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

P: 515-244-8603

So Great a Cloud of Witnesses

with Rev. Victoria Safford

Celebrant: Heidi Levine

Choir Director: Karen Kraemer

Pianist: Bruce Martin Musicians: Bell Ave. Ringers

Song Leader: Anne Rozeboom

A/V volunteer: Kent Newman

Pastoral Care: Ellen Taylor

Hospitality Coord: 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 service time. Please email pastoralcareteam@ucdsm.org for assistance during the week.

Help Us All Stay Safe and Healthy!

Thanks to all who have notified the church office about recent diagnoses of Covid 19, Flu and RSV. If you've been to a church event (on site or elsewhere) and learn later that you have a confirmed case, please let the church staff know. We will never share your name, but we will make every effort to let those present know that they may have been exposed. Please stay home if you have symptoms of these illnesses! While some cases can be mild or easily treated, others can be very serious, especially for elders or young children, sometimes requiring hospitalization and loss of work. Your Board of Trustees reviews the church's current masking protocol at every monthly Board meeting. For now our guidance is to stay home if you're sick and wear a mask if you feel vulnerable. Volunteers, staff and visitors in our Faith Formation classes for children are asked to wear masks in those spaces.

NEWS THIS WEEK

This section holds events happening this week, as well as articles submitted in the past 7 days. Be sure to continue scrolling to read about other upcoming events, church news, and social justice efforts!g

Happy Birthday Florence!

Join us in celebrating Florence Frette’s 100^th Birthday with cake after the service on February 19. Florence will turn 100 this Valentine’s Day, February 14, and welcomes birthday cards. If you need her address, please contact the Congregational Life Coordinator, Birch Spick, at bspick@ucdsm.org.

Interim Ministry

Advisory Committee Update

First, a big thank you to Doug Aupperle, Shelly Kaldenberg, Steven Herwig, Crystal Loving, and Elliot Nassif for agreeing to participate. We had our first meeting on February 8^th got to know each other a little bit then dove into the timeline before us.

Our first order of business is to prepare a draft of the top three things our next minister should focus on and the desired strengths of the minister. This will then be shared with the congregation during a forum at 11 a.m. on March 5. During the forum, we will briefly present our initial draft and then open it up for feedback and discussion. I strongly encourage anyone that can to attend so we can get your input. If you are not able to make it, you can also email us your feedback on these two areas no later than March 5 so we have that input. We will then update those sections after reviewing your feedback and will submit that along with the rest of the details in our Congregational Record packet to the UUA by mid-April.

Board of Trustees Monthy Meeting Format Change

from Reba Eagles, Board President

Your Board of Trustees always values the voices of the members of our congregation and we want those voices to be heard. With this value at the forefront, we are trying something new at this month's Board Meeting: we've created space near the top of the agenda for Public Comment. As always, you may find the agenda posted on the church website prior to the Board meeting; documents related to the agenda (and the agenda itself) may be found on Realm. Please refer to these documents, and if you would like to attend the Board meeting (in person or zoom) and make a comment or ask a question, email boardoftrustees@ucdsm.org and you will be put on the list for Public Comment. We're hoping this will help broaden participation, while at the same time allowing the Board to move effectively through the agenda each month without being pulled off topic, leading proactively rather than reactively.  The Public Comment time will be 15 minutes; please be mindful, if you speak, of sharing the time with others.

One Room SchUUlhouse is Growing!

The One Room SchUUlhouse program we have piloted for Kindergarten-5^th Graders has been a great success – so much so that we’re expanding it. With more children in upper elementary grades attending the One Room SchUUlhouse, and 5^th-6^th Grade OWL running until early April, we are creating a separate group for 5^th-8^th Grade children not registered in other classes, open to families of visitors & members alike.

But we need your help! We are looking for 4-5 volunteers to facilitate this group on a rotating basis. Staff and the Child & Youth Faith Formation Council will provide weekly lesson plans & materials based on the Soul Matters curriculum. Please contact Birch Spick at bspick@ucdsm.org to help launch this program.

Women's Wednesdays: February 22

Topics chosen by women, about women, discussed by women.

Meets the last Wednesday of every month from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. in the Peace Library.

1:30 - 2 p.m: General meet and greet, catch-up

2 p.m. - 3 p.m: Discussion

February 22 topic : If you were asked to be in The Storyteller's Project, what story would you tell?



RSVP here!

Kitchen Project

(Almost) Finish Date Set!

