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

P: 515-244-8603

Blessing

with Reverend Garmon

From saying "bless you" when someone sneezes to blessing a meal before we eat it, there's something important we're doing when we bless.

Join the live service on Zoom!

Zoom Passcode: Safford

(Please mute your mic before

the service begins!)



Zoom may not be available.

Join Dave Busiek, former KCCI-TV news director, for a discussion of the changes in traditional media due to cutbacks in the numbers of journalists and in particular a reduction in editorial voices in newspapers. Busiek is a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, which was designed to give Iowans access to a wide variety of viewpoints from around the state. He regularly shares his perspective in his column "On Media", published via Substack. Busiek spent 43 years working in Iowa radio and television newsrooms as a reporter, anchor and the last 30 years as news director of the CBS affiliate in Des Moines. In retirement Dave also volunteers for several local non-profits and travels with his wife, Laura Sands.

Visit the Caring Community Webpage for the following options:

• Caring Ministry – for temporary assistance, such as meals or rides, or to volunteer (515-244-8603 ext. 108)
• Pastoral care - for support through a difficult time

Check the news feed in Realm if you missed last Sunday's Joys & Sorrows.

Barb Glass is the Pastoral Care Associate available for this service time. Please email pastoralcareteam@ucdsm.org for assistance during the week.

Children & Youth Programming

Children and Youth programs happen on Sundays!

• Elementary-aged (Kindergarten-4th Grade) children of visitors, friends, and members are welcome to go to the One Room SchUUlhouse during services after the Story for All Ages.
• Middle-school aged youth of visitors, friends, and members are welcome to join their own group after service on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month.
• High-school aged youth of visitors, friends, and members are welcome to join our youth group after service every Sunday morning.

NEWS THIS WEEK

Emergency Afghan Refugee

Family Hosting

Urgent - Help Needed

Our Afghan family is adjusting beautifully! Paperwork is progressing for assistance with housing and food. We are holding “school” weekday afternoons and have been on a couple of outings in town. They are independently cooking and cleaning up the kitchen and are enjoying this safe place meeting many new friends. They enjoy playing games, doing puzzles, playing outside and going on field trips. You will be charmed by this family.



It is uncertain when they will move into permanent housing. Please assist in this hosting endeavor with your time or treasure. Donations for food and assorted needs can be made through the online Giving tab on the church website or send a check. Designate Afghan Family Support on both. Volunteers needed to be on site with the family, drivers and tutors. Please sign up here. Thank you! 

Patresa Hartman at

Progressive Voices Concert Series

Saturday, February 17th, at 7:30 p.m.

PATRESA HARTMAN AT PROGRESSIVE VOICES CONCERT SERIES

Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.

Location: First Unitarian Church Auditorium

Questions: concerts@ucdsm.org

Music Video: The Falconer's Knot

Single Tickets: $22 Advance /$27 Door Season Tickets:4 Shows: $78, 6 Shows $117 Available online at Eventbrite. Tickets are also available in person at church after services the four Sundays before each concert.

Singer/songwriter Patresa Hartman, began sharing her music with others at an open mic in 2011, challenging her long-standing bout with stage fright to do so. Now, after more than a decade of performing, greeting hundreds of audiences, and making 2 full-length albums (with 1 more on the way), you can find her playing venues across the Midwest. Hartman calls her style soul-folk. A rich, blues voice serves as the vehicle for thoughtful, poetic lyrics. A percussive guitar player, Hartman's signature finger picking style is the rhythmic foundation for soulful melodies that hint at contemporary country and folk. But Hartman's roots in gospel and soul become apparent in her turns behind the piano.

A limited number of complimentary tickets for this concert are available for those otherwise unable to afford to attend. Please speak confidentially with our minister, Meredith Garmon, to obtain them.

First Unitarian Humanist Update

** Book Group

The Humanist book group meets on the first and third Sunday of each month at 12:00 noon right after the forum. You can join in person at the church or via Zoom.  We will be discussing chapters 32 and 33 of The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself by Sean Carroll on Sunday, Feb. 18^th.

** Roads to Religion

Drake University will host the Roads to Religion Event, this Sunday afternoon from 3 – 5 PM in the Olmsted Center. The goal of the event is to encourage interfaith dialogue and to show the diversity of religions in Des Moines. The event will feature music, food, and displays from each group. Come and learn more about the different religious groups in the Des Moines area and to show your support for Humanism!

