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

P: 515-244-8603

This Sunday, October 30, 2022

9:30 a.m. in the Auditorium & via Zoom

Arrive. Be Beautiful. Be Gone.

with Rev. Victoria Safford

Celebrant: Louise Alcorn

Pianist: Bruce Martin

Song Leader: Anne Rozeboom

Choir Director: Karen Kraemer

A/V volunteer: Kent Newman

Pastoral Care: Ann Mowery

Hospitality Coordinator: Terry Meek 

Join the live service on Zoom!

Zoom Passcode: Safford

(Please mute your mic before the service begins!)

Forum:

"Let's Talk"

with Ellen Taylor


11:00 a.m. in Griffin Hall

& via Zoom (Passcode: Griffin)

----------------

Ellen Taylor is working with the AMOS group “Let’s Talk”. She will present this forum on what the group is doing in Des Moines middle schools since 2014. She will paint a picture of their daily activities as they support young people and school staff/administrators to create a non-violent school atmosphere and to peacefully resolve conflicts.

Joys & Concerns

Submit a Joy or Concern
View Recent Joys & Concerns

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 

Pastoral Care: October 30

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

Adults
Youth
Children
NEW THIS WEEK

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!  


Thurs. Nov. 3 1-3 p.m.

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.


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.

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.

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

Save the Date!

Halloween Party

Wear your best costume, bring a dish or drink to share, and join us for our All Ages Halloween Party on Friday, October 28, 6-8 p.m!


YRUU will host a haunted house and the Ministry of Fun will host a potluck and seasonal fun in Griffin Hall & the Gathering Area.


Please sign up to bring a dish, drink, or help out in some other way here.

Young Adults Spiritually

Socializing (YASS) Potluck

Join the First Unitarian Young Adult group for a potluck and socializing on Wednesday, November 2, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in room 114 (southeast corner of the lower level of the church). Bring a dish to share and we'll provide the plates/silverware. Doesn't work to bring something? No worries! Join us, there will be plenty.


We meet monthly on the first Wednesday, same time and place. Join us for food, fellowship, and connection with other young adults. 


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

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:



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.

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.

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. 

Kitchen Project City Permit

(finally) Approved!!!

Well, it took much longer than expected, but our general contractor Holcomb Corporation can finally begin work on the kitchen renovation. They plan to start this coming Monday morning! First projects are to take out the old exhaust fan in the ceiling and remove the wood paneling on the hallway side of the kitchen wall. Then the masonry contractor will start breaking out concrete blocks to create the new pass-thru opening to the dishwashing area. Watch out for lots of noise and dust as the KP Committee does their happy dance!


We anticipate there will be some amendments to our design plan to enable us to meet updated city code requirements. Our architect Doug Wells will be reviewing those with the Construction Oversight Committee this coming week and Al Powers will then share those needed changes, and potential added costs, with the full KP Committee. Watch for more about this and an updated timeline in next week’s Intercom along with deconstruction photos. Onward!

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.

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

 

Webinar on Theistnormativity

The Secular Student Alliance will be presenting a webinar on Theistnormativity: Developing Language for the Marginalization of Atheists with Kristina Lee this coming Tuesday, November 1, at 6:00 p.m. Click here to register and to learn more about other programs this group is offering. You will also find a recording of their previous webinar on gun violence.

Share Your Thoughts:

Current Draft of UUA Article II.

IUUWAN is wanting to make sure all UU congregations in Iowa know that the Article II Study Commission has written a new draft of Article II.  Article II is currently titled the Principles and Purposes and is the foundation for all of the work of our UUA and its member congregations and covenanted communities. It is the covenant to which all of our congregations and covenanted communities pledge themselves when they become members of our UUA.  The current revised draft has made a lot of changes, and because delegates to General Assembly, entitled “Faithfully Becoming” which is scheduled for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from June 21 to June 23,  will vote to either approve or disapprove the changes. We want to make sure you are aware. 


To obtain a copy of the current revised draft or to schedule a time to attend a feedback meeting, please click here.

Green Sanctuary & Humanists

Visit to Metro Recycling Facility

A group of First Unitarian Humanist and Green Sanctuary folks toured Metro Waste’s Recycling Facility (MRF) on September 20.


There are separate sites for recycling, yard waste, garbage, construction debris, and hazardous waste. We should help divert as much as we can from landfills. Green Sanctuary supports this concept because it’s good for our planet.


Click here to view more information on the Waste Management website.


Click here to read Green Sanctuary and Humanist thoughts regarding the tour!

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

UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
 For a full list of upcoming meetings and events, please visit our church calendar.
Google Calendar

CUUPS Kids Samhain

from Sacred Bridges CUUPS

Saturday October 29, Sacred Bridges CUUPS will be hosting a CUUPS Kids Samhain event at 5 p.m. in Griffin Hall. This event is open to all ages. We will be learning about the history of Samhain with activities coinciding with the holiday. Please RSVP to this event on the Facebook event page.

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

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!

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.


  2Contribute 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.

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

poinsettias.jpg

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 _______________________________________________________________

October Griffin Gallery Artist:

Andrea Van Wyck

Andrea is a Pella artist and art educator. Her exhibit is a set of oil paintings depicting scenes from her travels in europe.


This exhibit captures her interest in architecture. She continues to study and photograph the architecture, nature, and culture wherever she goes. Her "paintings of architectural compositions highlight the rich culture that exists in the world and is begging to be explored."

SOCIAL JUSTICE

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 "Donation." 

Faith in Action Partners

Hawthorn Hill | Let's Talk

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

CONNECT WITH US

Staff Office Hours & Contact Info

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

Intercom Weekly Submissions
Deadline: Wednesday @ 12 noon

  • In the body of an email, please include a title, relevant dates and times, contact information, and a brief description of your event or announcement.

  • Please proofread your article before submitting (or ask a trusted friend to proofread if you need help!) We try to check every article, but we still miss things.

  • An image can help make your article stand out! Please feel free to attach an image to your email. (JPG or PNG files are preferred.) Note: images that violate copyright laws will be rejected.

  • The Intercom Weekly is sent out to our mailing list on Friday at 12:00 p.m.

  • We run announcements for no more than three consecutive weeks, so please plan accordingly.

  • Per church policy, we do not share private email addresses or phone numbers in our communications. We will set up an @ucdsm.org email address for you as the contact person for your group which will automatically forward to your private email, so you won't have to do anything special to view it. (Please allow a few extra days for us to set up the email when you submit your announcement.)

Please email communications@ucdsm.org to submit your information.
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