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

515-244-8603

Animal Blessing Service

with Rev. LoraKim Joyner, Community Minister

In this intergenerational service we will have stories, music, videos, and words of wisdom to celebrate the many species in our lives, both past and present. Through intentionally seeing how we are blessed by the life around us, we can in turn offer blessings, care and compassion to those with whom we share the planet. Please bring pictures and mementos of animals in your life currently, those you have known and are now gone, or those with whom you share a special attachment. We are also inviting people to bring extra pictures and art to build an communal altar for the service.

Join the live service on Zoom!

Zoom Passcode: Safford

(Please mute your mic before

the service begins!)



Zoom may not be available.

The Board of Trustees and the Stewardship Council want to connect with the congregation.

Please join Adrian Stamper, Stewardship Council Chair, and Kevin Boeckholt, President of the Board of Trustees to learn about the status of our pledge drive and get a first look at our church budget for next year. This is an opportunity for church members to become informed and engage in a discussion on how we create what we want First Unitarian to be.

Your Church - Your Commitment

What does it take to run a church? Beyond the volunteer service and dedication of members and friends, it takes the financial commitment of every one of us. To keep our church fully staffed and maintaining the programs we care about requires a budget of at least $530,000. We currently have just under $440,000 from 139 families committed to our budget for the coming church year. Achieving our base goal means we need to raise at least $90,000 in pledges from approximately 100 families who have not yet pledged.

The UUA.Suggested Fair-Share Giving Guide provides a helpful way to consider what you might consider giving based on the importance of the church in your life and your financial circumstances. If you haven’t referred to this, please do, even if you already made a pledge for next year. Are you giving at the fair share level? What does First Unitarian Church mean to you?

You can pledge online at 2024-25 Pledge

Read through this week’s Intercom and look at all that is possible because our church is here. Your commitments make that possible.

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.

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

FAITH FORMATION

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.

Adult Programming

Our Adult Programs webpage has our exciting Spring courses and groups. Be sure to register now!

• Bird Walks - Spring 2024 - 4/13, 4/28
• Circle Suppers
• Connection Circles
• Metaphysical Awakening Book Study
• UU Wellspring Sacred Earth - Begins 4/14
• Seeing is Not Believing: How to Grow Compassion into Your Observations - 4/27
• Tai Chi



CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Path of Membership Opportunities

Whether you are ready to commit to membership at First Unitarian, or just curious to know more about us, we offer regular opportunities for visitors and prospective members to learn more about our congregation and Unitarian Universalism.

• Our next "cUUriosity Conversation" for new visitors to ask questions about us will be on Sunday, April 7th, immediately after service until 12:00PM.
• Our next "UU 201" class on membership and life at First Unitarian will be on Saturday, April 20th, from 1:00-3:00PM.

Please contact Birch Spick, our Congregational Life Coordinator, at cloffice@ucdsm.org with any questions. You can read more about our Path of Membership here.

EVENTS THIS WEEK

Trans Lives Festival

Thank You

from the Queer/Transgender Action Group

A HUUUUGE thank you to everyone who helped make last Saturday’s Trans Lives Festival another big success!!! Our little committee of 6 couldn’t do it without the 30-some volunteers helping set up, load in, greet, answer questions, offer care, be available to the media, cashier; manage, run sound, or emcee for the performances; keep up with the trash, and reset the church for the next morning. Thanks also to those who offered their art, lent tables, helped get the word out, organized the pre-festival art display in Griffin, wrote the checks, and anything else not listed here…to our fantastic and very accommodating staff, and especially to the saints who had not volunteered but allowed themselves to be drafted on the fly when others were sick. Everyone’s combined efforts helped illuminate a beacon of hope during an often-difficult time for over 600 attendees. It’s amazing what we can accomplish together! *If you loaned a table, they can be picked up at the South doors by the office, with assistance if needed.

Gallery Open House

Friday, April 5th from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Griffin Hall

You are invited to a Gallery Open House with Tevka Lackmann. Beverages and light fare will be provided.

Tevka grew up in this congregation and will graduate from the University of Northern Iowa on May 10, 2024, with a BA in Studio Art. Her exhibit "Here, There & Everywhere" includes many varied examples of Tevka's style as a whimsical realist.

Please note, the exhibit will be hanging throughout the month of April and viewable on Sunday mornings as well as other times when the church is open.