Interfaith Alliance of Iowa

2024 Lobby Day

Monday, February 19th, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Iowa State Capitol

Upset by all the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation at the statehouse? Wish you could do something about it? Our church is a member of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, and you’re encouraged to participate in their upcoming lobby day at the capitol.

When you take part in the Interfaith Action Fund Lobby Day, you will learn how to effectively advocate and talk with legislators on key issues facing the 2024 Iowa Legislature. Join Iowans from across the state at the statehouse.

11:00 a.m.: Welcome and information session

12:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Lobby legislators

Office Closed

Monday, February 19th

In honor of Presidents' Day, the church office will be closed on Monday. We will be back open on Tuesday, February 20th at 9:00 a.m. Thank you for your understanding.

Submissions to the Intercom Weekly are due on Wednesday at 12 noon.

Two ways to get your message across: 

1. Submit your Intercom Weekly article to communications@ucdsm.org.
2. Want more of a "boost?" Select from an entire menu of communications using Our Events form! Staff LOVES to receive these forms!

Green Sanctuary 2030

We are a UU Green Sanctuary congregation! All our past efforts through Energy and Justice for All led us to Green Sanctuary certification on February 19, 2015. Our current activities include development of a mini forest in West Des Moines and education sessions with Shelley Buffalo of the Meskwaki Settlement regarding support we can provide to indigenous peoples in Iowa. 

The UU Green Sanctuary program has been reborn for 2030 and we want First Unitarian of Des Moines to assist. In order to participate, congregations must complete projects within three intersectional domains: mitigation, adaptation and resilience, and justice. Justice activities are an essential component of the new Green Sanctuary process. This is more than the six members on our team can accomplish.

We know that our First Unitarian members love Mother Earth and seek ways to put our 7th principal into action. This is your chance! You’ll see a Green Sanctuary assessment request arrive soon. Please complete and return it at your earliest opportunity. Let us know if you will help us accomplish this goal. Thank you.

Endowment Helps Fund a Mini-Forest

The Endowment Committee has approved a Green Sanctuary Group’s proposal for a REACH grant to help create Iowa’s first Mini-Forest.

A Mini-Forest is a fast-growing forest that has been densely planted with native species in a small, tennis court sized area. Based on research by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki in the 1970’s, Mini-Forests around the world and across North American have produced significant environmental impacts. More biodiverse than forests planted by conventional methods, they store large amounts of carbon, help reduce runoff and erosion, and improve air quality. They provide habitat for wildlife, particularly birds and beneficial insects, and important sites for environmental education and research.

The Green Sanctuary Group is looking for volunteers, particularly to help with planting in early May. Sign up here. You can also contribute financially by going to Realm/Giving/Give and selecting “Mini-Forest.”

Make Your Voice Heard About Our New Relational Covenant

First Meeting on Saturday, February 24th at 10:00 a.m.

The Right Relations Team is hosting a meeting for all interested church members on Saturday, February 24, at 10:00 a.m. in Griffin Hall to seek your input on the draft church Relational Covenant. To succeed, our church Covenant will need buy-in from the membership. Please come on February 24 to let us know what you think. The draft Covenant is below, along with a link to the survey you may complete after reading the Covenant. Thank you! The Right Relations Team – Bill Brauch, Scott Emison Clair, Jeremy Guenther, Linda Lemons, Jean Rommes.

“As we gather together, ever mindful of the inherent worth and dignity of each and every one of us, we will: Be respectful and kind, valuing the gifts and individuality of all; Listen to each other with empathy and respect, and consider the impact of our own words; Be patient and understanding with each other; Speak with courage to address conflict; Provide a pathway for reconciliation when we fall short; Treat our Board, ministers, and staff with kindness and respect, and hold them accountable for responsible, transparent policies and outcomes; Let this covenant be the mending when the fabric of our congregation is torn.”

Complete the short survey: Covenant Survey

We are First Unitarian Church of

Des Moines: We are “Igniting the Fire of Commitment”

Saturday, March 2nd from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Griffin Hall

It is time for us to gather to create the church of 2024-25! Join us for dinner and pledge conversation, fun and activities as we continue to build on the good church we have built and inherited.

