|
A Unitarian Universalist Church | 1800 Bell Ave. Des Moines, IA 50315
P: 515-244-8603
| |
This Sunday, February 5, 2023 | |
|
Imagine Abolition
with Rev. Victoria Safford
| |
|
Celebrant: Barb Martin
Pianist: Bruce Martin
Musician: Sawyer Evans
Song Leader: Sarah Guenther
A/V volunteer: Kent Newman
Pastoral Care: Gene McCracken
Hospitality Coord: Terry Meek
Join the live service on Zoom!
Zoom Passcode: Safford
(Please mute your mic before the service begins!)
| |
Forum: Polk County Sustainability
11:00 a.m. in Griffin Hall
& via Zoom (Passcode: Griffin)
---------------------
John Norris has worked at all levels of government, primarily in agriculture and energy. He served as the Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Minister Counselor for Agriculture at the UN, Chairman of the Iowa Utilities Board, Commissioner on the Federal Energy Commission (FERC), Chief of Staff to Governor Vilsack and Congressman Leonard Boswell, and State Chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party. He is currently serving as the Polk County Administrator. John will talk about Polk County’s goals and program directions in the area of renewables and the smart grid.
| |
|
Joys & Concerns for Sunday should be submitted by noon on Friday.
Click on the Caring Community webpage for the following options:
- Caring Ministry – for temporary assistance, such as meals or rides, or to volunteer
-
Please note: the Caring Ministry phone number is now
- 515-244-8603 ext. 108
- Pastoral Care – for support through a difficult time
| |
Pastoral Care: February 5 | |
Laura Berardi is the Pastoral Care Associate available for this service time. Please email pastoralcareteam@ucdsm.org for assistance during the week. | |
|
Help Us All Stay Safe and Healthy!
Thanks to all who have notified the church office about recent diagnoses of Covid 19, Flu and RSV. If you've been to a church event (on site or elsewhere) and learn later that you have a confirmed case, please let the church staff know. We will never share your name, but we will make every effort to let those present know that they may have been exposed. Please stay home if you have symptoms of these illnesses! While some cases can be mild or easily treated, others can be very serious, especially for elders or young children, sometimes requiring hospitalization and loss of work. Your Board of Trustees reviews the church's current masking protocol at every monthly Board meeting. For now our guidance is to stay home if you're sick and wear a mask if you feel vulnerable. Volunteers, staff and visitors in our Faith Formation classes for children are asked to wear masks in those spaces.
| |
|
NEWS THIS WEEK
This section holds events happening this week, as well as articles submitted in the past 7 days. Be sure to scroll down to read about other upcoming events, church news, and social justice efforts!g
| |
|
Interim Search Team Announced
from Reba Eagles, Board President
| |
|
After the board and members made suggestions, all those names were considered, and calls were made. Many who were contacted were unable to serve at this time. We are very fortunate that this Interim Search Team is comprised of long-time members and people who have had leadership roles before, as well as people currently in leadership. They are all compassionate, thoughtful, and represent many aspects of our congregation. What stands out to me is that each of these people has a strong commitment to First Unitarian, and all bring good skills to the table. They are Scott Clair, Crystal Loving, Elliott Nassif, Steve Herwig, Doug Aupperle, and Shelly Kaldenberg.
The team is taking some time to meet, get oriented, and determine their agenda and timeline. Soon after, a time will be announced when they will meet with the congregation to hear your comments and/or concerns.
| |
Board Discussion Re: Office Furnace Repair | |
There will be a Zoom-only meeting of the Board of Trustees on Monday, February 6, at 6 p.m. where we will be having a very brief discussion and vote on approving the expense of the badly needed new furnace to replace the one no longer working that serves the office area of our building. | |
From Rev. Victoria Safford | |
To view available appointment times with Rev. Victoria Safford, by phone or via Zoom, click here. | |
|
Join us in celebrating Florence Frette’s 100th Birthday with cake after the service on February 19. Florence will turn 100 this Valentine’s Day, February 14, and welcomes birthday cards. If you need her address, please contact the Congregational Life Coordinator, Birch Spick, at bspick@ucdsm.org.
| |
|
Looking Forward Together: RESCHEDULED!
Budget planning for FY24
| |
|
It’s time to dream about moving forward together in the year ahead! Join members of your Board of Trustees and Minister as we share an update on the early draft budget, and look forward to hearing your ideas, input, and dreams for the coming year. February 5 at 12:30 p.m. in person and on Zoom.
With questions, contact Reba Eagles, President at boardoftrustees@ucdsm.org, or Victoria Safford, Minister vsafford@ucdsm.org.
| |
|
Unity Circle will meet Thursday, February 16, at noon, first with a potluck, then with speaker Phil Roeder, communications director for the Des Moines Public Schools. This is a rescheduled event, making up for our snowed-out meeting in January.
Phil has agreed to come back and give the presentation missed last month. He will talk briefly about his photography exhibit hanging this month in Griffin Hall then talk about the Des Moines schools with questions afterwards. Everyone is welcome!
