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

P: 515-244-8603

How to Love a Country

with Rev. Victoria Safford

Celebrant: Bill Brauch

Pianist: Bruce Martin

Song Leader: Andrew Curl

Choir Director: Karen Kraemer

A/V volunteer: Bill Allen

Pastoral Care: Susan Jellinger

Hospitality Coord.: Terry Meek

New Member Welcome: Birch Spick 

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 

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

Reminder: From time to time, committees and groups may publicize their activities with a brief (2-3 minute) "Spotlight" announcement during a Sunday Service. Please contact the minister if you would like to schedule a Spotlight. If your announcement will include a video clip, please send the link to OfficeStaff@ucdsm.org by noon on the Tuesday before your scheduled Sunday Spotlight.

Don't forget! Daylight Savings Time

starts Sunday, November 6. Have a great extra hour!

From the Pastoral Care Team

Jean Evans has moved to the Iowa Jewish Life Center in Des Moines. To get her address and send a card, please contact the church office.

Community Conversations

Your Board of Trustees and Rev. Victoria Safford invite you to take part in a “Community Conversation” to share concerns and hopes for our beloved church community. These small-group conversations, 90 minutes each, will he hosted by the Board and facilitated by Victoria. They’re an opportunity to listen and share, to talk about losses and concerns at church, and also about healing and hope.

To view the Community Conversation schedule, and to sign up, click here.

A Note from Your Board

We have been so pleased to see so many faces in our auditorium of late, as well as the participation on zoom. How wonderful it is to feel the energy and see so many people attending, not only Sunday activities, but the many other activities going on in our church again!

Your board has been busy this year creating an atmosphere in our meetings of planning for our future and allowing for deeper discussions of the best ways to move forward. This work is guided by our goals for the year which were determined by your input last year.

At our October meeting we revisited those goals with the intention of determining our progress on and what, if anything, needed to be addressed and possibly moved to a committee for action. We were very pleased to see there were many things already accomplished or in progress. Draft minutes for this meeting can be seen on the website under the “Our Governance” tab.

At this month’s meeting, on November 17th, we plan to discuss the focus for our stewardship drive and the timeline for our budget process. Please join us on the 17th at 6 pm, either in person or via zoom. Our meetings are always open, and your presence is always appreciated.

Reba Eagles, President

From Rev. Victoria Safford

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 or in your home when I’m here in Des Moines., or simply talk by phone. If you’d like to meet in person during an upcoming visit, please reach out to schedule an appointment!  

Sunday Nov. 6 between 11:00 a.m. and 2:30, or at 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 17 at 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 19 between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Monday Nov. 21 at 9:00 a.m.

Saturday Dec. 3 between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Sunday Dec. 4 between 1 and 6:00 p.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 find my fall schedule, with in-person visits here.

Coffee on Zoom Sundays

from Rev. Victoria Safford

I miss seeing you all on the Sundays when I am taking part in the services on Zoom. I’d love to “have coffee” with you on those Sundays right after the service, just to chat and say hello. I think we can do this in a way to include live participants as well as our “zoom congregation.” If you’re willing to help with this about once a month (twice in January), by opening a zoom call in a quiet place at church (probably the Minister’s office), let me know. I’d love to work with you to make this happen if we can.

Thanks! - Victoria

Holiday Services

from Rev. Victoria Safford

Here’s a brief snapshot; watch for more information soon!

Saturday December 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday December 25: No service. Watch for information announcing an informal social gathering at church!

Sunday January 1: 11am Happy New Year! Join Barb and Bruce Martin, and Karen Kraemer, for a service of singing, at 11:00 a.m.

Family Promise Nov. 6 – 13

Volunteers still needed for our November 6 – 13 Family Promise hosting week. This is a great way to get involved, meet more members and give back to the community!

Help host three homeless families in our church for the week. Positions to fill include setup, meal providers, van drivers, evening and overnight hosts, take down and laundry. Sign up here.

Not able to volunteer, but want to support the program? Signup for donations in kind for our setup here.

Comfort Food Cook Off Fundraiser

Help us raise money for Family Promise of Greater Des Moines in their 10th annual Comfort Food Cook Off fundraiser Sunday, November 13th from 4-6 at West Des Moines Christian Church. Help shop for ingredients or cook beforehand, help setup, serve or cleanup at the event. This year our entry will be tortellini soup and garlic bread. Sign up here.