Dinner for all, as well as childcare and activities for our children!

Together we can support the programs we value, provide engaging religious education for all ages, keep our building in good repair, and attract and retain a valued staff to assist us in keeping that flame alive!

We will be asking for pledges the night of the event, and in the weeks following. We appreciate every member’s contribution. Your thoughtful generosity is valued.

For more info on how to approach giving, check out this giving guide from the UUA.

Let’s ignite the fire together!

Please RSVP and request childcare by emailing stewardship@ucdsm.org.

Thank You

The Faith In Action team would like to thank everyone who donated to our Brunch Fundraiser. With your support, we were able to raise over $2000 to support The Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund (ITMAF). We also need to thank the members of the Queer/Trans Action Group (GTAG) and and Jeremy and Sarah Guenther’s hospitality team, and Volker Liebeseller for providing delicious food, as well as set up and clean up help. Much appreciation is extended to Laura and Gianfranco Berardi, Peter McCann and Ysandril Morrigan for sharing their stories and talking about why the work of ITMAF is so important. Finally, a big thanks to Terry Meek and Ed Hotchkin for all of their kitchen support. 

Faith in Action Team

Sue Huber, Jack Hackett, Cathy Beck-Cross, Sally Boeckholdt and Doug Aupperle (champion for ITMAF) 

Childcare Needs Your Help!

Now Accepting Toy Donations

Thank you so much to everyone who has donated stuffed animals to childcare! Our kiddos appreciate you! We have many stuffed animals now and are still looking for baby dolls! A reminder that they need to be new or washed, and nothing super small! Please contact hnotch@ucdsm.org with any questions, or feel free to leave the toys on Hannah's desk in the office!

Who Do I Contact for...?

Please refer to the corresponding email based on your request or inquiry.

Financial Requests: admin@ucdsm.org

Pledge Requests: admin@ucdsm.org

Administrative Requests: admin@ucdsm.org

Communication Requests: communications@ucdsm.org

Building Use Requests: hnotch@ucdsm.org

All Other Inquiries: mgarmon@ucdsm.org

Last to Use the Church? Lock Up!

The building has been left unlocked and the alarm left off several times over the last two months. When you leave the building, make sure there is no one left, then lock and set the alarm. If you need instruction, or to brush up your knowledge, please contact the staff at OfficeStaff@ucdsm.org.

Together we can keep our beautiful building and its contents safe and secure.

Thank you!

Zoom Help Needed

We are looking for 3-4 people to co-host Sunday services via Zoom. It would be best to have computer skills and a laptop with HDMI.

Please contact Bill Paxson if you have an interest in getting trained.

AVTeam@ucdsm.org

REACH Grant Applications

Available for 2024

A program of the Endowment Committee

It’s almost a new year and a new opportunity to share your ideas for Radical Engagements And Creative Happenings!

REACH Grant Applications for 2024 are now available.

REACH grants can be awarded to church members or groups for ideas related to community outreach, educational opportunities for members. This is your chance to plan or improve a program or event beyond our usual budget limitations. We have $ 13,079 available for grants this year, with each individual grant capped at $2,500. So, what would you like to do?

The REACH grant application form is available on the church website, here.

If you have questions or would like to discuss your project prior to completing the application, please e-mail the Endowment Committee at Endowment@UCDSM.org.

UU Coffeehouse Event

Saturday, February 24th from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Poets, Singers, Dancers, Storytellers, Mimes, Rappers! All are welcome to participate in the Winter UU Coffeehouse to be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 6 to 8 pm in Griffin Hall.

Come and enjoy the incredible talent of our UU members and friends. Mics and sound support will be provided. Feel free to bring a snack to share and your own beverage of choice.

Please contact Karen Kraemer at choir@ucdsm.org for more information or questions.

Women's Wednesdays

Wednesday, February 28th from 12:30-3:00 p.m.

Topics chosen by women, about women, discussed by women. Join us on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. in the Peace Library.

• 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. General meet and greet, catch-up.
• 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Discussion
• Our next meeting will be February 28th.

