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A Unitarian Universalist Church | 1800 Bell Ave. Des Moines, IA 50315
P: 515-244-8603
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This Sunday, September 10, 2023 | |
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Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss
with Reverend Meredith Garmon
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Reverend Garmon will be leading Sunday services now, starting with talking about the boss, our mission. It's a line from a song by The Who -- but who is the "boss" of a congregation? It's not the members -- and it's certainly not the minister.
Join the live service on Zoom!
Zoom Passcode: Safford
(Please mute your mic before the service begins!)
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Water Communion
This Sunday is our annual Water Communion Service. At this time of year, we gather together with a new minister, new programs, and members and friends both new and old. The water we bring and share represents where we come from, and where we are going together.
As is our custom, bring water with you to represent where you've been, where you are, or where you're going. And if you don't have water to bring, don't worry! We will have water available for people to share in the ritual.
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Forum:
Creating a Unitarian Universalist Human, Environmental Rights, and Labor Movement for Change
Charlie Wishman and Jan Corderman will share their wisdom and expertise advocating for human, environmental and labor rights. Charlie is the current President of the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. Jan is Past President of IOWA American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and currently an active member of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). After hearing their stories, Linda Lemons will facilitate a conversation focused on how UUs can join their narrative and efforts for change.
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~11:00 a.m. in Griffin Hall & separate discussion via Zoom (Passcode: Griffin)
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Joys & Sorrows for Sunday should be submitted by noon on Wednesday.
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
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Please share your condolences with Linda Krypel, whose daughter, Kristina Galle of Johnston, Iowa, died on August 27, 2023, from a brain stem tumor. Linda was a major caregiver for her daughter for the past couple of years. Visitation will be held Friday, September 8 from be 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road in Des Moines.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, September 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 5201 Urbandale Avenue in Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Unitarian Church or Grace Lutheran Church, both in Des Moines. A full obituary can be found at Iles Funeral Homes.
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Pastoral Care: September 10 | |
Ellen Taylor is the Pastoral Care Associate available for this service time. Please email pastoralcareteam@ucdsm.org for assistance during the week. | |
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A BIG thank you to those members that have helped to keep the church clean:
- Sue Beachem
- Jeremy, Sarah, Elle and Penny Guenther
- Sue Huber
- Sarah Letournea and Natalie Mason
- Crystal Loving
- Barb Martin
- Jon Royal
- David Wittke
- Oge Nnadi
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Join the Clean Team!
Due to budget constraints, it's up to us to clean the church. Please sign up to help clean the church on Saturday mornings.
Doughnuts will be involved.
Sign up here!
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
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Brunch With Pagans
Saturday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m.
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Join Sacred Bridges CUUPS for a unique and enlightening experience! Brunch with Pagans.
Date: September, 9th 2023
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Smokey Row, 1910 Cottage Grove, Des Moines IA.
We have reserved the meeting room that is located on the right when entering from the south entrance.
Connect with your local pagan community, share stories, and enjoy a delightful brunch together. Whether you're curious about paganism or have been practicing for years, this event promises engaging conversations and a chance to make new connections.
Spread the word and invite your friends to this open-minded and inclusive gathering. Let's come together to celebrate diversity, spirituality, and the beauty of nature. See you there!
Event Link: https://fb.me/e/4myOQC8Re
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Zac Bailey's Military Ceremony
Saturday, September 9 at 11:00 a.m.
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First Unitarian member Zac Bailey, a member of the Army Reserves, has been selected to be a Lieutenant Colonel. He will be having his promotion ceremony at the church on Saturday, September 9 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow.
You are cordially invited.
Please view your invitation and RSVP here. Please RSVP by September 6. You may also RSVP or ask any questions of Zac at RSVP@ucdsm.org.
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FFF: Bingo, Brats, & Brownies
Saturday, September 9 at 6:00 p.m.
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Looking for your next Fellowship, Food, and Fun event?
Let me make a (basket) case for Bingo, Brats, & Brownies on Saturday, September 9, at 6:00 p.m. in Griffin Hall.
We will serve brats, potato chips, and brownies. Then we’ll play bingo until all the prizes are gone.
Prizes will consist of a number of baskets; all sporting a theme and filled with interesting stuff. There will be baskets for both adults and children to choose from.
Adults $15, Age 5-12 $5, Family Max $35, 4 & Under Free
Photo by Alejandro Garay on Unsplash
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Play Reading & Potluck Kickoff
Sunday, September 10 at 5:00 p.m.