Send cash donations directly to Family Promise of Greater Des Moines here.

UU Board Game Night

November 12, 6–10 p.m.

Back by popular demand (thanks, Dylan, Mark, and Theresa)!

Whether you like casual games such as Scrabble or prefer complex strategy games, please join fellow UU friends in Griffin Hall for a night of tasty snacks, good food, and fun games. Bring your favorite game as well as any beverages or snacks you might want to share.

LGBTQ+ Meeting

Thursday, November 10, 7:00 p.m.

Are you interested in…

·      Building general LGBTQ+/ally community within the church

·      Helping out with the Trans Lives Festival or its planning (likely Sat. April 1, 2023)

·      Advocating around queer- and/or trans-adjacent issues

·      Getting our congregation recertified as a UUA Welcoming Congregation



If you answered yes to ANY of these, please consider attending our next meeting!

Passcode: TAG

In the spirit of offering hybrid meetings, we also have Room 114 reserved for those who would like to meet in person at the church.

Women's Monthly Lunch November 8

from Barb Royal

All UU (and UU-interested) women are welcome to join the monthly gathering of the UU Women’s Lunch Bunch (2nd Tuesday of every month at 11:30). 

There’s always good food and lively conversation. Hoping to see all the ‘regulars’ and some NEW faces this time!

Please be sure to RSVP by the Saturday morning before the luncheon if you plan to attend: womenslunch@ucdsm.org

When:  Tuesday, November 8, 2022: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: Urban Cellar, 640 S 50th St., WDM

Monthly Tarot Study Group

This class will exclusively use the "Tarot Disassembled" deck by Jennifer Steidley. The deck demystifies the symbolism and imagery of the Raider-White Deck. 

The deck and guidebook are available to purchase at wholesale for $30 from Pam. She can be contacted by FaceBook here. 

The first class will be held in the Stonewall Conference room inside the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, 1800 Bell Ave. Des Moines, IA. At 7 p.m. on November 10. A Zoom option will be made available too if there is enough interest in that as well.

Click here for more information!

Unity Circle November 17

12:00 p.m. in Griffin Hall

Speaker: Randy Evans, award-winning journalist & Executive Director of Iowa Center for Public Affairs & the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, retired

Houston, We Have Lift Off!

from the Kitchen Project Committee

Work has finally begun in the kitchen with the removal of the old range hood

Our general contractor has also started the necessary prep work for future kitchen improvements including removing the hallway paneling for the new pass-thru to the dishwashing area. Masons will then remove concrete wall blocks to create the opening (anticipate lots of noise and dust).

We have learned there will be some needed amendments to our design plan to enable us to meet updated city code requirements. Our architect Doug Wells and Construction Oversight Chair Al Powers will be reviewing these with the full Kitchen Project Committee this coming week. Fingers crossed we can still be within our budget. Onward. 

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!

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.



See more of his work here.

First Unitarian to Represent at the

Comfort Food Cook-Off!

We are participating in friendly competition at the 2022 Family Promise of Greater Des Moines Comfort Food Cook-Off! 

Help us raise money for Family Promise of Greater Des Moines in their 10th annual Comfort Food Cook Off fundraiser Sunday, November 13th from 4-6 at West Des Moines Christian Church. Help shop for ingredients or cook beforehand, help setup, serve, or clean up at the event. This year our entry will be tortellini soup and garlic bread. Sign up here.

Or buy a ticket to taste the dishes and vote for favorites!. A People's Choice Award is given to the dish receiving the most votes (donations) from attendees and celebrity judges choose the traveling “Pot Trophy”winner. Join the fun on Sunday, Nov.13 at WDM Christian Church from 5 – 7 p.m. Tickets are only $15 and all proceeds help families experiencing homelessness. 

Purchase tickets at familypromisedm.org or by calling 515-277-7051

Affordable Housing

Like You've Never Seen Before!

from AMOS

Come learn about Community Land Trusts, a new and exciting concept that allows affordability to last forever.

Sign up today!

WHAT: In-depth sessions on community land trusts by Jason Webb, America's CLT expert

WHEN: Wednesday, November 16 and Thursday, November 17, 2022 (multiple sessions)

WHERE: Grace United Methodist Church- 3700 Cottage Grove Des Moines 50311

DEADLINE: Registration closes Monday, November 14, 2022

Event Contact: Cheryl Long, First Unitarian Des Moines amosevents@ucdsm.org

Submissions to the Intercom Weekly are due on Wednesday at 12 noon. Submissions after the deadline cannot be guaranteed a spot in that week's newsletter.

