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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, November 12, 2023 | |
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Interdependence
with Rev. Garmon
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There's a national crisis in American trust in our institutions, our politics, and in one another. We need to commit to strengthening trust in both our country and in our congregation.
Join the live service on Zoom!
Zoom Passcode: Safford
(Please mute your mic before the service begins!)
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Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund | |
A speaker on behalf of the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund, one of this year’s Faith in Action Partners, will talk about the work of that organization. The Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund financially supports trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse Iowans as they access gender-affirming care. Learn more about how mutual aid works, the kinds of healthcare and other needs they support, how individual Iowans can access funds to help them seek it. | |
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Joys & Sorrows for Sunday should be submitted by noon on Wednesday.
Visit the Caring Community Webpage for the following options:
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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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Pastoral Care: November 12 | |
Ann Mowery is the Pastoral Care Associate available for this service time. Please email pastoralcareteam@ucdsm.org for assistance during the week. | |
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Children & Youth Programming
Every Sunday!
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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.
- High-school aged youth of visitors, friends, and members are welcome to join our youth group on Sunday nights 6:00-7:30PM.
- Have a middle-schooler (5th-8th Grade)? Our Faith Formation Coordinator wants to talk with you about we can nurture their spiritual and ethical growth.
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The Celebrant Team created a Google Form to streamline the process of getting Spotlight requests scheduled. Check it out! | |
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Bringing Economic Justice to the Justice System
Saturday, November 11th at 10:00 a.m.
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The Iowa UU Witness Action Network in collaboration with League of Women Voters of Metro Des Moines invite FUC members to attend a discussion on the recently completed LWV Iowa study “Bringing Economic Justice to the Justice System.” We will meet in Griffin Hall at 10:00 am Saturday, November 11th. All are welcome to attend and learn more about this effort to correct current practices that keep indigent people charged with a crime in jail because they cannot afford bail and then they are charged a fee for each day they are incarcerated. Come learn more about how possible solutions.
To join via Zoom, click here.
To view the article study, click here.
Questions? Contact Mary Ellen Miller.
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Celebration of Life
Saturday, November 11th at 1:00 p.m.
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Join us as we celebrate the life of Michael Lauer.
Location: First Unitarian Church
Details: Saturday, November 11 at 1:00 p.m.
Michael Joseph Lauer, 68, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from plasma cell leukemia. Michael was born January 16, 1955, in Farming, Minnesota, to Victor and Hildegard (Silvers) Lauer. At the age of 17, Michael learned the techniques of Transcendental Meditation and began a lifelong practice. The peace he gained through meditation changed his life, and he credited it for much of the gentleness and attention that characterized his relationships and interactions with the world.
Michael earned his master’s degree from Iowa State University, where he met Karen (Totemeier) Lauer, the love of his life. They were married on July 27, 1985, sharing love and partnership for over 38 years. Their great love, and the love they shared for the family they built together, was the center of his life.
Michael loved his family, near and far, above all else. He delighted in being a father and was the best dad we could ever imagine, showing love for his family every day through acts of service and kindness. He loved science fiction in every form, cooking his signature meals, and experiencing the natural world. He took care to notice the everyday joys and wonders of life and approached the world with intention, openness, and dedication.
Michael was a member of First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, where he was dedicated to the community and to pursuing a greater understanding of others. His love lasts forever in the lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Knock and Drop Iowa. The link can be found here.
Please find the full obituary here.
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Mean Mary:
Progressive Voices Concert
Saturday, November 11th at 7:30 p.m.
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Music Video: "Another Barefoot Day"
- Single Tickets: $22 Advance, $27 Door
- Season Tickets: 4 Shows for $78, 6 Shows for $117
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Available online at Eventbrite (https://pvconcerts.eventbrite.com/) or Sunday at church after services the 4 Sundays before each show.
Nashville-based “Mean Mary” James has been performing since she was a small child, even learning to read music before she learned to read books. Now her decades multi-genre music spanning 18 albums showcases an incredible vocal range and mastery of 11 instruments that will be sure wow you. More about Mean Mary at https://www.meanmary.com/
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.
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Goodbye McClurkens!
Sunday, November 12th
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Join us after service to wish all the best to Devon, Jean, and Olson McClurken, and thank them for their service as staff and lay-leaders before their move to Boston. We will serve cake during after-service hospitality.
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Unity Circle
Thursday, November 16th at 12:00 p.m.
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We will be meeting at noon on Thursday, November 16th for lunch and program.
Phil Roeder, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Des Moines Public Schools, will talk about changes in the Des Moines School system, the new superintendent, and future expectations.
Please bring a dish to share, your own table service, and a cup for your beverage.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
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mUUvie Discussion Group
Sunday, November 18th from 7:00-9:30 p.m.