Volunteer Sustainability Training:

Stop Recruiting, Start Retaining

Starts Saturday, April 6th from 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Griffin Hall

We will meet six Saturday mornings: April 6, April 20, May 4 (Large Activity room), May 18, June 1, and June 15. Everyone is welcome and leaders are particularly encouraged to attend. We will use the UUA curriculum "Stop Recruiting, Start Retaining" in the form of webinars. If you're part of a group, but not a leader, you'll come away with a better understanding of healthy group dynamics. If you can't commit to all six sessions, you can catch up by watching the webinars on your own.

Fellowship, Food and FUNds (FFF 24)

Submissions due April 8

Sale April 27-28

SUBMISSON FORMS DUE MONDAY, APRIL 8! Reserve a Saturday for your event here.

Submit your auction items and events here.

Find additional information here.

More information will be available after Sunday services and on the website. For questions or to volunteer to help with the sale, email foodfair@ucdsm.org.

UU Women's Lunch Bunch

Tuesday, April 9th from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

at 'Lil Brothers

Please join our monthly women's luncheon held the second Tuesday every month at 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This month we will meet at 'Lil Brothers, 6587 University, Windsor Heights. It's a great place for lively conversation and connection. RESERVATIONS are required. Please contact admin@ucdsm.orgif you plan to attend.

Building Better Relationships with the Wider UU World

April 10th and April 19-20th

Upcoming opportunities to learn about resources available to us from the Wider UU World.

“Racism and Anti-Racism in a Culture of Violence”

Wednesday, Apr 10, 2024 7:00-9:30 PM EDT

Register in advance for this meeting here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

2024 Multi-Platform MidAmerica Regional Assembly

Friday, April 19, 2024, 6:00 pm - Saturday, April 20, 2024, 5:00 pm EDT

Click here for more information.

Birding for Life Walk

Sunday, April 13th from 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Bill Riley

This is our second bird walk of the spring season 2024. We will meet at the “Centers Trails Access” which is the parking lot at the Greenwood Ashworth swimming pool at 102 45th St., Des Moines, IA 50312. Click here for more information and to register.

Calling All Friends of the Labryinth

Saturday, April 13th at 10:00 a.m.

Join us on April 13th at 10:00 am for a meaningful morning of community and stewardship as we come together to clean up our sacred space in preparation for the upcoming Pagan Jubilee. We'll kick off the day with a Labyrinth clean-up session, where we'll tend to the paths, clear debris, and nurture our cherished sanctuary. After our efforts, we'll gather for a delightful brunch to share stories, laughter, and delicious food. Mark your calendars, set your intentions, and join us for a day of community, connection, and celebration of nature's wonders. See you there! 🕊️✨

Join Us for Our Monthly Pagan Brunch!

Saturday, April 13th from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Potluck Style! Think Spring and Sign Up to Bring a Dish!

Calling all fellow pagans and nature enthusiasts! We invite you to join us for a delightful spring-themed brunch potluck. Let's come together to celebrate the season of renewal, growth, and abundance. To ensure a diverse and delectable spread, please sign up to bring a dish. We can't wait to see you there! Blessed be 🌟✨

Progressive Voices Concerts Presents

The Honey Dewdrops

Saturday, April 13th at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $22 Advance /$27 Door

Available online at pvconcerts.eventbrite.com or after the service on Sundays at church.

Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish of The Honey Dewdrops began touring in 2009 and have called the city of Baltimore home since 2014. With several albums and fourteen years of playing shows on the road, they continue to expand their experimental folk sound of electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin and clawhammer banjo with tight vocal harmonies, while maintaining a commitment to deepening their understanding of the world through the lens of songwriting and music. No Depression says of the new album, Light Behind Light, “The Honey Dewdrops have a way of filling their songs with humanity, using their beautiful playing and harmonies to emphasize what connects us all.”

Talent Limited/A Monthly Reading Group

Sunday, April 14th at 5:00 p.m.

at The Towers Club

Our small group of would-be thespians has been meeting since June 2023 on the 2nd Sunday of each month. We invite you to join us on Sunday, March 10th, for a play chosen, directed and read by our members. We gather at 5:00 p.m. for a potluck so bring your beverage of choice and something to share. The reading begins at 6:00 and we are usually finished by 7:00 p.m. The event is held in the party room at The Towers Club, 3663 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312. All are welcome!