Chuck Holcomb, our contractor on the kitchen renovation, has updated the project schedule. He anticipates that we will have our final inspection on Friday, April 14. That’s the projected date when the contractor, church committee and architect meet and review the entire project and make a punch sheet of what remains for completion. By April 14 we hope to have everything done and in place, EXCEPT the Spandrel glass backsplash/wall covering. The delivery date for the glass tiles is still unknown; however, we anticipate the city inspection can be completed before May 7th, which means the kitchen will be usable while we wait for the installation of the glass.

Our Grand Opening is May 7.

The first meal to be served from the new kitchen will be a brunch on Sunday, May 7, when we will dedicate the new space with a short program and serve breakfast immediately after the 9:30 a.m. service. All are invited and encouraged to share in the celebration of this milestone in our church’s facilities. Brunch will be free but RSVPs will be necessary; watch for future notices.

As part of this kitchen project, 20 new 48-inch round tables are being purchased for Griffin Hall that will replace the current white plastic top 60-inch tables. The new tables will have durable and attractive laminate tops. Fifteen of the tables will have legs with wheels that fold up and can be easily wheeled into the storage room. The additional five tables are designed with center supports to enable wheelchair access and will be on casters so they can be easily moved about as needed. We appreciate the furnishings Committee’s due diligence in researching best options which even entailed an out-of-town trip to inspect tables first hand. The appeal of these tables is their sturdiness, durability, and ease of storing. Sadly supply chain issues make their delivery date uncertain.

Last Food Fair 2022 Event Openings

Space for two more for Mindful Mending on March 18 from 11 a.m. -3 p.m. in West Des Moines; $20, hosts Liz Bredeson & Chelsea Hayes. Bring your mending and enjoy a soup lunch. Mending supplies available. Interested? Email foodfair@ucdsm.org or contact Liz or Chelsea.

Food Fair #23 Alert!

Mark your calendars for FFF #23, April 29 & 30, and start thinking about what you might like to offer! Never heard of it? For more info on our biggest fundraiser of the year and community-building series of events, see this link.

Your help is needed! Particularly needed are individuals who enjoy making clever announcements and cover table displays after church during the month of March to promote participation, as coordinator Elaine Imlau, will be out of state most of the month. Please contact her via email at foodfair@ucdsm.org or directly via text or call.

Joe Jencks in Concert

Saturday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $22 Advance /$27 Door

Ticket Link: www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/54589

Tickets also for sale in the gathering area after Sunday services.

Joe Jencks returns to our stage for a solo performance after previously appearing here with the trio, Brother Sun. He is an international touring musician, award-winning songwriter, and celebrated vocalist known for his performances of musical beauty, social consciousness and spiritual exploration. A 25-year veteran of the international folk circuit, Jencks has released 17 CDs in that time. Merging conservatory training with his Irish roots and working-class upbringing, Joe delivers engaged musical narratives filled with heart, soul, groove and grit. Blending well-crafted instrumentals and vivid songwriting, Jencks serves it all up with a lyric baritone voice that has the edgy richness of a good sea-salt caramel.

Let's Talk Update

from Ellen Taylor

Since January, we have been on hiatus from Des Moines Schools while they fix a problem with their payment method. They had to open up the application process as a result of this problem, so we sent in our application in later January. We are currently waiting to hear when the new phase will begin.

Family Promise Thank You

Thank you to the 50 volunteers who set up for, transported, fed, entertained, hosted and cleaned up after three unhoused families the first week of February to assist them on their way into their own homes. Our next hosting week begins the week of Easter Sunday, April 9-16. Wanting to get more involved? There’s always space for more volunteers! Watch for the Signup Genius that will be out in mid March.

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.

UUs: Time to Move Forward from Principles to Values & Covenants?

from IUUWAN

In keeping with our UU faith of living tradition, ongoing transformation, the democratic process, and our ability to shape who we want to be in the world, the UUA created the Article II Study Commission to review Article II of the UUA Bylaws and to propose any revisions that would enable the UUA, member congregations, and covenanted communities to be a relevant and powerful force for spiritual and moral growth, healing, and justice.

Article II Study Commission Report

Delegates who attend the UUA General Assembly in June 2023 will vote on the proposed revision. To be adopted, the revision must pass with a majority vote in 2023 and a 2/3 vote in 2024.

Linda Lemons, a member of First Unitarian, and Reba Eagles, Board President, will host the Sunday Forum on February 19 to discuss the revision and share information on the Board of Trustees' appointment of delegates for General Assembly in 2023.

