A Unitarian Universalist Church | 1800 Bell Ave., Des Moines, IA 50315 | P: 515-244-8603 |
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This Sunday, May 29, 2022 |
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Green Rolling Hills: A Flower Communion
with Rev. Amy Petrie Shaw
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We are one church and together we grow, through joy and sadness. We bring ourselves freely to this community, and we take away those things which help us on our life journey. Flower Communion is a symbol of that relationship and covenant, and we invite all to join us in celebrating our free church. We encourage each person to bring a small live potted plant (herbs, vegetables, flowers, or anything else growing which represents what you bring to our community) to add to the communion- at the end of the service everyone can choose a plant to take home with them. If you can’t bring a plant, please come, and join in anyway – there will be enough for everyone to participate!
Please remember to bring a small, live potted plant to represent what you bring to our community for this Sunday's service!
Zoom Passcode: Safford
(Please mute your mic before the service begins!)
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Board of Trustees Forum
11:00 a.m. in Griffin Hall
Board of Trustees leadership and available members will be hosting sessions at the church to provide updated information and respond to questions from members on timely topics, including items on the congregational annual meeting agenda, and ministerial transitions.
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No passcode – please display your first and last name, or family name, to help the Staff ensure the security of the meeting.
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Joys & Concerns for Sunday should be submitted by noon on Friday.
- Caring Ministry – for temporary assistance, such as meals or rides, or to volunteer
- Pastoral Care – for support through a difficult time
- Senior Minister – for an acute need (515-244-8603, ext. 102)
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Pastoral Care: May 29 — June 4 |
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Ellen Taylor is the Pastoral Care Associate available for the week beginning at
10:30 a.m. this Sunday. Email pastoralcareteam@ucdsm.org for assistance or call the Associate's telephone number in the church directory.
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Reminder:
Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, June 5 | 11:00 a.m. in the Auditorium & via Zoom
Volunteers needed! Please contact Bill Brauch if you are able to assist.
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Ministerial Transitions Update
from the Board of Trustees
- As previously noted, Rev. Shaw’s last Sunday service will be given on June 12 — and they will be participating in UUA GA and available on call the balance of June, also taking some accrued leave time, and in July will be taking the balance of accrued leave and study time and available as needed for critical ministerial duties.
- Information on behalf of our congregation has now been placed in the UUA ministerial search process portal, to let UU ministers considering new positions know that UCDSM would be open to interest from potential candidates for some type of interim, contract, or targeted ministry for next church year.
- At the May 26 board meeting, Rev. David Pyle, lead staffer for the MidAmerica region of the UUA spoke and answered board and congregant questions about issues in congregational transitions and UUA processes to help congregations, boards, staff, and members navigate through consideration of options for the year ahead.
- Also at the board meeting May 26, the board adopted two motions relating to our operations during the upcoming transition period, and one recognizing the support of UUA MidAmerica region staff in assisting our efforts:
- Alice Stewart was designated as the interim administrative head of staff, effective June 13, 2022
- Birch Spick was designated as the interim celebrant team coordinator, effective June 13, 2022
- A contribution from unexpended funds in the current year church budget that was allocated for board of trustees expenses (approximately $1000) will be made to the Friends of the UUA MidAmerica region.
- The board also decided on May 26 to create an interim ministry selection advisory committee of five members to review candidates expressing interest and make recommendation(s) to the board regarding those options. Scott Clair was chosen as the initial member and chair of the committee, and four congregants not on the board are being asked to join, and when their willingness to serve is confirmed, all committee members will be promptly and publicly announced.
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Board Q & A sessions, at which questions about items on the June 5 annual meeting agenda, or ministerial transition issues, will be held on May 29 at 11 AM and on June 4 at 10 AM.
- Rev. David Pyle will be here in Des Moines the weekend of June 17-19 to provide on site information and assistance to the congregation regarding ministerial transitions and how we best prepare for our future—watch our website and weekly Intercom for details on plans for the weekend and opportunities to participate.