Want to publicize your church event? We have a form for that!

Visit our "Our Events" page to fill out the form.

Email communications@ucdsm.org with any questions.

First Unitarian Humanist Update

Book Group

The Humanist book group will meet on Sunday, November 6, at 12:00 noon, right after the forum. We will continue discussing Cosmos by Carl Sagan. Everyone is invited to participate, either in person or via Zoom here. 

Grief Support Circle Group

The Grief Support Circle will start meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 6-7 p.m. in the Minister's Office. Any who are dealing with the loss of a loved one are invited to attend as many or as few sessions that work for you. Feel free to bring your dinner, if you'd like. If this group doesn't work for you but you need help working through your grief, please reach out to Rev. Victoria or the Pastoral Care Team.

Scheduling for the rest of the calendar year:

Oct. 27

Nov. 10

Nov. 23

Dec. 8

Dec. 22

Environmental Partner Potluck

from First Unitarian Green Sanctuary

Join other UUs as we "Break Bread" with various environmentally conscious groups in the Greater Des Moines Area. First Unitarian's Green Sanctuary is hosting a Vegan/ Vegetarian potluck at our church on Sunday, November 6, at 12:30 p.m. 

The kitchen is under construction and not available, so we'd love it if you brought your own dishes and silverware, but paper plates, napkins, and plasticware will be available.

Bring your favorite prepared recipe to share - along with your curious tastebuds, as you try new dishes! We kindly ask that you leave a note next to your dish, indicating whether it's vegan or vegetarian and if it contains common food allergies such as tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, or gluten. Please bring a serving utensil for your dish as well. There will be an opportunity for each Environmental Group to share who they are, what their focus is in combating Climate Change, and how you can join in their work. Let's celebrate together! This is a child-friendly event, but no childcare is provided. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Faith Formation Family Gathering

from Birch Spick, Faith Formation Coordinator

Attention UCDSM Families! Join us for food, fellowship, and fun on Sunday, November 13, from noon to 2 PM at the Hayes Household. We’ll provide pizza, soup, snacks, and drinks. Activities include a bonfire and s'mores, zip-lining, paddling, soccer, and other outdoor games. Dress for the weather, we will be outside. In the event of rain, our alternate date will be Sunday 11/20, same time & place. We look forward to seeing you all!

Al Exito Scholarship Luncheon

A few years ago Al Exito was one of our Faith in Action designees. Al Éxito is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the educational achievement and transformative leadership capacity of Latinx youth and their families, to succeed in life and participate fully in Iowa. Several years ago, Al Éxito established the Mary E. Campos Scholarship program to make it easier for Latinx youth to access higher education. 

We hope you will join us in contributing to this scholarship fund and that you will attend the virtual luncheon on Friday, November 11, 2022 from 12 - 1:00 to hear from Al Éxito youth and Mary E. Campos.

This is a 2-step process, and you can do either or both:

  1. Register for the luncheon (which will be via Zoom) 

    At the bottom of the registration form be sure to put in First Unitarian Church so we’ll all be assigned to the same breakout room. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link for the luncheon.

  2. Contribute to the fundraiser we've created

Anyone can register and attend for free, but this is such a worthy cause, we hope you’ll be able to make a contribution.

Thanks - and hope to see you at the luncheon!

Gene McCracken, Barb Royal, Ellen Taylor, Dave Witke

Save The Dates!

from AMOS

What: Seminars on How Community Land Trusts (CLTs) Create Permanent Affordable Housing

When: Wednesday, November 16, & Thursday, November 17

Why: CLT’s are a way to create affordable housing that stays affordable forever and looks like other properties in the neighborhood so it's welcomed by the neighbors! Whether you are hearing about CLT’s for the first time and want to learn more or are a seasoned advocate for affordable housing, plan to attend one or more of these informative trainings on November 16 and 17.

Email amosevents@ucdsm.org for more information.

Awakening Heart Sangha

In-Person Half-day Retreat

Saturday, November 19

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Griffin Hall

Awakening Heart Sangha is offering a half-day, in-person retreat in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh to anyone who would like to share a morning of sitting meditation, walking meditation, and circle sharing. We would especially like to invite anyone who would like to see an in-person weekly meditation group restarted at First Unitarian Church. During our discussion time, each person will have an opportunity to share their wishes and aspirations for Sangha and together we will discuss creative ways to go forward that will meet the needs both of people who prefer to meet in person and those who prefer to meet by zoom, as Awakening Heart Sangha is doing now.