Unity Circle

Thursday, April 18th at 12:00 p.m.

We will be meeting for lunch and a program. Our speaker will be Jeremy Lewis from the Des Moines Bicycle Collective! Please bring a dish to share, and your own table service and a cup for your beverage. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Sacred Bridges CUUPs: Olympian Gods: An Introduction with William

Friday, April 19th from 7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Prepare to embark on a captivating journey through the realms of Greco-Roman mythology with Sacred Bridges CUUPS! During this unique event, William will serve as our guide, leading us through the basics of Greco-Roman mythology while offering fascinating insights and recounting spellbinding tales of the Olympian gods. Spread the word, invite your friends, and get ready for an enchanting experience that will leave you captivated! RSVP HERE.

Join Zoom Meeting (Meeting ID: 864 8468 3715 Passcode: ZEUS101)

Immigration Seminars

April 20th and May 4th

Immigration Representatives from eight Des Moines churches, including First Unitarian, met in January and February to discuss how our churches can support refugees and asylum seekers. As a result, some of these congregations contributed to our Afghan Family Fund. Now Grace United Methodist & Plymouth UCC have partnered to plan a two-part seminar for Central Iowa faith communities to learn more together and build partnerships to support asylum families. The sessions look informative and helpful, and could help us build community connections. Details and the link to register are included below. If you can attend, please register using the link below.

Join us on April 20th and May 4th for a two-part series for faith communities that will explore:

• Theological reflections on welcoming the stranger
• The needs of asylum-seeking families
• How faith communities can form partnerships to support and welcome families seeking asylum in the United States.

Please consider coming with a small team to both sessions. See below for more info on each session.

REGISTRATION: Sign up for the April 20th session here and let us know if you plan to attend in person or on Zoom. We will send the Zoom link to those attending remotely.

mUUvie Discussion Group

Saturday, April 20th from 7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Please join us to watch and discuss the 2022 film, "Aftersun." Sophie reflects on the shared joy and private melancholy of a holiday she took with her father twenty years earlier. Memories real and imagined fill the gaps between as she tries to reconcile the father she knew with the man she didn't.

Popcorn will be provided. Bring your own drink.

RSVP to mUUvie@ucdsm.org to let us know you're coming, and to ask any questions.

Click here to watch the trailer.

Upcoming Forum

Managing Our Grief as We Navigate the Uncertainty of Climate Chaos

Sunday, April 21st at 11:15 a.m.

In acknowledging Earth Day on April 21st, members and friends of First Unitarian will gather in Griffin Hall during Forum Time at 11:15 a.m. to join the storytelling Climate Ribbon Project. Click here to learn about the Climate Ribbon Project. Participants will be asked to answer “What do you love and hope to never lose to Climate Chaos?” followed by sharing what they are doing to mitigate the chaos and how others may join them.

Seeing is not Believing:

How to Grow Compassion into Your Observations

Saturday, April 27th from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

In March we had a workshop that delved into two of the four steps in Nonviolent Communication: Feelings and Needs. On April 27 we will work with the step: Observations. By observing with as little as judgement as possible we can increase our chances to deepen our relationships, experience successful outcomes in meeting the needs not just of ourselves, but of others, and grow compassion. Register here.

Sacred Bridges CUUPs Presents

Sage Advice with Dr. Susan

Saturday, April 27 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Sage Advice: Exploring Techniques for Magickal Cleaning and Purification

Discover alternative methods for cleansing your magickal tools and spaces, going beyond traditional herbs like sage and palo santo. Explore the reasons behind their use and learn about culturally respectful and sustainable alternatives. Join us for a workshop where you’ll explore various herbs for smoke cleansing, along with other techniques for energetic clearing. Plus, create personalized tools for your practice. Suggested class fee: $10.00, but all are welcome regardless of funds. RSVP HERE.

Iowa's First Mini-Forest

Volunteers Needed

April 28th and May 2-4th

This Green Sanctuary project is moving fast. Located on land the city of West Des Moines has made land available in Brookview Park, preparations are underway for planting on May 3 and 4. To learn more about this project, click here to be directed to our website page.