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Please Note! Additional Board Meetings & Forums thru June 2022
from the Board of Trustees
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The Board of Trustees is hosting meetings and forums (listed below) on an adjusted schedule through June 2022.
- Forum: Sunday, May 29, at 10:45 a.m.
- Forum: Saturday, June 4, at 10:00 a.m.
- Meeting: Tuesday, June 7, at 6:00 p.m.
- Meeting: Wednesday, June 29, at 6:00 p.m.
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Board Chair Remarks
at May 22, 2022 Service
from Greg Nichols, Board Chair
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My name is Greg Nichols, and my pronouns are he/his.
To say the least, we are living in interesting times here at UCDSM.
I have asked for a moment today to speak to everyone briefly, both from the perspective of serving as your current board chair, and as a member, as we embark on a period of transition.
The public statement provided Thursday night regarding ministerial decisions was provided to all members and I call your attention to the latter sections addressing where we go from here, related to my message today.
As a reference point, I will be speaking to my reaction to a public statement made yesterday by a fellow long-time member. They expressed clearly and appropriately their views. However, I have a caution as board chair, a concern as a member, and a concern I have heard from other members to voice on this topic as we move forward. I thank my fellow UU for their comments that helped clarify my thoughts at this moment in church history.
My fellow member stated, in part (edits my own), “…disruptor and proud of it…I thought that was what Unitarian Universalism was all about…” My caution as a board member to that statement is that in the days ahead we WILL need to speak at times frankly where we will not initially have shared perspectives or like proposed solutions…but I HOPE we will enter those conversations not with the objective of being “proud disruptors” but as members in a covenant of good will and right relations seeking consensus. The proud disruptor approach I fear also would lead to further burnout and lack of interest in volunteer leadership positions, at just the time volunteer leadership will be needed most.
A related concern I have personally was also alluded to in my friends’ statement yesterday. There has been a good deal of conversation over the past months about “…if X doesn’t happen or if Y does happen, I may not stay as a member.” Of course, we all have free will in that regard.
Here is my personal perspective as one of 382 members, however. I came here and have stayed engaged here for over 20 years because I see UCDSM as a sanctuary for liberal religious seekers…providing me and my family guidance on our spiritual journey, fellowship with like-minded folks, and opportunities for service in causes that matter. Equally important, I saw this church as a place where the contentious and combative features of modern life are toned down through right relations, tolerance for others, and a sense that we were seeking similar objectives.
If, as may be true based on my friends’ statement, our future direction and actions are based on the collective view that “disruption” is defined as a UU value we prioritize, then perhaps I am the one that will not fit as a member going forward. I want a place upholding the search for common ground not disruption. And, I might add, a place with patience and grace to volunteers struggling to provide leadership under intense pressure, all while balancing increased church work demands with their daily lives.
As we address our future we will need to engage in some difficult conversations. It is my hope we do so honestly and directly but in calm and respectful tones that help guide us to shared understanding and direction in the end.
Finally, I want to speak to one other concern. Let me be crystal clear about how to obtain factual information from and provide input to discussions about where we go from here to your board of trustees. The simplest and best is to talk to us directly. I will be among the board members here today, at this afternoon’s event, and some of us will be here every Sunday. We also will be planning occasional forums which will be publicized in the coming weeks.
Each Friday at noon the Intercom newsletter is sent to all members via email, and available on demand in print, and we will have updates there weekly. I was disappointed to hear that over this weekend there was speculation on social media about the ministerial transition decision WHICH WAS FULLY EXPLAINED in Friday’s Intercom AND in an all-member email sent Thursday night. PLEASE READ these communications religiously in the coming weeks. If you have questions you want addressed, forward them to the board via email or voice mail so they can be included in future congregational communications. Please note—social media is NOT the best way to either pose questions or provide feedback to your board members. It is not a venue we will plan to use for any detailed all-members communications. Please utilize the other options mentioned.