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To celebrate the Great American Smoke-Out (and Thanksgiving), please join the mUUvie Discussion Group to watch and discuss "Cold Turkey", the 1971 Norman Lear-directed comedy/satire about a small Iowa town that tries to stop smoking for 30 days in order to receive $25M from an evil tobacco company. The movie stars Dick VanDyke and Bob Newhart, and was largely filmed in Winterset and Greenfield, IA.
We will meet in Room 107 at the church. Popcorn will be provided; bring your own drinks.
Reply here or contact muuvie@ucdsm.org to RSVP and to ask any questions!
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Fall Grounds Cleanup and Work Day
Saturday, November 18th from 9:00-1:00 p.m.
(Weather Permitting)
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When: Saturday, November 18, 2023, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (WEATHER PERMITTING)
Please join us to work on getting the church grounds ready for winter. We'll be concentrating on several main projects:
- Removing invasive vines and brush on the church property bordering Cassady Drive.
- Clearing leaves from the parking lots, walkways, and certain landscaped areas. (Leaves will be left until spring on some planted areas to provide winter cover for pollinators.)
- Clearing leaves, twigs, and acorns from the church roof.
- Mulching flower beds and the trail in the woods.
What to bring: Loppers, hand saws, hand clippers, leaf blowers, wheelbarrows
Wear: Work clothes including work gloves and sturdy boots or shoes.
Note: If the weather is not conducive, we will post an announcement on the church Facebook group that morning about cancelling the event. However, if temperatures will be above freezing and there is no precipitation, we will likely proceed.
Questions: Email grounds@ucdsm.org
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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 at https://humanistsocietyofiowa.org/bookclubzoom/. We will be discussing chapters 22 and 23 of The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself by Sean Carroll this Sunday, Nov. 19th.
** Iowa City Humanist Group **
The Iowa City UU Secular Humanists are meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Nov. 14th via Zoom for a discussion of Why We Believe in God(s): a concise guide to the science of faith. The book discusses both the physiology and psychology of the development of religious ideas. Join via Zoom.
** Now for some FUN **
Join the Humanist group for a professional magic show this Saturday, Nov. 11 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in West Des Moines . We will be meeting for an evening of fun and camaraderie. Plan to be there between 6:15 - 6:30 PM for the show, followed by drinks or dessert afterward. Contact treasurer@humanistsocietyofiowa.org for ticket information.
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Submissions to the Intercom Weekly are due on Wednesday at 12 noon.
Two ways to get your message across:
- Submit your Intercom Weekly article to communications@ucdsm.org.
- Want more of a "boost?" Select from an entire menu of communications using Our Events form! Staff LOVES to receive these forms!
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First Unitarian Music & Art Festival | |
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The team & I are excited to let you know that FUMAF was a great success!!
$3581 of income with no expenses!
We had wonderful participation in the event by artists, art donors, musicians, buyers and many volunteers!
- 18 First Unitarian artists from age 8 to age 100!
- Plus, these donors gave items from their collections - Eileen & Ron Bowerman, Linda Applegate, Harvey Harrison & Jean Tauber 10 singers & musicians performed
- We cross-promoted with Progressive Voices Concerts
- At least 25 volunteers gave their time to make the evening a success!
- 30 separate buyers bought one or more items
Here are the income reconciliation details - to go along with the cash & checks:
- $175 in cash reconciles with 4 'cash' transactions.
- $831 from 8 checks reconciles with the 12 'check' items in the spreadsheet.
- $2575 in CC paid transactions
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Caring Ministry Needs Volunteers | |
Help foster our caring community at Caring Ministry! Janice Hawkins coordinates these requests and is refreshing its list of volunteers to provide help to Congregants on an occasional basis. Examples of services include: giving rides to & from medical appointments & church, providing meals or household tasks and helping with a move. Please sign up (or sign up again) at ucdsm.org/caring-community/ or stop by the table in the Gathering Area on one of the next 3 Sundays ~ Nov. 12, 19 or 26. Share your caring!
If you have any questions, please contact Janice Hawkins by phone or email. Thank you!
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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
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Do you appreciate having a clean church?
If so, your help is needed in keeping the building clean. Every Saturday a crew of volunteers cleans the church. We will continue to clean the church until funds are available to hire cleaning staff.
Please sign up to help!
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Kitchen, Kitchen, Who's Got the Kitchen?
Inquiring Minds Would Like to Know!
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Our renovated kitchen is popular and that’s a good thing. As some of you know, the kitchen, like other rooms in our building, needs to be reserved by calling or emailing Hannah Notch, ext. 107, hnotch@ucdsm.org. The person making the reservation will be responsible for ensuring that the kitchen is left clean, neat, and ready for use. We do not have a custodial service, nor do the Saturday morning cleaning volunteers clean the kitchen. So it’s up to each user to clean up, neaten up and take out the garbage too!