Volunteers Needed:

• Sunday, April 28: plotting and digging planting holes
• Thursday, May 2: driving fence footings
• Friday, May 3: helping children from the local elementary school with planting
• Saturday, May 4: COMMUNITY PLANTING DAY - Planting trees, spreading mulch, and erecting the fence

Sign up to volunteer HERE.

Contributions are still needed for a number of expenses that include signage, fencing, and supplies. Help complete a generous match that has been offered by a member of the congregation by clicking HERE.

AUUA Bylaw Amendments

Potluck and Discussion

Wednesday, May 1st at 5:30 p.m.

The Adult Programming Team will be hosting a potluck and a discussion about the proposed amendments in Griffin Hall.

Potluck - 5:30-6:30

Discussion - 6:30-8:30

First Unitarian will have eight voting delegates for the UUA General Assembly in late June. If you are a member interested in the proposed Article II amendments of the UUA bylaws and/or if you are interested in being a delegate, please plan on attending.

Click here to access information about Article II.

The General Assembly 2024 UUA's “annual meeting” will be virtual this year. Please examine if you are interested in being a GA delegate. We will be sharing additional links and documents for you in preparation for the discussion. Thanks for your interest in this topic!

Afghan Family Update

The family is settled in their new home, all are in school and Thursday the boys started riding the school bus! The need for assistance has lessened, but drivers are still needed for appointments and family outings. The older boys want bicycles to get around for summer jobs. If you have one available email Elaine at familyhosting@ucdsm.org and she’ll pass it on to the bicycle organizer. Financial support is still welcomed and can be accessed here (choose the Afghan Family Assistance Fund).

First Unitarian Humanist Update

** Book Group

The Humanist book group meets on the first and third Sunday of each month at 12:00 noon in the south conference room. You can join in person or via Zoom.  The next meeting date will be April 7, when we will be discussing chapters 37 and 38 of The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself by Sean Carroll.

** Watch Party

Our watch party series will continue on Saturday, April 13th; starting at 2:00 PM at the Stine Barn in West Des Moines. We will be watching two more episodes of James Burke’s Connections series. Send a note to info@humanistsocietyofiowa.org for more information.

** Braver Angels

You can join with the Humanist group as we participate in a lively discussion of controversial topics with the Braver Angels in Ames. The next meeting will be on Saturday, April 13, at 10:00 AM when the topic will be climate change. Contact Al Powers or send a note to info@humanistsocietyofiowa.org for more information or to arrange car pooling.

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

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

Highlights from the Board

The Board is making progress on drafting a budget for 2024–2025. The congregation is welcome to attend the budget forum on April 7 and May 5. The congregation is also invited to a special Board meeting to discuss the budget on Tuesday, May 21 at 6:00 PM on Zoom only. Please join us for coffee with the Board on Sunday, April 7rd 8:30 AM and our next meeting on Tuesday, April 16th at 6:00 PM.

Needed: Nominations to USDSM

Board of Trustees

The Nominations Committee is soliciting nominations for individuals to serve on the BOT for July 2024 – June 2027. It’s an exciting time at First Unitarian Church, as new BOT members will have the opportunity to continue great work with our Interim Minister and will welcome in our new Settled Minister in August 2025. There are many ways to serve your Congregation, and the BOT is one of them! If you have questions, please chat with a member of the current BOT or Nominations Committee. Self-nominations are accepted. Please feel out the form here. Just scroll to the bottom of the page. Thank you for your time and consideration in serving First Unitarian Church!

Nominations Committee: LeeAnn Back, Sue Huber, Crystal Loving, Gianfranco Berardi, and Kerry George. Email us at nominating@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.

Here it is...Your Moment of Zen

Raven went to see Brown Bear Roshi.

As they got better acquainted, Raven would ride on Brown Bear's back as Brown Bear foraged for food. When they were setting out one day, Raven asked, "Do you teach exclusively with metaphor?"

Brown Bear said, "The robin sings in the oak tree; the finch sings in the madrone."

Raven asked, "What do they stand for?"

Brown Bear turned her head to look at Raven and asked, "The lark sings in the deep blue sky -- what more can you ask?

Raven asked, "What is this singing?"

Brown Bear turned back to the path and grunted, "We'll have auditions again tonight."

The full post is HERE.

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

Intercom Weekly Submissions

Deadline: Wednesday @ 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!

Helpful Hints:

• 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

• 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. Please contact the office for more information.