Please arrive around 8:45 a.m. so that you can settle in and be ready to start at 9:00 am. There will be hot water for tea and a simple snack.

If you have questions, please email awakeningheartsangha@gmail.com or contact Debra Rodgers or Karen Massetti Miller. 

Progressive Voices

Concert Series Returns!

After a two-season hiatus from live, in person shows, the Progressive Voices Concert Series is returning for its 12th season at First Unitarian Church! This season's lineup of nationally-touring singer-songwriters includes both some past favorites and new faces to our stage:

• Peter Mayer -- December 3, 2022  
• Joe Jencks -- March 4, 2023  
• Kysona -- April 22, 2023
• Ellis Delaney -- May 20, 2023

All concerts start at 7:30 p.m. in the church auditorium. Single tickets are $22 in advance and $27 at the door, or a four-show season ticket (with added perks) is $78. Tickets may be purchased online here or in person at church the four Sundays before each show. More information can be found here, and questions can be emailed to concerts@ucdsm.org.

Key To a Keyboard

from First Unitarian Staff

We are looking for a new electronic keyboard to add to our collection of instruments!

Our pianos downstairs are on their last legs, and as groups are meeting frequently, we want to expand the availability of our musical instruments. If you or anyone you know has a keyboard that you'd be willing to donate, please let Staff know! We'd appreciate any details about potential keyboards– size, model, year, extensions, etc.

If you know of a good home for our current pianos living downstairs, please let Staff know! Anyone interested in adopting one or both of the old pianos will need to provide transportation and muscle to move them.

Poinsettias For the Holidays

Let’s bring a vibrant dose of color into the auditorium this holiday season! Order a poinsettia; have it dedicated to the memory or honor of a special person or event; enjoy it at the serviceon Sunday, December 11th; and then take it home with you!

Orders are due by Tuesday November 29, 2022.

Make your check payable to First Unitarian with “Poinsettia” in the memo line. Place it in the offering basket, Hannah Notch’s office mailbox, or mail it with this form to:

Holiday Flowers

First Unitarian Church

1800 Bell Ave.

Des Moines IA 50315

Plants will be red with gold wrapping on the pot.

6.5-inch potted plant (5-9 blooms) is $13.50x ________ plants

8-inch potted plant (12-15 blooms) is $25.50x ________ plants

Enclosed is a check made out to First Unitarian Church.

Name: ____________________________________

Phone number: ____________________

Please complete the following for listing in the Dec. 11 Order of Service:

In MEMORY of _______________________________________________________________

In HONOR of _______________________________________________________________

Food Pantry Update

from Carolyn Spencer

We are coming up on a very busy time at food pantries. Thanksgiving and Christmas are important times for families to gather and share a meal. Our last donations have gone to Bidwell-Riverside as their numbers of clients are the largest in the state and they seem to be the most in need. ALL FOOD items are in need but CASH is good too. Money allows the pantry to purchase the things most needed. Please be generous and help us fill our food barrel every week during the coming months.

Love to all,

Carolyn Spencer

Share, Community, Action Gathering:

Intersection of

Climate Justice and Gender

from Pachamama Alliance – Iowa

Our next Gathering will be on Sunday, November 13 at 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We’ll continue our discussion of Paul Hawken’s book Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation.

We will be discussing “Intersection of climate justice and gender”. This session will focus on data revealing gender gaps that must be intentionally closed. In preparation, please read these sections from Regeneration:

• Women and Food pp 128-129
• Soul Fire Farm Leah Penman pp. 130-133 and
• Education of Girls pp 136-137. 

Click here for more information.

Share Your Thoughts:

Current Draft of UUA Article II

Article II contains our Principles and Purposes, Freedom of Belief statement, and more – it is a foundational document. UUA’s Article II Study Commission has been listening, writing, and receiving feedback on drafts over this past year as it revises Article II of UUA’s bylaws. Its most recent draft makes significant changes. You are invited to read the full revision and register to attend one of eight feedback sessions via zoom from November 5 - 14. After this last round of feedback they will write the final draft which they will present to UUA’s board in January, and it will be put to a vote at the 2023 General Assembly. Sign up to let your voice be heard!

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