Please bring a dish to share, and your own table service and beverage. There's much to see in the kitchen, but it's not 'there' yet.
| |
|
Hate Has No Home Here
from the Social Justice Support Team
| |
|
The State of Iowa Legislature has proposed several bills that put our LGBTQIA friends, neighbors and loved ones in danger. Our community has been on the Side of Love for over 25 years as a Welcoming Congregation. Now is the time for CIS allies and those who would be directly affected by these multiple bills to come together! You're invited to a brainstorming session as we continue to discuss and begin to take action in the face of hate. We'll meet on Zoom on Saturday, February 7, from 10 to 11 a.m. Please join us with your ideas either in person in Griffin Hall or via Zoom - because hate has no home here.
Here is the Zoom link
Passcode: Griffin
Meeting ID: 431 804 9250
Click here to view a document of pending legislation.
| |
|
UUs: Time to Move Forward from Principles to Values & Covenants?
from IUUWAN
| |
|
In keeping with our UU faith of living tradition, ongoing transformation, the democratic process, and our ability to shape who we want to be in the world, the UUA created the Article II Study Commission to review Article II of the UUA Bylaws and to propose any revisions that would enable the UUA, member congregations, and covenanted communities to be a relevant and powerful force for spiritual and moral growth, healing, and justice.
Article II Study Commission Report
Delegates who attend the UUA General Assembly in June 2023 will vote on the proposed revision. To be adopted, the revision must pass with a majority vote in 2023 and a 2/3 vote in 2024.
Linda Lemons, a member of First Unitarian, and Reba Eagles, Board President, will host the Sunday Forum on February 19 to discuss the revision and share information on the Board of Trustees' appointment of delegates for General Assembly in 2023.
With questions regarding Article II and the report, please contact Linda Lemons.
With questions regarding delegate appointments, please contact Reba Eagles.
| |
|
Adult Programming Survey
from the Adult RE Committee
| |
We are looking for your view on the types of programming we should offer during 2023. Please let us know your views on possible programs and groups. This short survey asks for your interest in 12 new classes, the types of new groups we offer, and your preferred mode and schedule. Our survey is available now here. | |
Chairs – Free to a Good Home! | |
|
Click here to view a list of chairs available for free! Al Powers found them in the furnace room, and had the great idea to find them new homes.
Each list item features multiple matching chairs perfect for retro decor, classrooms, and DIY!
Please note that "Chair 4" is no longer available.
| |
|
Hood, Lights, Cabinets, Oh My!
from the Kitchen Project Committee
| |
|
Our contractors are moving fast these days, so don’t blink or you will miss seeing the progress. We now have lots of ceiling lights that brighten the kitchen along with the white primer on all the walls. Look up and you can also get a peek at the three new skylights.
The new fire suppression hood is up with its control cabinet located just south of the ovens (one of those pesky change orders the committee has had to deal with) and is awaiting our new induction stove tops. It may not look like much but this is a huge step forward given all the pieces that were required for its installation. There will be a wood cabinet just below the large control box than will hide the lower box and the electrical conduits.
The Memorial Committee wasted no time in claiming their new storage closet in Griffin Hall! There is now plenty of room for their table covers, dishes, and silver serving pieces.
Thanks to our tireless project Chair Ann Mowery for these photos.
Save the Date! A formal dedication and donor recognition program is planned for Sunday, May 7, immediately following the morning service. A delicious brunch will be available after a special dedication ceremony led by Rev. Victoria. You won’t want to miss the unveiling of the Donor Recognition installation.
Volunteer Needed. We are looking for someone(s) to compile all these Intercom updates and photos into an album for display at the May 7 celebration. Any creative cut-and-paste artistic types interested? Reach out to Mary Ellen Miller.
Check out more photos and our past announcements on the KP webpage!
| |
|
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.
| |
For a full list of upcoming meetings and events, please visit our church calendar. | |
|
Please join us for a discussion about Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio.
"A father's wish magically brings a wooden boy to life in Italy, giving him a chance to care for the child. However, the two of them have to struggle to find a place for themselves as Italy becomes embroiled in fascism."
1. Watch the movie on Netflix. (If you don't have access to Netflix, contact muuvie@ucdsm.org, and we will arrange a viewing. Due to licensing laws, we cannot show it at the church.)
2. Meet in the lower gathering area at the church at 7 p.m. on February 5 for a discussion about the movie. Snacks will be provided.
RSVP to muuvie@ucdsm.org.
| |
First Unitarian Humanist Update | |
|
Book Group
The next meeting of the Humanist book group will be at noon on Sunday, February 5, to discuss chapters 11 and 12 of Cosmos by Carl Sagan. Everyone is invited to participate on the first and third Sunday of each month, either in person at the church (right after the forum) or via Zoom. There will also be a “watch party” on the afternoon of January 22 to view episodes from the original TV series. We will meet at the Stine Barn in West Des Moines, starting at 1:00 PM, with plans to watch two episodes. Email humanistsocietyofiowa.org if you have any questions or need directions to the Stine Barn.
