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

P: 515-244-8603

Merit

with Reverend Garmon

Some of the inequities in our meritocracy might be fixable. But even a perfect meritocracy would still be problematic. But what alternative might there be?

Join the live service on Zoom!

Zoom Passcode: Safford

(Please mute your mic before the service begins!)



Zoom may not be available.

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.

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

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.

NEWS THIS WEEK

Sacred Bridges CUUPS: New Moon Magick Zoom

Friday, February 9th at 7:00 p.m.

Join Sacred Bridges CUUPS for some (virtual) New Moon Magick!

The New Moon invites us to set intentions, to welcome spaciousness, and to take time to reflect and plan. Each New Moon has its own energies, but all of them are powerful times to set in motion all the things we wish to bring to our lives. A powerful technique for bringing our intentions to life is to gather together to speak them outloud, share them, and build collective power and will behind them.

This New Moon, coming so soon after the Sabbat of Imbolc/Brighid, is a wonderful time to set any goals you might have for your spiritual or creative practice in the coming year. Whether it’s learning to work with a new divination tool, reading more books, writing regularly, or simply taking time to tune into the Earth, you can use the energy of this New Moon to help you along.

What to Bring:

Your heart and soul, wide open

Your journal or something to write on and with

Any items to create a sacred space for yourself (candles, incense, stones)

Any items that will help you be comfortable during a guided meditation

About Your Facilitator:

Susan Harper, PhD, is an educator, activist, advocate, priestess, tarot reader, and ritualist living in Gilbert, IA. She has been practicing Goddess based spirituality for over 30 years and facilitating ritual and transformational spaces just about as long. She holds a PhD in Cultural Anthropology from Southern Methodist University and an MA in Multicultural Women’s and Gender Studies from Texas Woman’s University. Susan is passionate about making spirituality accessible, practical, and personal. Her workshops and rituals focus on using spiritual information and techniques to facilitate transformation in our personal lives. She seeks to help people equip themselves with skills and tools that will aid their continuous growth. Susan has over three decades’ worth of experience with Feminist Spirituality, Wicca and other forms of Paganism, energetic healing modalities, Tarot, ecstatic movement, and other transformative practices.

RSVP HERE FOR ZOOM INFO

Emergency Afghan Refugee Family Hosting

Urgent - Help Needed

The Family Promise team and the Immigration team have answered an emergency call from Dorsey & Whitney law firm for emergency housing and meal support for an Afghan family that was to arrive last night (midnight Thursday) by way of Islamabad and Miami in the last 48 hours. Please help us welcome the family: mother-Bibi Shahida Nasiri-age 38, six sons-Sohail Ahmad-17, Mohammad Sulaiman-16, Mohammad Abbas-14, Mohammad Yousuf-13, Mohammed Mustafa-10, Rashid Khan-6 and daughter-Eknoor-3. The father is still back Pakistan at this time. The family will be staying in our lower level as did Family Promise families for the next week. Along with the Dorsey & Whitney law firm and Afghan Partners of Iowa we will be providing meals and other support as needed for the next week. Please watch for a Signup Genius link via email and the church Facebook page to see how you can help.

First Unitarian Humanist Update

**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, February 10, at 10:00 AM when the topic will be Emigration Policy. Contact Al Powers or send a note to info@humanistsocietyofiowa.org for more information.

Sacred Bridges CUUPS: Brunch With Pagans

Saturday, February 10th from 11:00-2:00 p.m.

Join us for an enchanting gathering at First Unitarian Church of Des Moines – it's time for our monthly Brunch With Pagans! The lovely Shannon Mitchell will be making a brunch menu. Please bring light snacks or desserts etc. to share!

Date: Feb 10th

Time: 11am-2pm

Location: First Unitarian Church of Des Moines - 1800 Bell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315 - Griffin Hall

Indulge in delectable brunch delights and connect with fellow pagans in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our private meeting room provides the perfect setting for engaging discussions, making new friends, and strengthening the bonds of our community.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your spiritual journey, all are welcome to share experiences, knowledge, and stories. It's a chance to exchange ideas and perspectives, celebrate our shared beliefs, and foster a sense of togetherness.

We look forward to seeing both familiar faces and new ones at this special event. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of this magical gathering.

RSVP HERE

mUUvie Discussion Group

Saturday, February 10th from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Please join us in Room 107 to watch and discuss "Four Daughters."

"Olfa is the mother of four daughters in Tunisia. One day her two older daughters disappear. To fill the void left, film director Kaouther Ben Hania invites professional actresses and brings the viewer closer to the life stories of Olfa and her daughters. The film mixes documentary and fiction."

Popcorn will be provided; bring your own drink.

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

UU Women's Lunch Brunch

Saturday, February 13th at 11:30 a.m.