Thank you for letting me share my caution and concerns today as our work on the upcoming transitions now begins.
-- Greg Nichols
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Info on Responsible Behavior Policy
May 25, 2022
from Bill Brauch
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At the May 19 Board of Trustees Meeting, Rev. Shaw notified the Board that they, as Senior Minster, had appointed me to Chair a Committee to be formed pursuant to the Church’s Policy Regarding Responsible Behavior. A link to the Policy is below. The Policy was adopted in 1997. The Policy applies to “disruptive behavior of an individual” and explicitly addresses situations, “[w]hen any person’s physical and/or emotional well-being or freedom to safely express his or her beliefs or opinions is threatened…” Soon, the Committee will form, will determine a process to follow, and then will learn about situations which gave rise to Rev. Amy triggering the Policy. I’m very pleased our church has such a policy, as protecting those who come within our walls or visit us virtually is vital.
Note that the focus of the Policy is the conduct of individuals. Since Amy’s announcement, some members have questioned what gave rise to triggering the policy as they weren’t aware of any such incidents. Personal interactions are not necessarily conducted out in the open and folks don’t always talk publicly about what they’ve experienced. Rather, they may take it to the Senior Minister, and that is not only their right but, in many cases, may have been the right thing to do under the circumstances.
But because the focus is on individual conduct, it doesn’t appear that a Committee created under this Policy is the best venue for addressing systemic issues within the church. Rather, that may be best left to those we elected to represent us in conducting the business of this Church – the Board of Trustees. I can tell you that this Committee will strive to be as transparent as we possibly can be, but we must also be able to honor requests for confidentiality from those who may bring matters to our attention. I am certain we will, to the greatest extent possible, strive to resolve any interpersonal disputes through mediation and agreement. The Committee will move carefully and deliberately as it performs its role. We will appreciate your support and patience. I am happy to visit with anyone regarding this.
Bill Brauch
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Countdown to Lift Off!
from Al Powers
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The last day the old lift will be in service is Memorial Day. Removal of the old lift will start later that week, with the installation of the new one the following week. The lift will not be available from May 31 – July 1, 2022. |
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What’s new with the Kitchen Project?
from the Kitchen Project Committee
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Ann Mowery and the KP team have been busy working behind the scenes, researching equipment, studying cabinet options and rethinking the kitchen flooring. Here is her update.
The appliances (induction stove tops, double oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher) are on order. See below for details on the stove tops.
The asbestos and tile flooring was removed. The Aesthetics Committee is reviewing potential floor surfaces after finding out the flaws of using polished concrete, our original plan. Durability and environmental impact are our chief concerns.
Aesthetics is also securing bids on cabinetry by May 27. We want durable cabinets that can be delivered by August or September.
The architect and the Construction Committee are working together to complete plans and specifications. We are in the beginning stages of contracting with Waldinger to build the grease trap (interceptor). The scope of work is nearly complete to begin getting bids from a general contractor, who will do the construction as well as oversee electrical, plumbing and masonry.
Stop by and take a look at our bare bones kitchen and take note of the cracks in the concrete floor. Have questions? Look for this sign on Sunday mornings
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To learn about the induction stove top selected for the new kitchen, click here.
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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.
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For a full list of upcoming meetings and events, please visit our church calendar. |
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First Unitarian Humanist Update
from First Unitarian Humanists
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Book Group
You’re invited to join the Humanist book group on the first and third Sunday of each month. We are currently reading Sapiens, A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. We will cover chapters 9 and 10 on June 5, followed by chapters 11 and 12 on June 19. The book group meets at the church at 11:00 AM. Everyone is invited, either in person or via Zoom!
