taking Spanish classes to my to-do list, I had a thought. My “having a thought” usually means Michael needs to brace himself, and this was no different. What if we sponsor two transgender women instead of one? Two women who know each other from detention and can help each other with the transition to living first with us, then on their own here in the U.S.? At the very least, they would have the comfort of having someone to talk with!
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AMOS – HOUSING CIVIC ACADEMY
Thursday, November 15, 6:00-7:30 pm
St. Paul AME Church, 1201 Day Street, Des Moines
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Since the September 23rd AMOS action with Des Moines city officials, discussions with members of the Des Moines City Council regarding the proposed 1 cent sales tax increase have continued. One of the top spending priorities of the members of AMOS institutions is housing, including removing or renovating dilapidated and uninhabitable homes, improving housing conditions and affordable housing options.
Join AMOS for a Housing Civic Academy on November 15th to learn how we can work together to improve housing in Des Moines.
Guest speakers include Jane Rongerude, Associate Professor of Community & Regional Planning at Iowa State University. Dr. Rongerude’s research includes housing policy, neighborhood revitalization and community development.
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Social Justice Worker Potluck
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Those engaged in Social Justice Work, please join us on
Thursday, November 29
th
from 6:30 to 8:30 pm join others in Channing Hall to share in food and company. This event is sponsored by the rece
ntly created Social Justice Ministry Leadership Team. We will be focusing on building and nourishing our relationships and reflecting on why you are involved in SJ Work and what “feeds” you to continue doing the good you do. Please bring a dish and/or beverage to share. Table service will
be provided. We look forward to seeing you!
Childcare is provided. Please RSVP by 11/19 to
ka.65@live.com
and be advised care will be provided if a minimum of three families or 5 children request care and a provider is found .
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Progressive Voices Concert Series Presents:
Jalan Crossland
Friday, November 9 at 7:30 pm
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Jalan Crossland is an “endemic Wyoming treasure” (Rita Basom- Wyoming Arts Council). He is widely acclaimed by audiences, critics, and his musical peers as being a premier acoustic guitarist, as well as banjo player, singer-songwriter, and engaging showman. Along with dozens of regional contest awards, his extraordinary guitar work earned him National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship honors in ’97 and the State Flatpick Championship title of his home state in 1999. In recognition for his contribution to the arts in Wyoming, he was bestowed with the Governor’s Arts Award in 2013.
Tickets at the door are $25
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November / December Outreach Partner:
Al Exito
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Al Éxito provides programming that builds the leadership potential of Latinx youth through college preparation, career development, civic engagement, family support, & celebration of culture. AÉ is achieving a better community through Latino excellence.
Al Éxito (AÉ) is the only statewide organization whose mission is the empowerment of Iowa Latinx through education, college attainment, and success for Latinx families. Al Éxito Des Moines Afterschool Program (AÉDM) in partnership with Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) serves seven metro middle schools through weekly culturally-relevant programs, facilitated by Spanish speaking teachers in a safe environment. AÉDM motivates, inspires, and prepares Latinx students, the fastest growing population, to succeed in school, transition for a successful high school experience, and create a clear path for higher education.
What We Do
Al Exito motivates and prepares middle and high school Latinx youth for higher education and the potential for economic security, civic engagement, and a stable family life.
Scholarship Luncheon – Nov 14th
From Darcie Vandegrift:
Al Exito holds an annual Scholarship Luncheon in conjunction with Mary Campos’s birthday (86-87 this year). We hosted at First Unitarian last year. It was wonderful. I had volunteered to help since I had some kitchen knowledge. I learned about Al Exito, met wonderful folks and had some great food.
Volunteer:
This year Al Exito is a Faith in Action partner in November and December. The Scholarship Luncheon will be at Christ the King parish hall. We need 8 folks from about 10 to 1:30, to set up tables; get food out and clean up. (Yes, an opportunity to have some wonderful morsels also.)
Are you good at supporting young writers and giving constructive feedback? Recruiting experienced teachers and writers. Join Al Exito at First Unitarian Church on Sunday, December 2nd 12:30-5pm for lunch and workshopping scholarship applications. You will be provided with a to-do list and free pizza lunch to help Iowa Latinx future college students to hone their scholarship essays. Contact Darcie Vandegrift for more information (515-783-3448,
darcie.vandegrift@gmail.com)
For more information about Al Exito check out the website
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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Unity Circle November Potluck & Presentation
Thursday, November 15 at noon
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Unity Circle is a group of Unitarian members and friends who meet at noon onthe 3rd Thursday of each month to share a potluck meal and afterward to hear speakers who inform us on topics which vary each month. The November 15 speaker will be church member Linda Krypel, a retired Drake University pharmacy professor. Knowing which nonprescription drugs are effective and safe to take with your prescription medications is important. She says some facts and fiction of dietary supplements and common drug interactions may surprise you. Please join us for this discussion which is important information of which we should all be aware.
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Compassion & Choices
Saturday November, 10 2:00 - 4:30pm
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West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy.