We are looking for suggestions for our next book. Let us know if you have read something recently that you think would be good to discuss, or maybe you’ve just heard about one you would like to read.
Humanist Lobby Day
IAF and the Humanist of Linn County will be holding their annual secular lobby day on Monday, February 13, from 7:30 to noon - Reason on the Hill - at the Rotunda in the Capitol Building. The Humanist Society of Iowa will be joining them by setting up our own table and providing information. Reason on the Hill is an opportunity to visit with our state lawmakers and to make them aware that Humanists are here in the state of Iowa. Please email humanist@ucdsm.org if this is something you would be interested in attending.
| |
|
Awakening the Dreamer
a class hosted by Pachamama Alliance
| |
Time is running out for opportunities to stop and look at the challenging state of the world’s climate crisis, reflect on the changes needed, and clarify where you are being called to action. We invite you to be inspired by action and to join us in “Awakening the Dreamer,” a three-session exploratory experience being held from 1:30 to 3:00 PM on the following Sundays: February 5 & 19 & March 5.
Session 1: “Where Are We?” and “How Did We Get Here?”
Session 2: “What New Story is Emerging?” and “What is Possible Now?”
Session 3: “Where Do We Go from Here?”
Register for all 3 sessions here, and you will receive more information, including the zoom link. You are welcome to email us with any questions at PachamamaAlliance@gmail.com.
| | | |
Bake & Craft Sale!
from Sacred Bridges CUUPS
| |
|
Come join us after service during Coffee Hour at First Unitarian Church of Des Moines on February 12, 2023. We will be holding a bake and craft sale to fundraise for some items we need for our chapter. This is a good opportunity to buy something sweet for your sweetie!
Use this link to sign up!
Donate here! (Select CUUPS under the Fund tab).
View the full article at ucdsm.org.
| |
|
UU Board Game Night
Saturday, Feb. 18, 6-10 p.m.
| |
Whether you like casual games such as Scrabble or prefer complex strategy games, please join fellow UU friends in Griffin Hall for a night of tasty snacks, good food, and fun games. Bring your favorite game as well as any beverages or snacks you might want to share.
Contact gamenight@ucdsm.org with any questions!
| |
|
REACH Grant
Applications Available for 2023
| |
|
It’s a new year and a new opportunity to share your ideas for Radical Engagements And Creative Happenings!
REACH Grants for 2023 are now available. REACH grants can be awarded to church members or groups for ideas related to community outreach, educational opportunities for members, or one-time purchases. This is your chance to plan or improve a program or event beyond our usual budget limitations. We have $14,200 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. 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.
| |
|
Register for Spring OWL Classes!
from Birch Spick, Faith Formation Coordinator
| |
|
The class for Kindergarten-1st Grade will run from late March through late May. Interested families may register their children here.
Please contact Birch Spick at ffoffice@ucdsm.org with any questions.
*First Unitarian will cap K-1 and 5-6 OWL classes at 8 (eight) participants each.
| |
|
Tech Help Available!
from First Unitarian Staff
| |
|
Do you have questions about your laptop, tablet, or phone? Would you like help setting up your Realm account? Sign up to schedule an appointment with First Unitarian Staff to discuss questions you have regarding your devices!
After you sign up, a Staff member will reach out to you via email to confirm your appointment time. Meetings are also available via Zoom (if issue can be resolved remotely).
| |
|
Griffin Gallery Artist February
Phil Roeder
| |
|
Phil Roeder came to photography late in life and "thanks to a combination of good fortune and dumb luck", his work has been exhibited around the country and published around the world. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photography from Arizona State University. By day, he is director of communications for the Des Moines Public Schools. This is from Phil's Grant Wood Eastern Iowa series.
| |
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."
| |
|
Faith in Action Partners
Hawthorn Hill | Let's Talk
| |
Our current partnerships run from September 2022 through August 2023. They were selected by our members at our June 2022 annual meeting. The organizations are: | |
Staff Office Hours & Contact Info | |
|
Rev. Victoria Safford, Transitional Contract Minister
vsafford@ucdsm.org
Office phone: 515-244-8603 ext. 102
Cell: 612- 405-3318
Rev. Victoria's Calendar
Alice J. Stewart, Director of Finance and 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. 106
Off Mondays
Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Emily Petty, Communications Coordinator
communications@ucdsm.org
515-244-8603 ext. 103
Off Mondays
Tuesday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
To submit an item for the Intercom, email communications@ucdsm.org by Wednesday at noon.
Hannah Notch, Social Media and Executive Support Specialist
hnotch@ucdsm.org
Tuesday - Friday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
To have an event or meeting added to the church calendar, email Hannah at calendar@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.)
| |
Text "UCDSM APP" to 77977 or toll free (833) 816-9022
to download our app
| | | | |