AHA Annual Conference
The American Humanist Association annual conference will be held June 24-26. There are a number of excellent speakers lined up, including author Andrew Seidel and several who will address the issue of separation of church and state. Our group will be watching the activities on Saturday, June 25, at the Stine Barn. More details will be coming, but mark your calendar now for this event.
IAF/Humanist Society meeting
There will be a joint meeting of the Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers and the Humanist Society of Iowa on July 17 at the Stine Barn, starting at noon. There will be a guest speaker. More info to follow.
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If you wish to add your meeting or event to our calendar, please contact: calendar@ucdsm.org
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Statement from Greg Nichols, President of the Board of Trustees
First Unitarian Church, Des Moines
May 20, 2022
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It is my duty as President of the Board of Trustees to announce today that the board and Rev. Amy Petrie Shaw concur in the decision that their call to serve as our Senior Minister will end July 31, 2022.
Rev. Shaw was called in 2019 to a senior minister position, one which under UUA guidelines for churches of our size call for a full-time associate or assistant minister alongside the senior minister. Our financial resources within the operating budget, primarily funded by member pledges, could not sustain that second position and it was ended shortly after Rev. Shaw arrived. They were very clear with the Board that would, if sustained over time, limit their ability to meet all our collective expectations…and was likely not sustainable for them personally for an extended period.
In recent months, board leadership and Rev. Shaw have discussed the future prospect of addressing our ability to support a second ministerial position as we move into planning and implementing more robust programming than we have provided through the pandemic. Our shared conclusion is that obtaining the financial resources to fill such a position is not on the horizon at present, and therefore it was in our mutual interest to make a change…or time to push the reset button…for both the senior minister and the congregation.
On behalf of the board, I want to thank Rev. Shaw for their service to this congregation. They barely had their feet on the ground before we went into pandemic mode and yet were able to help us get up and running with virtual Sunday services, and transitions to multiplatform delivery of other programs and services that will serve members with difficulties attending in person for years to come. Their engagement and support for some of our new ventures such as the Music and Arts event, and the Trans Fest are also important and sustainable additions to our congregational life activities. Their knowledge and teaching skills, particularly relating to multiple faith traditions and rituals have provided great learning opportunities for us all, whether in a class setting or Sunday and holiday services. Thank you, Rev. Amy, for all those and other contributions unspoken in my comments today.
So, what lies ahead?
We will have Rev. Shaw in the pulpit for the last time on June 12. They will be working with the board on transition issues, and engaging with the UUA GA through much of June, then taking most of July as accrued personal leave and study time.
Meanwhile, the board will continue work already begun this week to seek ministerial options for the coming church year through the UUA processes where interim ministers can be found. The nationwide interim process has been underway for some time already and we will be playing catch up in seeking an individual to assist us in the transitional year we have ahead. We will be providing more details on this in the days and weeks ahead as they become known to us.
To be candid this also means that instead of work on long term planning, programming and oversight issues we will necessarily be spending a great deal of time on this immediate need. I ask the congregation to be patient and understanding that this matter must take precedence in our work just now, important as other issues for the longer term clearly are.
This also highlights the need, once we resolve the interim minister question, to determine how best to address the presenting issue of our size and our expectations exceeding our collective commitment to provide the resources needed to staff at recommended levels. But that will be down the road from what we need to do right now.
It will be an interesting year. Let’s embark on it in a spirit of covenantal relations, human understanding, and a shared desire to move forward…together.
--Greg Nichols
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Statement from Rev. Amy Petrie Shaw, Senior Minister
First Unitarian Church, Des Moines
May 20, 2022
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To the Congregation of the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines:
After a full year of deep and mindful discernment, and repeated discussion with Board Leadership, I intend to end my call at UCDSM effective July 31st, 2022. The Board and I agree that this is an expected and appropriate course of action at this time.
I was called to the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines in 2019, and my call was as a Senior Minister supported by a full-time Associate Minister. This staffing ratio was appropriate for a congregation this size and reflected the needs of the governance structure. I took this call, in part, in order to work in a multi-minister environment.
