A Unitarian Universalist Church | 1800 Bell Ave. Des Moines, IA 50315

P: 515-244-8603

We Begin Again in Love

with Rev. Victoria Safford

Celebrant: Bill Brauch

Pianist: Bruce Martin

Song Leader: Andrew Curl

Special Music: UU Singers, directed by Barb Martin

A/V Team: Bill Allen

Pastoral Care: Ellen Taylor

Hospitality coordinated by Terry Meek

Join the live service on Zoom!

Zoom Passcode: Safford

(Please mute your mic before the service begins!)

Joys & Concerns for Sunday should be submitted by noon on Friday.

Click on the Caring Community webpage for the following options:

• Caring Ministry – for temporary assistance, such as meals or rides, or to volunteer 
• Please note: the Caring Ministry phone number is now
• 515-244-8603 ext. 108
• Pastoral Care – for support through a difficult time 

Ellen Taylor is the Pastoral Care Associate available for this Sunday morning. Please email pastoralcareteam@ucdsm.org for assistance during the week.

Celebrating Roger Evans

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 15, at 2:00 p.m. for longtime member Roger Evans, who died on August 6. 

Please email memorialreceptions@ucdsm.org for more information.

Heartfelt Good-Byes

from the Memorial Reception Committee

Heartfelt thanks to the 17 people who volunteered for Nicky Keller's memorial reception by bringing cookies and/or staffing the reception: Ellen Taylor, Terry Meek, Janice Hawkins, Susan Seitz, Jane Swanson, Winnie Williams, Liz and Larry Bredeson, Lynne George, Lisa Houchins, Carolyn Spencer, Gene McCraken, Ed Hotchkin, Karen Miller, Sarah Chang, Elaine Imlau, Elaine Bowerman, Susan Jellinger, Ann and Al Powers. Nicky's daughters, Cara and Erin, and granddaughter, Tessa,even pitched in by setting out the tablecloths. All involved and all those who attended the service could agree that it was a good way of honoring Nicky, and supporting her friends and family. 

And belated thanks to Terry Meek, Lynne George, Winnie Williams, and Kay Hertz who helped compile the treat bags for Bob Glass' memorial service and, at the last minute, made coffee for those who stayed afterwards to talk and reminisce. 

IMT Des Moines Marathon

Sunday, October 16

The IMT Des Moines Marathon returns to our neighborhood on Sunday, October 16.

The Marathon course starts in the Court Avenue District at 8 am. The course will take athletes through the Western Gateway Park area before heading west on Grand Avenue. 

Miles 3 through 16 of the course will impact neighborhood communities along the Grand Avenue, Polk Boulevard, Kingman Boulevard, and Drake University corridors from 8:00 am to 11:30 am. Please allow for extra time or alternate routes during your travels.

To view road closures and suggested traffic reroutes, visit the IMT Des Moines Marathon website, locate the Race Weekend tab, and click on Spectators. Course Maps can also be found with a turn-by-turn course description at desmoinesmarathon.com.

Please get in touch with the IMT Des Moines Marathon to discuss any concerns about the Marathon course and how it may impact traffic flow and reroutes in your area. We can also discuss ideas for your involvement with the race.  

Chris Burch, Race Director, at 515-288-2692 or cburch@desmoinesmarathon.com.

Rev. Victoria Safford Availability

September 11 – 26

You may always reach me at vsafford@ucdsm.org or at 612-405-3318 (a cell number dedicated to church work). We can schedule a Zoom appointment when I am working remotely from St. Paul, or we can meet at church when I’m here in Des Moines. If you’d like to meet in person during an upcoming visit, please reach out to schedule an appointment!

Available times:

Fri. Sept. 23 from 9:00 –11:00 a.m.

Sun. Sept. 25 from 6:00 –7:00 p.m.

Mon. Sept. 26 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Thurs. Sept. 29 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 1 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Sun. Oct. 2 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Thurs. Oct. 13 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Thurs. Oct. 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Fri. Oct. 14 from 9:00 –11:00

Sat. Oct. 15 5:00 p.m.

Sun. Oct. 16 1:00–3:00

Mon. Oct. 17 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Please come if you have a pastoral concern (a sadness or some issue weighing on your heart), a spiritual query, a question or something you’d like me to know about congregational life (church programs, committees, or the ministry transition), or just come to introduce yourself and say hello!

You may schedule a personal meeting here.

Building Update(s)

from Staff

• Please be sure to contact BuildingCoordination@ucdsm.org to reserve space(s) for classes, groups, meetings, etc. Staff is dedicated to ensuring congregants and community members have the necessary spaces for their gatherings, and keeps track of all reservations and availability.

• In an effort to further our Green Sanctuary goals, we now have biodegradable, all-natural Dr. Bronner's soap available in the upstairs bathrooms. The in-set soap dispensers under the countertops still hold industrial-strength soap.