All UU (and UU-interested) women are welcome to join the monthly gathering of the UU Women’s Lunch Bunch (2nd Tuesday of every month at 11:30).

There’s always good food and lively conversation.

Please be sure to RSVP (reservation is required) by the Saturday morning before the luncheon if you plan to attend: womenslunch@ucdsm.org or contact Barb Glass.

When: Tuesday, February 13, 2024: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Where: Fire Creek Grill, 800 S 50th St STE 110, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Submissions to the Intercom Weekly are due on Wednesday at 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!

Endowment Helps Fund a Mini-Forest

The Endowment Committee has approved a Green Sanctuary Group’s proposal for a REACH grant to help create Iowa’s first Mini-Forest.

A Mini-Forest is a fast-growing forest that has been densely planted with native species in a small, tennis court sized area. Based on research by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki in the 1970’s, Mini-Forests around the world and across North American have produced significant environmental impacts. More biodiverse than forests planted by conventional methods, they store large amounts of carbon, help reduce runoff and erosion, and improve air quality. They provide habitat for wildlife, particularly birds and beneficial insects, and important sites for environmental education and research.

The Green Sanctuary Group is looking for volunteers, particularly to help with planting in early May. Sign up here. You can also contribute financially by going to Realm/Giving/Give and selecting “Mini-Forest.”

Circle Suppers - New Launch!

Complete by Monday, February 12th

Join our launch of the latest round of Circle Suppers. Each wonderful gathering of 8 congenial First Unitarian members and friends gives us an opportunity to meet folks we don't know that well. Each Circle rotates meetings amongst its members for about 4 months. You don't have to host to participate.

Please register by Monday, Feb. 12 at https://forms.gle/CgY9GQgtQaiifR5w9.

Make Your Voice Heard About Our New Relational Covenant

First Meeting on Saturday, February 24th

The Right Relations Team is hosting a meeting for all interested church members on Saturday, February 24, at 10:00 a.m. in Griffin Hall to seek your input on the draft church Relational Covenant. To succeed, our church Covenant will need buy-in from the membership. Please come on February 24 to let us know what you think. The draft Covenant is below, along with a link to the survey you may complete after reading the Covenant. Thank you! The Right Relations Team – Bill Brauch, Scott Emison Clair, Jeremy Guenther, Linda Lemons, Jean Rommes.

“As we gather together, ever mindful of the inherent worth and dignity of each and every one of us, we will: Be respectful and kind, valuing the gifts and individuality of all; Listen to each other with empathy and respect, and consider the impact of our own words; Be patient and understanding with each other; Speak with courage to address conflict; Provide a pathway for reconciliation when we fall short; Treat our Board, ministers, and staff with kindness and respect, and hold them accountable for responsible, transparent policies and outcomes; Let this covenant be the mending when the fabric of our congregation is torn.”

Complete the short survey: Covenant Survey

Childcare Needs Your Help!

Now Accepting Toy Donations

Thank you so much to everyone who has donated stuffed animals to childcare! Our kiddos appreciate you! We have many stuffed animals now and are still looking for baby dolls! A reminder that they need to be new or washed, and nothing super small! Please contact hnotch@ucdsm.org with any questions, or feel free to leave the toys on Hannah's desk in the office!

Who Do I Contact for...?

Please refer to the corresponding email based on your request or inquiry.

Financial Requests: director@ucdsm.org (monitored by a volunteer)

Pledge Requests: director@ucdsm.org (monitored by a volunteer)

Administrative Requests: mgarmon@ucdsm.org

Communication Requests: communications@ucdsm.org

Building Use Requests: hnotch@ucdsm.org

All Other Inquiries: mgarmon@ucdsm.org

Last to Use the Church? Lock Up!

The building has been left unlocked and the alarm left off several times over the last two months. When you leave the building, make sure there is no one left, then lock and set the alarm. If you need instruction, or to brush up your knowledge, please contact the staff at OfficeStaff@ucdsm.org.

Together we can keep our beautiful building and its contents safe and secure.

Thank you!

Zoom Help Needed

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

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.

Patresa Hartman At Progressive Voices Concert Series

Saturday, February 17th, at 7:30 p.m.

PATRESA HARTMAN AT PROGRESSIVE VOICES CONCERT SERIES

Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.

Location: First Unitarian Church Auditorium

Questions: concerts@ucdsm.org

Music Video: The Falconer's Knot

Single Tickets: $22 Advance /$27 Door Season Tickets:4 Shows: $78, 6 Shows $117 Available online at Eventbrite. Tickets are also available in person at church after services the four Sundays before each concert.

