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

P: 515-244-8603

Me, running for office?! How my Unitarian Universalist beliefs have influenced my decision to step out of the background.

with Michael Andreski

Lay Leader Bio

Mike Andreski and his wife Kara have been members of the First Unitarian since 2020, and Mike has been a UU since 1996.

He was born and raised in the Des Moines Metro. After being away for 31 years, returned to the area in 2009 to begin a second career at Drake University teaching in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He ran in an Iowa House Primary in 2022 and today is a candidate for the West Des Moines School Board.



Join the live service on Zoom!

Zoom Passcode: Safford

(Please mute your mic before the service begins!)

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

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.

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

OWL Registration Open

Our Whole Lives classes for 5th-6th Grade and 7th-8th Grade are now open for registration. Please contact our Faith Formation Coordinator (ffoffice@ucdsm.org) for more information.

NEWS THIS WEEK

Cleaning Crew and YOU!

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

Coffee with the Board

Sunday, September 3 at 8:30 a.m.

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.

Humanist Update

** 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. 3^rd. 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. 17^th.

** Watch Party **

Our watch party series will continue on Saturday, September 16; 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.

Hindsight, Humor, & Hope: Who, Me, and Elder?

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)

Brunch With Pagans

Saturday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m.

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

Zac Bailey's Military Ceremony

Saturday, September 9 at 11:00 a.m.

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.

FFF: Bingo, Brats, & Brownies

Saturday, September 9 at 6:00 p.m.

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

PLAY READING & POTLUCK KICKOFF

Sunday, September 10 at 5:00 p.m.

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.

Start-Up Weekend

September 15 - 16, 2023

Mark your calendar! Bring a dish! Celebrate!

Friday, September 15th - All Congregation

• 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.

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. 

mUUvie Discussion Group

Saturday, September 16th (Time TBD)

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. 

Mabon Potluck Picnic & Donation Drive

Sunday, September 17th at 1:00 p.m.

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.)

Unity Circle

Thursday, September 21st at 12:00 p.m.

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!

Sacred Bridges CUUPS: Quarterly Bake Sale Fundraiser

Sunday, September 24th at 10:30 a.m.

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

Astrological Alchemy 101

Meet Your Big 3

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...

Building Team Work Day Rescheduled

Saturday, October 7th at 8:30 a.m.

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!

Connection Circles

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.

Fall Class Coming Up!

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.

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!

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.

Welcome Our New Staff Member

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.

Join The Celebrant Team!

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.

Griffin Gallery Artist

Kyle Beargeon

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.

Beginning September 1st, our new Faith In Action partners are Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund and The Freestore. In the past, donations were provided to Faith in Action partners through passing of the basket during church services and online basket donations. Due to budget constraints, those donations will now go toward operating expenses of the church. 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.  

For more information about the Freestore: https://thefreestore.org

For more information about Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund: https://www.iowatransmutualaidfund.org

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

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.

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.