The video,
“How to Die in Oregon” will be shown. Light refreshments and discussion will follow.
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Beginning on
December 6
—we have found a venue where we can hold monthly meetings at a consistent time & place. C & C will meet the first Thursday each month from 1-2:30pm at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Avenue, Des Moines.
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Walk a Mile in "their" shoes
- Rethink Poverty Simulation
9-12pm on Saturday January 26th
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Walk a Mile in "their"shoes - Rethink Poverty will be held from
9-12pm on Saturday January 26th. Light refreshments will be served. The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation - not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to Rethink Poverty. Participants assume the roles of different families facing poverty. Some are newly unemployed, some are elderly, some are recently deserted by the “breadwinner.” The task of all the “families” is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute weeks. The simulation is for adults (18 years or older) and there is a maximum of 80 participants.
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Our Board Needs Your Help.
The Board is recruiting non Board members for two committees.
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Those committees are 1) Nominating Committee, and 2) Governance Committee (new). Both committees need 3 non-Board members. The nominating committee needs folks who can recruit members to serve on the Board and Committees. The governance committee, a new committee, will work extensively with our governance approach and policies. Please respond if interested by completing the online form or contacting either of the 2 Board Nominating Committee members:
or any other Board member.
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FABULOUSLY FUN FOOD FAIR –
STILL GOING STRONG!
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Check the
website
for latest full list of what’s available
.
To purchase, contact Barb Royal at
royalbl@mac.com
.
Please send digital pictures from events you’ve hosted or attended to Barb Royal (
royalbl@mac.com
).
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for FFFFF 20
(in 2019) – due to scheduling conflicts it will be earlier than usual:
April 7 & 14, 2019
.
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We are in need of Youth Advisors for YRUU
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Youth advisors are adults aged 25 and older who are part of their congregation’s ministry to and with youth. Youth advising can be one of the most rewarding, if sometimes demanding, roles you can fill as a religious leader. It may also be one of the most essential roles you could play in a youth’s life.
Healthy relationships with adults
help youth build the resilience they need to face life’s toughest challenges.
YRUU meets Sunday nights from 6-8pm at the church. YRUU is in the middle of planning for a Con and then will work on planning a service project, a youth lead service and many other projects that teach them leadership skills and maintain a connection with the congregation, their own spirituality and social justice issues. If you want to help be a part of that growth please contact Devon McClurken Youth Coordinator at
youthcoordinator@ucdsm.org
Thank you!
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THIS WEEK in Faith Formation
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Classes for Children and Youth
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Child care for infants and toddlers 4 and under available in Room 112 during both services
Toddlers
are invited to join us for stories, songs, and movement to practice pre-literacy skills and working together. We will introduce UU principles and story selections will echo the Soul Matters themes used in adult faith formation.
Infants will participate in listening to stories and songs while working on finding their feet.
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9:15 am:
Pre-K - Grade 3: Spirit Play
Sweet Potato Thanksgiving
Grades 4 - 6: Harry and UU
Double Care of Magical Creatures
Grades 7 & 8: Middle School Youth Group
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11 am:
Pre-K - Grade 5: Spirit Play
Sweet Potato Thanksgiving
Grades 6 and up are invited to
enjoy the 11 am service with the adults.
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Young 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:
Volunteer Youth Advisors:
Gene McCracken & Meg Notch
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YRUU NEWS
11/11 - HS Youth Group (6 - 8 pm)
11/18 - HS Youth Group (6 - 8 pm)
11/25 - HS Youth Group (6 - 8 pm)
New and returning youth: please fill out a registration/permission form for this year.
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If you're a high school youth or parent of one -
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Wednesday Night Programming
November 14, 2018
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DINNER at 5:30 pm:
Anne Stamper’s Pulled Pork, Beans, Slaw, Vegan Casserole
CHOIRS:
Bell Ave Ringers: 5:45 - 6:45 pm
UU Choir: 7:00 - 8:30 pm
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KIDS / YOUTH PROGRAMMING:
Childcare (infant - 1st grade): 5:45 - 8:30 pm
UU Kids (K - Grade 3): 6:15 - 7:30 pm
Soul Matters for Kids (Grade 4-6): 6:15 - 7:30 pm
Our Whole Lives (Grade 5-6): 6:15 - 7:30 pm
OWL (Grade 7): 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Coming of Age (Grade 8): 6 - 7:30 pm
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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 11 events please see top section of this email. Events from the Announcements section above are NOT repeated below.
Nov 13 | Alzheimer's Support Group @ Channing Hall, Tracy's office, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Nov 15 | Board of Trustees @ Mary Safford Room, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Nov 18 | Face2Face Lunch @ Channing Hall and kitchen, 12:15pm - 2:00pm
Nov | 26 Faith in Action Coordinating Team @ Room 114 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Nov | 28 Bell Avenue Ringers @ Auditorium 5:45pm - 6:45pm
Nov | 28 UU Singers @ Channing Hall 7:00pm - 8:30pm
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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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