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Play reading can be fun, a way to meet new people and lead to meaningful discussions.
Please join us at the church Sunday, September 10th at 5:00 p.m in Griffin Hall for a potluck.
Bring a dish to share, your own beverage, YOUR OWN TABLE SERVICE (plates. glasses, silverware not provided/****we have no interest in doing dishes!!****) Don't forget your calendar to sign up to participate as the director for the month! A short play, "Time Flies," will be performed by Barb and Bruce Martin and Karen Person.
Contact Barb Glass at playreading@ucdsm.org to sign up or ask questions.
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Start-Up Weekend
September 15 - 16, 2023
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Mark your calendar! Bring a dish! Celebrate!
Friday, September 15th - All Congregation
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6:00 p.m.: Potluck
- 6:45 - 7:00 p.m.: Gathering and Centering
- 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.: Telling our Story
Saturday, September 16th - Leaders
- 9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Gathering & Programming
To help a congregation and its new minister get off to a solid beginning together, our MidAmerica Region offers to facilitate a “Start-Up Weekend” program.
David Pyle (the Regional Lead and a Congregational Life Consultant with the MidAmerica Regional staff) will be with us on Friday evening, September 15th, and all day Saturday, September 16th.
Friday evening, David will be leading an all-congregation workshop. All members and friends are cordially invited to come and participate. Please sign up to help set up, clean up, and bring something to share.
The Saturday events are intended to be more focused. There’s a morning workshop for all leaders (“anyone who identifies themselves as a leader in the congregation,” as David put it), and an afternoon workshop is for just the board and minister.
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mUUvie Discussion Group
Saturday, September 16th (Time TBD)
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Please join the mUUvie discussion group for an outing on Saturday, September 16th!
We will watch the movie "Cassandro" at the Varsity Theater, then meet at the Drake Diner afterward for food and discussion. "Casandro" follows the true story of the "exotico" character created by Saul Armendariz, a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso who rose to international stardom.
The Varsity theater is at 1207 25th St., Des Moines. The Drake Diner is one block away at 1111 25th St.
The movie time will be posted in the Intercom and First UU Facebook page when available.
Contact muuvie@ucdsm.org to RSVP and to ask any questions.
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Mabon Potluck Picnic & Donation Drive
Sunday, September 17th at 1:00 p.m.
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Embrace the spirit of Mabon with Sacred Bridges CUUPS!
Join our special gathering on September 17th from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., hosted on the serene patio of the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines.
It's not just a picnic, it's a potluck picnic! Bring your favorite autumn dishes to share as we celebrate the bountiful harvest season together. From delicious recipes to heartwarming conversations, this event promises an afternoon of joy and connection.
Let's also make a positive impact on our community by collecting donations for the local food bank. Your contributions, no matter how big or small, can make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Spread the word, invite your friends and family, and let's make this Mabon celebration an unforgettable one!
Event Link: https://fb.me/e/3jlozRjQF
Most Needed Items:
- Protein (peanut butter, canned meat, canned fish)
- Canned fruits
- Canned vegetables
- Canned soup
- Pasta Sauce
- Breakfast items (including cereal)
- 100% fruit juice
- Personal care and paper items (soap, deodorant, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products etc.)
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First Unitarian Humanist Update | |
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**Book Group**
The Humanist book group will return to our fall schedule at 12:00 noon on Sept. 17th, right after the forum. You can join in person at the church or via Zoom at https://humanistsocietyofiowa.org/bookclubzoom/. We will be discussing chapters 14 and 15 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, September 9th; starting at 2:00 PM at the Stine Barn in West Des Moines. We will watch and discuss two or three more episodes of James Burke's Connections series - a look at how various discoveries, scientific achievements, and world events are tied together. Send a note to bookclub@humanistsocietyofiowa.org for more information. Bring a snack to share with the group. Water and soft drinks will be available.
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Unity Circle
Thursday, September 21st at 12:00 p.m.
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We will be meeting Thursday, September 21st, at noon for lunch.
Alice Stewart (Director of Finance & Administration) and Birch Spick (Faith Formation & Congregational Life Coordinator) will be personally guiding us through logging in and exploring a few of the most useful parts of Realm for Unity Circle.
- Bring your laptop, tablet, or other device.
- You will need to be able to access the internet and our email.
- We have free Wi-Fi.