Singer/songwriter Patresa Hartman, began sharing her music with others at an open mic in 2011, challenging her long-standing bout with stage fright to do so. Now, after more than a decade of performing, greeting hundreds of audiences, and making 2 full-length albums (with 1 more on the way), you can find her playing venues across the Midwest. Hartman calls her style soul-folk. A rich, blues voice serves as the vehicle for thoughtful, poetic lyrics. A percussive guitar player, Hartman's signature finger picking style is the rhythmic foundation for soulful melodies that hint at contemporary country and folk. But Hartman's roots in gospel and soul become apparent in her turns behind the piano.

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.

UU Coffeehouse Event

Saturday, February 24th from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Poets, Singers, Dancers, Storytellers, Mimes, Rappers! All are welcome to participate in the Winter UU Coffeehouse to be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 6 to 8 pm in Griffin Hall.

Come and enjoy the incredible talent of our UU members and friends. Mics and sound support will be provided. Feel free to bring a snack to share and your own beverage of choice.

Please contact Karen Kraemer at choir@ucdsm.org for more information or questions.

Women's Wednesdays

Wednesday, February 28th from 12:30-3:00 p.m.

Topics chosen by women, about women, discussed by women. Join us on the 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 – 3:00 p.m. Discussion
• Our next meeting will be February 28th.

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

Highlights from the January Board Meeting

The Board is seeking the congregation’s collaboration, feedback and questions for the ministerial search. Please join us at the forum/congregational discussion on February 4, 2024 from 11am–12:30pm to discuss the process for a settled minister search and a possible option for hiring a developmental minister.

Please join us for the next coffee with the Board on Sunday, February 4 at 8:30 AM. Our next Board meeting is Tuesday, February 20 at 6:00 PM; in-person or on Zoom.

Help Form First Unitarian's

Relational Covenant

Last May our Right Relations Team hosted a workshop led by Lisa Presley of the MidAmerica Region to begin the process of forming our first-ever church-wide relational covenant. During the workshop church members provided input on a series of questions Lisa posed in order to discern the explicit and implicit values, myths, and norms present in our congregation.

Following the workshop, the Right Relations Team considered workshop input and created an initial covenant draft, which appears below. The draft covenant reaches out not only to church members, but to all we encounter at First Unitarian.

This draft begins step two, the process of seeking your input. We have created a short survey form you can use to provide your thoughts and suggestions regarding the draft covenant: Covenant Survey

In addition, if you prefer a more “free-form” way to respond, simply send an e-mail with your comments: RRTeam@ucdsm.org

Read More Here

Preparing for UUA General Assembly

Love Unites, Stories Ignite

Our congregational delegates to General Assembly this year will be voting on Article II moving us from the language of Principles to Values and Covenants. For more information about Article II, please click here.

Our Connection Circle Meetings kicked off studying the theme of covenants and are now studying the values listed in the proposed Article II. To learn more about covenant and some past conversations that helped bring about the Proposed Article II, you can listen to "A Conversation on Covenant" Part 1 & 2 by clicking here.

Part 1 features members of the Article II Study Commission facilitating a conversation between Rev. Meredith Garmon, and two former presidents of the UUA, Rev. Bill Sinkford, and Dr. Susan Frederick Gray. They are discussing how covenant lies at the heart of our faith, and what it is we need to promise with each other now as we move forward in the 3rd decade of the 21st Century.

Part 2 features: Rev. Mykal Slack from BLUU and author of “Transforming Hearts,” Dandi Prinsloo from the DRUUM steering committee, Elizabeth Foster with EqUUal Access, and Juniper Meadows, former steering committee member for TRUUsT discussing how covenant figures in our ever-growing faith. Part 2 is an important webinar to watch as we discuss the theme of pluralism this month.

Please consider attending and/ or being a delegate for all virtual General Assembly 2024 on Thursday June 20 through Sunday June 23rd. To learn more about General Assembly and for links to register please click here.

Article Submitted by Linda Lemons

Trans Lives Fest 2024 Call for Participant Submissions

The Trans Lives Festival is looking for submissions for the 2024 festival! If you are interested or have any questions please email tag@ucdsm.org.

Pam Hibbs

Art Gallery Exhibit

Pam Hibbs is a Des Moines artist with a studio at MainFrame Studios. She received her BFA in painting and started raising a family, putting art on the back burner when tragedy struck. To help with the grief of losing a daughter, she started painting again where she was instantly drawn back into the emotive qualities of paint which allowed her to be honest with the canvas. Everyday she strives to keep moving forward, to be her best self, and to share her emotive paintings with the world.

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

Rev. Meredith Garmon, Interim Minister

mgarmon@ucdsm.org

515-244-8603 ext. 102

cell: 352-682-8492

Tracy Aukes, Church Administrator

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

Dylan Delagardelle, Audio-Visual Technician

dyland@ucdsm.org

Intercom Weekly Submissions

Deadline: Wednesday @ 12 noon

• 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.)

Please email communications@ucdsm.org to submit your information.