Young Adults Spiritually Socializing (YASS)

The First Unitarian Young Adult group is relaunching! Join us for food, fellowship, and connection with other young adults. 

Our first gathering is Wednesday, October 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in room 114 (southeast corner of the lower level of the church). We'll be meeting on the first Wednesday of the month, same time and place. Then, adding other roving social, spiritual, and/or service activities into the mix as the group is interested – come share your ideas with us in October!

Contact Courtney Dufford at youngadults@ucdsm.org with questions.

UU & You: A Two-Part Class

Are you interested in learning more about our Unitarian Universalist history? Do you want to know more about membership in this congregation, and how you can join? Bring your questions and attend one – or both! – of these classes this fall.

Intro to Unitarian Universalism: Saturday, October 29, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Who is this for?

• Visitors & friends of the congregation who want to know more about our tradition
• Members who want to know about our tradition’s history

What will we discuss?

• Unitarian & Universalist Histories
• Our Living Tradition
• Our Congregation’s History

Pathway to Membership: Saturday, November 5, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Who is this for?

• Visitors & friends of the congregation considering membership and who have taken the Intro to Unitarian Universalism class
• Visitors & friends who have been part of other Unitarian Universalist communities

What will we discuss?

• Our Congregation’s Life
• The Role of Membership

Sign up here!

Accessibility Team Meeting

Sunday, October 2, 10:45 a.m.

The Accessibility Team will be meeting on Sunday, October 2, at 10:45 a.m. in the Mary Safford Room (back of Auditorium).  

All are welcome. The agenda includes consideration of improvements made to date, status of those in-progress and identification of needs requiring further study and recommendations. The current team is made up of Leeann Back, Janice Hawkins, and Donald Shepherd. 

If you would like to join us or have comments, questions and/or suggestions, please let us know at accessibility@ucdsm.com. 

Thank you for considering your role in this vital work. 

Opportunities to Provide Feedback to the Article 2 Study Commission, Revision of UU Principles

Principles, Purposes, Freedom of Belief Statements, and other and other foundational elements of Unitarian Universalism are being rewritten by UUA’s Article 2 Study Commission.The proposed revisions will be put to a vote at the 2023 General Assembly. Sessions to gather feedback on early drafts are being held now, and there is still time to sign up (and learn about the process) here. Although some of the sessions have already happened, there are more sessions planned, and it seems important that our local congregation become aware of the Article 2 Study Commission work so we can practice good democracy and provide our feeback. Two of the 10-person national Outreach Team are part of IUUWAN, Linda Lemons and Kirk Witzberger, and they are hosting an additional session just for Iowans on 9/25 at 6 p.m. CT.

This is big – please sign up and add your voice!

IUUWAN Partnering with Iowans for Responsible Gun Laws to Defeat Public Measure 1

IUUWAN is distributing Vote No Public Measure 1, Reckless Gun Amendment, to all Iowans across Iowa who join us in voting No. If you are willing to display a sign in your yard, please email iuuwan@ucdsm.org.

More information

"Let's All Fall Together"

from the Ministry of Fun

What: A time to come together, eat, and play, and enjoy the best time of the year in Iowa!

When: Sunday, September 25th, 2022 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Please attend after the Forum.)

Where: Pete Crivaro Park

This event is brought to you by the Ministry of Fun, an invention of ours after our meetings with Reverend Pyle when we asked what leadership could do for our congregation and he said bring them together and help them have fun. Challenge accepted!

We want to picnic and party as a church! Please bring a table service and a side or dessert toshare.

Churchwide Coffeehouse!

Saturday, October 8, 6 – 8 p.m.

from Karen Kraemer

Do you like to sing, give a reading, lead a meditation, dance, play an instrument? Drop in and share your talent with us on this open-mic night, and enjoy the wall of art on display in Griffin Hall created by our members!  Do you enjoy music and art but try to avoid the limelight of the stage? Please plan to come and just be entertained! 

No advanced sign-up is required. A stage and microphone will be provided as well as snacks and munchies, but please BYOB. 

Come and let's spend a fun night celebrating music and the arts together! Because childcare is not available, this is a tween to adult low-key "chill" event. Inquiries or questions? Contact Karen Kraemer at choir@ucdsm.org.

Join a Soul Matters Sharing Circle

from the Adult RE Committee

You are invited to join a Soul Matters Sharing Circle for the 2022-2023 church year! Soul Matters participants cocreate safe, open space where to welcome one another and to connect with each other, with our deepest selves, and with the world. Engaging the themed curriculum and being fully present at the monthly 2-hour meeting will give your spirituality a boost and loneliness a warm salve.