Unfortunately, the financial situation of the church required the almost immediate removal of the second minister’s position. At the time I was direct in telling the Board and congregation that the loss of the second position could be accommodated for one year, and probably, more poorly, for a second year, but that a third year or beyond was not possible while meeting congregational expectations.
Because the pandemic and accompanying building shut-down happened eight months into the first year of our shared ministry, the church was able to go forward longer than expected with one minister, but as we look toward another year of solo ministry, and a full return to in-person events and meetings, I am, sadly, unable to continue in this position which does not reflect the nature of my original call.
Thank you to everyone who did so much to support and sustain both my ministry and the various ministries of the church; you are amazing.
For the next four weeks, I will be wrapping up and transitioning my workflows, and my last day in the pulpit will be June 12th. I will begin vacation on June 14th. My last day as called minister will be August 2nd and I will be available for emergencies from June 14th until then.
May your journey be wonderous.
Warmly,
Amy
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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."
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Faith in Action Nominees
from the Faith in Action Coordinating Team
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Four nonprofit organizations serving our community will be on the ballot at our annual meeting on June 5, 2022. Two organizations will be selected by the congregation membership; each will receive one-fourth of the Sunday collection for the next church year. The nominees are as follows:
Al Exito
Al Exito’s mission is to accelerate Latinix youth’s academic achievement and leadership capacity through transformative opportunities for youth and their families to fully participate and thrive in Iowa’s communities. Their vision is to advance Iowa’s prosperity through Latinx excellence. Learn more at alexitoIowa.org.
Champion: Gene McCracken
Hawthorne Hills
The mission is to establish and operate housing programs for homeless families with children that help them obtain permanent housing and provides services to help families achieve economic self-sufficiency. Learn more at hawthorn-hill.org.
Champion: Sally Boeckholt
Let’s Talk
AMOS Let’s Talk was formed to address the school to prison pipeline for students of color. A mediation group was formed to address the fact that students of color in Des Moines and across the nation are disproportionately suspended and referred to the Juvenile Justice System.
Champion: Ellen Taylor
Just Voices
Just Voices is a movement about speaking truth and seeking justice by raising the voices of Black people who have experienced racially-biased policing in Des Moines. Seven values form the platform which educates, advocates, and collaborates in order to end racially-biased policing in Iowa.
Champion: Harvey Harrison
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Faith in Action Partners
Knock and Drop | Just Voices
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Our current partnerships run from September 2021 through August 2022. They were selected by our members at our June 2021 annual meeting. The organizations are: |
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Our Champion is Gene McCracken
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Our Champion is Harvey Harrison
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Staff Office Hours & Contact Info |
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Rev. Amy Petrie Shaw, Senior Minister
Sunday: Service 9:30-10:30, 11am-2pm by appointment
Monday: Sabbath
Tuesday: 11am-5pm
Wednesday: 11am-1pm and 3pm to 5pm (1-3pm slot is available for drop-in visits)
Thursday: 11am-5pm
Friday: Writing Day
Saturday: By appointment
Alice J. Stewart, Director of Finance and Administration
515-244-8603 ext. 101
Mondays: by appointment
Tuesdays – Thursdays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fridays: by appointment
Zoom meetings available on request
Devon McClurken, Director of Faith Formation
Off Mondays
Tuesday-Friday, Sunday: by appointment
Emily Petty, Communications Coordinator
515-244-8603 ext. 103
Off Mondays
Tuesday-Friday, Sunday: by appointment
Hannah Notch, Social Media and Executive Support Specialist
Tuesday - Friday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
To have an event or meeting added to the church calendar, email Hannah at calendar@ucdsm.org
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Intercom Weekly Submissions
Deadline: Wednesday @ 12 noon
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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.)
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Text "UCDSM APP" to 77977 or toll free (833) 816-9022
to download our app
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