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

Introducing Our New

Church Administrator

Tracy Aukes (she/her/hers) has joined our church as the new church administrator and brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to our congregation. Tracy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Stephen F. Austin University. Having roots in Texas, Tracy has also cultivated experiences in Ohio, North Carolina, and currently, Iowa. 

With a background in church administration and human resource management, Tracy will play a pivotal role in providing essential support to our Minister, Board of Trustees, and volunteers. Some of her responsibilities will encompass supervising custodial services, collaborating with the grounds and building committee, negotiating contracts with vendors, communications, and invoicing. 

Tracy and her husband, John, reside in Adel along with their cherished fur-baby companions – two dogs (Tiko and Charley) and one cat (Mozart). Together, they have two adult children, Nathaniel and Chris. Feel free to stop by her office (Birch's old office) and welcome her to our church!

Tracy will be in the office Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. You can reach her at admin@ucdsm.org or 515-244-8603, ext. 103 (Birch's phone extension has changed to ext. 101)

Preparing for UUA General Assembly

Love Unites, Stories Ignite

Our congregational delegates to General Assembly this year will be voting on Article II moving us from the language of Principles to Values and Covenants. For more information about Article II, please click here.

Our Connection Circle Meetings kicked off studying the theme of covenants and are now studying the values listed in the proposed Article II. To learn more about covenant and some past conversations that helped bring about the Proposed Article II, you can listen to "A Conversation on Covenant" Part 1 & 2 by clicking here.

Part 1 features members of the Article II Study Commission facilitating a conversation between Rev. Meredith Garmon, and two former presidents of the UUA, Rev. Bill Sinkford, and Dr. Susan Frederick Gray. They are discussing how covenant lies at the heart of our faith, and what it is we need to promise with each other now as we move forward in the 3rd decade of the 21st Century.

Part 2 features: Rev. Mykal Slack from BLUU and author of “Transforming Hearts,” Dandi Prinsloo from the DRUUM steering committee, Elizabeth Foster with EqUUal Access, and Juniper Meadows, former steering committee member for TRUUsT discussing how covenant figures in our ever-growing faith. Part 2 is an important webinar to watch as we discuss the theme of pluralism this month.

Please consider attending and/ or being a delegate for all virtual General Assembly 2024 on Thursday June 20 through Sunday June 23rd. To learn more about General Assembly and for links to register please click here.

Article Submitted by Linda Lemons

Trans Lives Fest 2024 Call for Participant Submissions

The Trans Lives Festival is looking for submissions for the 2024 festival! If you are interested or have any questions please email tag@ucdsm.org.

Pam Hibbs

Art Gallery Exhibit

Pam Hibbs is a Des Moines artist with a studio at MainFrame Studios. She received her BFA in painting and started raising a family, putting art on the back burner when tragedy struck. To help with the grief of losing a daughter, she started painting again where she was instantly drawn back into the emotive qualities of paint which allowed her to be honest with the canvas. Everyday she strives to keep moving forward, to be her best self, and to share her emotive paintings with the world.

Our Faith In Action partners are Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund and The Freestore. If you would like to donate to Faith in Action partners, please donate directly to them through the links provided.

If you would like to donate to the Freestore, click here.

If you would like to donate to the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund, click here. 

In addition to providing monetary donations for our Faith in Action partners, one of the goals of this committee is to improve relationships through volunteer events that support the organizations. We will announce events that church members can be involved with in the coming months.

Freestore

Our Champion is Mike Smith

Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund

Our Champion is Doug Aupperle

Rev. Meredith Garmon, Interim Minister

mgarmon@ucdsm.org

515-244-8603 ext. 102

cell: 352-682-8492

Tracy Aukes, Church Administrator

admin@ucdsm.org

515-244-8603 ext. 103

Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Zoom meetings available upon request

Birch Spick, Faith Formation Coordinator

& Congregational Life Coordinator

FFOffice@ucdsm.org

CLOffice@ucdsm.org

515-244-8603 ext. 101

Off Mondays

Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Hannah Notch, Office Manager & Childcare Coordinator

hnotch@ucdsm.org

515-244-8603 ext. 107

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

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

Faithyna Leonard, Communications & Rental Coordinator

fleonard@ucdsm.org

515-244-8603 ext. 106

Available by appointment only

Dylan Delagardelle, Audio-Visual Technician

dyland@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.