Please bring a dish to share, and your own table service and a cup for your beverage.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
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Sacred Bridges CUUPS: Quarterly Bake Sale Fundraiser
Sunday, September 24th at 10:30 a.m.
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Indulge in the goodness of our upcoming event! Join us for a quarterly bake sale fundraiser hosted by Sacred Bridges CUUPS.
Let's unite to gather funds for rituals, classes, and thrilling events. Mark your calendar: September 24th, 2023, at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines. Catch us during the post-service coffee hour from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. To contribute a delectable baked item, simply complete the Google form. Your incredible support truly makes a difference!
Google Form: https://forms.gle/KjLXScWxdZTJ1pXE9
Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/aJ8npI1zh
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Astrological Alchemy 101
Meet Your Big 3
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Saturdays, September 2nd, 9th, and 16th beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Join Sacred Bridges CUUPS for an enchanting journey through Astrological Alchemy 101! In this captivating three-part series, we'll unravel the mysteries of your "Big 3" astrological components – discovering their profound significance and guiding you to locate them within your birth chart.
In week two, we delve into the art of synthesis and empower you to connect with Your Personal Element, unveiling a deeper understanding of your cosmic essence.
Returning for the grand finale in week three, we unveil the secrets of integrating these cosmic insights into your daily existence, unlocking maximum benefits and holistic wellness.
Mark your calendars and secure your spot for all three celestial sessions – a transformative experience that promises to illuminate your path.
Continue Reading...
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Building Team Work Day Rescheduled
Saturday, October 7th at 8:30 a.m.
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Join us Saturday, October 7th between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for another fruitful day of tidying up the church. There are plenty of little jobs that need doing, and there's something for every skill level. Come join the fun! | |
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Beginning September
Connection Circles are a way of connecting with one another in deep and meaningful ways. Groups of 8-10 people gather once a month to engage with a different spiritual theme through reflection, practice, deep listening, and open-hearted sharing. Sacred practices of listening — to each other, the world, and our deepest selves — add up to a more intentional and authentic life. It’s a journey back to connection, and ultimately a journey back home.
Learn more here and register for your Connection Circle here.
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Don't forget to sign up for the classes offered by our Adult Programming Council this autumn!
The Wi$dom Path: Money, Spirit, & Life
Comprises twelve 90-minute workshops, arranged around three themes: Money and Self; Money and Society; and Money, Spirit, and Life. Participants build awareness of their own “money story” and explore their own attitudes and experiences with money.
This free course meets in-person at First Unitarian Church each Tuesday,
7:00 – 8:45 p.m. Starts September 12, ending December 12, 2023.
Read more
Led by Heidi Lackmann and Amanda Kruse.
Register here.
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Family Promise Hosting Fall '23 | |
Help us feed, entertain, transport, and house 3 families on-site in our church for two weeks as they secure housing, September 24-October 8. A variety of positions are available, including providing meals, evening host, overnight host, van driver, setup, takedown, and laundry. First-time hosts and drivers must complete a background check process. Sign up early if you are new and prefer either of those positions.
Sign up here!
Unable to volunteer, but want to support the program? Funds are always welcome to cover background check costs, purchase of special supplies and miscellaneous needs of the families. Use the Giving link on the website or send a check to the church deignated for Family Promise. Thanks!
Also, I am happy to announce that Lori Emison Clair has joined me as a co-coordinator for Family Promise! Thanks, Lori!
Contact Elaine Imlau or Lori Emison Clair at familypromise@ucdsm.org.
Thank you for your consideration!
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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.
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.
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For a full list of upcoming meetings and events, please visit our church calendar. | |
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Griffin Gallery Artist
Kyle Beargeon
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Kyle Beargeon is an Indianola artist who paints on canvas and also on glass (windows of various sizes and types). These two approaches to painting incorporate opposite approaches, one (canvas) starting with the background, the other (glass) starting with the foreground.
He is always learning and growing, using these antithetical methods and usually working on five or six paintings at a time.
Learn more here.
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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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New Faith in Action Partners
Families Forward | Let's Talk
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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.
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Staff Office Hours & Contact Info | |
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Rev. Meredith Garmon, Interim Minister
mgarmon@ucdsm.org
515-244-8603 ext. 102
cell: 352-682-8492
Alice J. Stewart, Director of Finance & 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. 103
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Intercom Weekly is sent out to our mailing list on Friday at 12:00 p.m.
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We run announcements for no more than three consecutive weeks, so please plan accordingly.
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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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