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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, August 27, 2023 | |
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Thy Kingdom Come
with Dylan Cue
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Lay Leader Bio
Dylan Cue (they/he) is a native son of Des Moines and joined First Unitarian in 2021. They have delighted in learning from the wisdom and grace of this community and meeting the people who are a part of it.
Dylan works professionally in the logistics industry as part of a small consulting firm. In their off time, they enjoy poetry, doom metal, and the company of their partner Birch and dog Daisy.
Join the live service on Zoom!
Zoom Passcode: Safford
(Please mute your mic before the service begins!)
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Forum: Thy Kingdom Come
Please join us 30 minutes after our Sunday Service for a follow-up discussion on this week’s sermon, “Thy Kingdom Come.” The service presenter will address questions that may have occurred to you during their presentations. Zoom attendees will be invited to unmute and participate in the discussion amongst themselves and then share with the large group.
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~11:00 a.m. in Griffin Hall & separate discussion via Zoom (Passcode: Griffin)
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Joys & Concerns for Sunday should be submitted by noon on Wednesday.
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
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Laura Berardi is the Pastoral Care Associate available for this service time. Please email pastoralcareteam@ucdsm.org for assistance during the week. | |
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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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Women's Wednesday
Wednesday, August 30: 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
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August Topic: The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz
Topics chosen by women, about women, discussed by women.
Meets the last Wednesday of every month from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. in the Peace Library.
- 1:30-2 p.m: General meet and greet, catch-up
- 2 p.m. – 3 p.m: Discussion
RSVP here!
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Coffee with the Board
Sunday, September 3 at 8:30 a.m.
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Join the Board for a casual pre-service coffee and conversation.
Stonewall Conference Center
Sunday, September 3rd at 8:30 a.m.
Can't make it in? There's a Zoom for that! Connect here.
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** Book Group **
The Humanist book group continues at 11:00 AM for the summer, right after coffee time. Our next meeting will be on Sept. 3rd. You can join in person at the church or via Zoom at https://humanistsocietyofiowa.org/bookclubzoom/. We will be discussing chapters 12 and 13 of The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself by Sean Carroll. We will return to our fall schedule at 12:00 noon on Sept. 17th.
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Hindsight, Humor, & Hope: Who, Me, and Elder? | |
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This free workshop series is designed to help participants plan their later years through reflection, discernment, soul stretching, and exploration of new life possibilities. The gift of extended years finds many people becoming elders with deep personal questions such as, Who am I now? and What will I do that is meaningful? We will think about What is ‘old?’ and What is an ‘elder?’
DATES: Tuesdays, August 22 through September 26 (6 sessions)
TIMES: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: First Unitarian Church (in person only)
FACILITATORS: Barbara Royal and Dagny Fidler
Sign up here! (Only 2 seats left, but we’ll keep a wait-list)
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Start-Up Weekend
September 15 - 16, 2023
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Mark your calendar!
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.
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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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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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 Friday, 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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Brunch with Pagans
Saturday, September 9: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.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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New Play Reading Group
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 for a potluck followed by a brief history of the 40+ year history of Talent Limited (a founding member being our dear Florence Frette and sustained by many long time UU's) and a session to plan our future. There are 35 on our email distribution list so far!
Please contact Barb Glass at playreading@ucdsm.org if you wish your name to be added.
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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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Building Team Work Day
Saturday, September 16: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
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Join us Saturday, September 16th between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 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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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. | |
Welcome Our New Staff Member | |
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Our very own Faithyna "Faith" Leonard, Childcare Lead, is now also our new Communications & Rental Coordinator. Faith will be working part time flexible hours and will be managing communications and outside rentals.
Faithyna Leonard (she/her/hers) joined us on February 24, 2023, working in the childcare room, and now has officially joined our Office Staff as of August 21, 2023 as our Communications & Rental Coordinator. Faithyna obtained her BA in Human Services from Simpson College. In her free time, Faithyna enjoys being expressive through art and writing. Her favorite thing about her job is getting to meet all of the new people.
Faithyna has experience in childcare, management, administration, event coordination, marketing, and much more. She also works for the City of Des Moines.
Faithyna is responsible for:
- Organizing all outside rentals and communications with outside groups.
- Providing tours to potential renters and answering any questions renters may have during the duration of the renting relationship.
- Providing building access and answering all questions about building usage for outside renters.
- Updating and creating the Intercom each week.
- Maintaining the church website.
- Working with the Office Manager to ensure internal and external events and groups are properly communicated.
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Do you want to be part of shaping Sunday services? Do you have a flair for the theatrical and enjoy public speaking? The Celebrant Team wants you!
Celebrants can expect to participate in services 5-6 times per year and attend monthly meetings. New celebrants will be trained at a retreat in early fall.
Please email celebrants@ucdsm.org or speak to Heidi Levine or Elliott Nassif to join or ask questions.
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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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Faith in Action Partners
Families Forward | Let's Talk
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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 | |
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Rev. Meredith Garmon, Interim Minister
mgarmon@ucdsm.org
515-244-8603 ext. 102
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.
- 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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