With questions regarding Article II and the report, please contact Linda Lemons.

With questions regarding delegate appointments, please contact Reba Eagles.

Humanist Update

Book Group

The next meeting of the Humanist book group will be at noon on Sunday, February 19, to conclude our discussion of Cosmos by Carl Sagan. Everyone is invited to participate on the first and third Sunday of each month, either in person at the church (right after the forum) or via Zoom.  Information on our next book will be in next week’s Intercom.

Secular Student Alliance Programs

The Secular Student Alliance is presenting two webinars that promise to be interesting and informative. Religious Students and a License to Discriminate will be presented at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15. Origins Count: Why Evolution is True will be offered at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21.  Information on these and other events can be found at secularstudents.org.

UU Board Game Night

Saturday, Feb. 18, 6-10 p.m.

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.

Contact gamenight@ucdsm.org with any questions!

2023-2024 Budget Process

Thanks to lay leaders, the Board of Trustees, DFA Alice Stewart, and members who took part in budget gatherings held on January 21 and February 5, for helping to shape the working draft budget now viewable here on Realm.

We are at an early stage in the budget process. This document is not the one the Board will present months from now at the Annual Meeting in June. Think of it more as a worksheet that all of us are holding together. Future budget gatherings, open to all, will be held as the Stewardship Campaign winds down, probably in late April. That’s when we’ll know whether the congregation’s giving capacity will match the vision and goals presented in this draft by committees, staff, and lay leaders.

We welcome your questions, comments, and concerns. Please reach out to me, to Board President Reba Eagles, to DFA Alice Stewart, or to Financial Oversight Chair Eileen Jackson.

In appreciation,

Victoria Safford, Transition Minister

Adult Programming Survey

from the Adult RE Committee

We are looking for your view on the types of programming we should offer during 2023. Please let us know your views on possible programs and groups. This short survey asks for your interest in 12 new classes, the types of new groups we offer, and your preferred mode and schedule. Our survey is available now here.

REACH Grant

Applications Available for 2023

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

REACH Grants for 2023 are now available. REACH grants can be awarded to church members or groups for ideas related to community outreach, educational opportunities for members, or one-time purchases. This is your chance to plan or improve a program or event beyond our usual budget limitations. We have $14,200 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. 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.

Chairs – Free to a Good Home!

Click here to view a list of chairs available for free! Al Powers found them in the furnace room, and had the great idea to find them new homes.

Each list item features multiple matching chairs perfect for retro decor, classrooms, and DIY! A chair from each set is available to view in the East-West Entryway.

Please note that "Chair 4" is no longer available.

Tech Help Available!

from First Unitarian Staff

Do you have questions about your laptop, tablet, or phone? Would you like help setting up your Realm account? Sign up to schedule an appointment with First Unitarian Staff to discuss questions you have regarding your devices!

After you sign up, a Staff member will reach out to you via email to confirm your appointment time. Meetings are also available via Zoom (if issue can be resolved remotely).

Griffin Gallery Artist February

Phil Roeder

Phil Roeder came to photography late in life and "thanks to a combination of good fortune and dumb luck", his work has been exhibited around the country and published around the world. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photography from Arizona State University. By day, he is director of communications for the Des Moines Public Schools. This is from Phil's Grant Wood Eastern Iowa series.

DSMPD & 21CP Community Poll

You know that the people closest to the issues are closest to the solutions, and any venture aimed at improving the city must be community-centered. Therefore, we would like to hear from you in the poll linked below regarding your availability to discuss issues facing the community and the police department. 21CP will keep confidential information you share and will not attribute anything in our final report to you or any other individual stakeholder. Once we hear from a majority of the people from our initial round of outreach, we will confirm a date and time with you. These meetings will be held in a focus group-type setting via Zoom.

Participate in the community poll here.

Contact ganesha.martin@21CPsolutions.com with any questions.

Go from Powerless to Powerful

from AMOS

Ever wonder how the Skate Park got built? The libraries reopened? The 911 line staffed with therapists, not just police? Money "appeared" for training minority social workers?

AMOS did it (and our church members were heavily involved)! How? With regular people, just like you and me. People with no special skills. Normally powerless. Coming together and building power in the city, the county and the state. AND we're winning! Today we are pushing for a unique affordable housing plan and building alliances to fight for public schools.

There are several opportunities to learn here. Join us if you are curious or passionate--or both. AMOS is moving political mountains. Join the fun! Contact amosevents@ucdsm.org.

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 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