If you have any questions or need help with knowing what to do, just ask one of the Kitchen Care Team: Kay Scott, Elaine Imlau, Fern Stewart, Kerry George, Jan Knock, Terry Meek, Shelly Kaldenberg, or Ann Mowery. You can contact us at kitchencommittee@ucdsm.org.
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Progressive Voices Concerts
NEW SEASON
Starting October 14, 2023
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The Progressive Voices Concert Series is returning for its 13th season at First Unitarian Church!
This season's lineup of nationally and internationally-touring singer-songwriters includes both some past favorites and new faces to our stage:
Jack Williams -- October 14, 2023, http://www.jackwilliamsmusic.com/
Mean Mary -- November 11, 2023, http://www.meanmary.com/
Rupert Wates -- December 16, 2023, http://rupertwatesmusic.com/
Triflemore -- February 17, 2024, http://www.triflemore.com/
The Honey Dewdrops -- April 13, 2024, http://www.thehoneydewdrops.com/
Annie Mack -- May 18, 2024, https://anniemackmusic.com/home
Where/When: All shows start at 7:30 p.m. in the First Unitarian Church auditorium.
Tickets:
- Single Tickets: $22 Advance /$27 Door
- Season Tickets:4 Shows: $78, 6 Shows $117
Tickets available soon online at www.eventbrite.com. Tickets are also available in person at church after services the four Sundays before each concert.
More information is also available online at www.ucdsm.org/concerts.
Email questions to concerts@ucdsm.org.
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FREESTORE DONATION DRIVE
Sunday, November 19th
Church Parking Lot
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The FREESTORE provides families with just about everything they need to start over in a new home. Please look through your house and see if there are items that are still in good condition that you could donate. Bring the items to the truck on Sunday, Nov. 19.
If you have larger items to donate, such as a bed, table, or couch, we will have people come pick it up at your home on Sunday afternoon. Please contact Mike Smith or email faithinaction@ucdsm.org and list your items, address and phone number.
Thank you!
link are all the goods that The Freestore can use.
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Women's Wednesdays
Wednesday, November 22nd from 12:30-3:00 p.m.
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Topics chosen by women, about women, discussed by women.
Join us on the second and 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 - 2:00 p.m. Discussion
Our next meeting will be December 13th.
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Thanksgiving Potluck
Sunday, November 26 from 10:30-12:30 p.m.
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Sacred Bridges CUUPS: Holiday Cards Writing Party
Saturday, December 2nd from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
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Join Sacred Bridges CUUPS on December 2nd for a heartwarming event! We'll be gathering in Griffin Hall from 1pm to 3pm to write holiday cards to incarcerated Pagans. All supplies and instructions will be provided. Let's spread some festive cheer and goodwill. Bring a snack to share if you would like too. | |
For a full list of upcoming meetings and events, please visit our church calendar. | |
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Please give to the Mary Campos Fund For Latinx student scholarships
Donations Due November 14th
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Fellow UUs: It is once again time for First Unitarian to lead the way in supporting the Mary Campos Scholarships for hard-working Latinx students.
Our Immigration Justice Committee and several individual congregation members are asking you to contribute, preferably now, but for sure before Nov. 14. To chip in, please go online to our designated First Unitarian page, using this link: https://mary-e-campos-scholarship-program-2023-cv-199.causevox.com/first-unitarian.
Read More
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First Unitarian Church of Des Moines
Bad Weather Closing Policy
Revised November 26, 2019
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Church Offices – The church offices will be officially closed when the Des Moines Public Schools cancel classes at all schools or dismisses schools 90 minutes early. Watch for local news media reports of DMPS closings.
If the office is not officially closed but you are uncomfortable with driving or unable to report to work due to the weather conditions, notify your supervisor by phone before your regular start time.
Church members will be notified through the Intercom Weekly of the office bad weather closing policy. A reminder will also be posted on the home page of the website from December 1 through March 31.
Read More
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Community Ministry and Minister at Our Congregation
One Earth Conservation
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 |  | Community Ministers are Unitarian Universalist ministers whose primary ministry is outside of the congregation, although they are affiliated with a congregation. It’s a two-way street where the minister supports the congregation’s mission and the congregation supports the minister’s specific work in the community. This work can be chaplaincy, counseling, community organizing, or work with nonprofits, (to name just a few). Our congregation now has a community minister, the Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner. She is a wildlife veterinarian, Unitarian Universalist minister, Certified Trainer in Nonviolent Communication, and Co-director of One Earth Conservation. She travels a great deal to the many projects her organization oversees currently in 7 Central and South American countries, and spends time writing and fulfilling leadership rolls wherever parrots and people interconnect. Currently the Board is refining a covenant with her and we hope to develop a formal policy for Community Ministry in the future. As the spouse of our Interim Ministers, Rev. Meredith Garmon, her time with us is limited to under two years, so she and UCDSM hope to make the best of our time together.
Read More
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Faith in Action Partners
Freestore | Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund
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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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