There are four groups to choose from:

·        Third Monday of the month, 6:30 p.m., Judy Davis’s home (1537 44th St, Des Moines), facilitated by Elaine Imlau and Judy Davis

·        Third Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., church, facilitated by Tracy Beck

·        Fourth Tuesday of the month, 10:00 am. Jo Fitz’s home (3825 127th St. Urbandale), facilitated by Jo Fitz and Susan Seitz

·        Fourth Saturday of the month, 10:00 a.m., church or TBD, facilitated by Hilary Hippen-Leek

Soul Matters Sharing Circle registration has begun! Join us for small group conversations and reflections on the monthly themes. Find more information here and register HERE. 

There’s a Soul Matters group especially for writers! Click here for more information.

Iowa Justice Action Network

Fall 2022 Conference

from IUUWAN

Iowa Justice Action Network will be holding their fall conference entitled "Advocating for Change: Stemming 50 Years of Mass Incarceration" at Valley Methodist Church in West Des Moines (also on Zoom) on Thursday September 29 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

The conference, which is in partnership with The Sentencing Project, and supported by IUUWAN, features Ms. Alexandra Bailey as their keynote speaker. Richard Allen Hays, a UU from Cedar Valley UU, Cedar Falls is co-chair of Iowa Justice Action Network and has done great work advocating for change. The cost of the workshop is $25.00. Attending would be a great way to network and build relationships across Iowa to help change our "cradle to prison" pipe line. 

To register, go to iowajusticeactionnetwork.org and click on the "Fall Conference" button, The registration opens from there.

You are also welcome to email iuuwan@ucdsm.org for more information.

Check out our program offerings for children and youth starting this month! Register ASAP, because some class sizes are limited.

Click here to register for Children's Programming.

Click here to register for Youth Programming

Contact Birch Spick, Faith Formation Coordinator, for more information.

Sacred Bridges CUUPS will be teaching a Paganism 101 class this Fall. This class is an introduction to Paganism, Wicca, Witchcraft, Heathenism, and many other forms of religious philosophy often described as "New Age". This is an 8-week course that will run every Monday night starting September 12th at 7pm through November 7th. We will be skipping the Monday October 31st class to celebrate Samhain. Class will be held in the Stonewall Conference Room. This class is open to anyone interested in learning about Paganism, and is provided FREE to the public. We ask all attendees to please register through the event page. This is so we can provide enough materials for the class. If you need childcare during class please email us at sacredbridgescuups@gmail.com There will also be a zoom option for those who can not attend in person, but would still like to participate. This class will be taught by Lee, and Pam. We will meet in the Stonewall Conference room the first, second, and fourth Mondays. The third Monday will be in Griffin hall for the 8 weeks. 

You can also join via Zoom!

Tim Wicker Gallery Display

from the Art Gallery Committee

Tim Wicker is an abstract artist from Des Moines. He says that he is " Just another lost soul who found purpose in creating art. I found a spiritual awakening. All roads lead to God, I suppose. My works are my stepping stones throughout this journey," His work will be displayed in Griffin Hall this month and again in November.

See more of his work here.

Grounds Works – Volunteers Welcome

Saturday, October 8

from the Grounds Council

Mark your calendar. Grounds works day Saturday, October 8, 8:00 to 12:00 (ish). Long sleeves & pants are strongly recommended. We will be focusing on the area between Bell Ave & the steps from the lower parking lot.

Feel free to bring personal care and nonperishable food items with you each week to stock the red barrell in the East-West foyer for delivery to local food banks.

Our current partnerships run from September 2022 through August 2023. They were selected by our members at our June 2022 annual meeting. The organizations are:

Hawthorn Hill

Our Champion is Sally Boeckholt

Let's Talk

Our Champion is Ellen Taylor

Rev. Victoria Safford, Transitional Contract Minister

vsafford@ucdsm.org

Office phone: 515-244-8603 ext. 102

Cell: 612- 405-3318

Rev. Victoria's Fall 2022 Calendar

Alice J. Stewart, Director of Finance and Administration

director@ucdsm.org

515-244-8603 ext. 101

Mondays: by appointment

Tuesdays – Thursdays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Fridays: by appointment

Zoom meetings available upon request

Birch Spick, Faith Formation Coordinator

& Congregational Life Coordinator

FFOffice@ucdsm.org

CLOffice@ucdsm.org

515-244-8603 ext. 106

Off Mondays

Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Emily Petty, Communications Coordinator

communications@ucdsm.org

515-244-8603 ext. 103

Off Mondays

Tuesday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

To submit an item for the Intercom, email communications@ucdsm.org by Wednesday at noon.

Hannah Notch, Social Media and Executive Support Specialist

hnotch@ucdsm.org

Tuesday - Friday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm

To have an event or meeting added to the church calendar, email Hannah at calendar@ucdsm.org