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

515-244-8603

How We Feel

with Reverend Garmon

Where do emotions come from? Understanding our emotions is a key part of self-understanding and hence of wisdom.

Join the live service on Zoom!

Zoom Passcode: Safford

(Please mute your mic before

the service begins!)



Zoom may not be available.

In the summer of 2020, after the murder of George Floyd on May 25, protesters, exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, assembly and protest were met with police aggression and force. The police acted as if they were at war with the very people they are sworn to protect and serve. Using tanks, shields, teargas, rubber bullets and other military weaponry, they over reacted and escalated the violence. When the Des Moines Police Department refused to do an after action review of the police conduct during the protest, Just Voices decided to create and publish a People's History. The forum will share what we have learned and how you can be of help in this movement to make systemic changes in policing. Click here for a preview of the forum.

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.

Ellen Taylor 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.

Adult Programming

Sign up for Spring Adult Programs!

Our Adult Programs webpage has our exciting Spring courses and groups. Be sure to register now!

• Bird Walks - Spring 2024 - 3/31, 4/13, 4/28
• Compassionate Communication - 3/23
• Circle Suppers - Beginning now
• Connection Circles - On-going
• Metaphysical Awakening Book Group - Begins 3/26
• UU Wellspring Sacred Earth - Begins 4/14
• Tai Chi - On-going



EVENTS THIS WEEK

"Speaking Grief" Movie Screening

Friday, March 22nd at 6:30 p.m.

in Griffin Hall

Let's get better at grief.

On Friday, March 22, the Grief Support Circle is hosting a viewing of the documentary "Speaking Grief." All are invited to the screening, because we can all get better at grief. From the documentary's website: "Speaking Grief helps us move away from the idea that grief is a problem that needs to be 'fixed' and illustrates that grief is a universal, yet individual experience." Film will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Griffin Hall, with cookies and beverages available. A short discussion time will follow.

Contact pastoralcareteam@ucdsm.org for more information.

Introduction to Compassionate Communication

Saturday, March 23rd from 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

in Griffin Hall

In this introductory workshop participants will engage in discussion, learning, and exercises that show how to have healthy and more rewarding relationships, especially with one’s self.

This workshop is facilitated by Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner, Certified Trainer in Nonviolent Communication. Please click here for more information.

Click to Register.

This workshop is free, though we encourage donations that will offset the cost of the workshop to One Earth Conservation.

Sacred Bridges CUUPS: Ostara

Saturday, March 23rd at 3:00 p.m.

in the Labyrinth

Join us for a Magical Ostara Celebration with Sacred Bridges CUUPS! As the wheel of the year turns and the promise of spring fills the air, we invite you to join our community for a joyous Ostara celebration.

Nestled within the serene embrace of our labyrinth, we'll come together to honor this sacred time of balance and renewal.

For more information click here. Let's welcome the light, embrace the warmth, and celebrate the beauty of Ostara together!

First Unitarian Humanist Update

** Book Group

The Humanist book group meets on the first and third Sunday of each month at 12:00 noon in the south conference room. You can join in person or via Zoom.  The next meeting date will be April 7, when we will be discussing chapters 37 and 38 of The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself by Sean Carroll.

** Watch Party

Our watch party series will continue on Saturday, March 23rd starting at 2:00 PM at the Stine Barn in West Des Moines. Send a note to info@humanistsocietyofiowa.org for more information.

"Metaphysical Awakening" Book Club

Starting Tuesday, March 26th from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Join us for our book club where we will meet with author, Michael Lewis, and explore his book in weekly Tuesday evening sessions (March 26th-August 27th).

Register here.

Central Iowa Trans Lives Festival

Saturday, March 30th from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

In honor of the International Transgender Day of Visibility, this fourth annual all-ages festival showcases the creative work of transgender, genderqueer, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming adults and youth from around Iowa. Work includes visual art and crafts for sale, food trucks and booths, live music, poetry, literature, dance, drag, and comedy performances. Local nonprofit and community organizations providing support and resources to the trans community will also be on hand. The festival is open to everyone, and admission and parking are free. LGBTQ+ affirming security will also be provided so that everyone can experience a safe and fun event. Hosted by First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, an LGBTQ+ Welcoming Congregation.

Trans Lives Fest - Volunteers Needed

Saturday, March 30th from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Trans Lives Fest is First Unitarian's largest public-facing event. Last year, over 700 folx attended! We need your help to make the 2024 Trans Lives Fest another successful First U event! The festival is at First Unitarian Church on March 30, 2024, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

We need volunteers to help before, during, and after the event! Note that volunteer shifts are shorter this year, so we encourage you to sign up for more than one shift to help us fill all the slots. Questions? Contact tag@ucdsm.org. Thank you!

Sign up here to volunteer.

Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, March 31st at 11:00 a.m.

Elementary and nursery-aged children are welcome to join us for an Easter Egg Hunt after service on 03/31, beginning on the steps by the eastern door going down to the lower parking lot.

Gallery Open House

Friday, April 5th from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Griffin Hall

You are invited to a Gallery Open House with Tevka Lackmann. Beverages and light fare will be provided.

Tevka grew up in this congregation and will graduate from the University of Northern Iowa on May 10, 2024, with a BA in Studio Art. Her exhibit "Here, There & Everywhere" includes many varied examples of Tevka's style as a whimsical realist.

Please note, the exhibit will be hanging throughout the month of April and viewable on Sunday mornings as well as other times when the church is open.

Volunteer Sustainability Training:

Stop Recruiting, Start Retaining

Starts April 6th from 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Griffin Hall

We will meet six Saturday mornings: April 6, April 20, May 4 (Large Activity room), May 18, June 1, and June 15. Everyone is welcome and leaders are particularly encouraged to attend. We will use the UUA curriculum "Stop Recruiting, Start Retaining" in the form of webinars. If you're part of a group, but not a leader, you'll come away with a better understanding of healthy group dynamics. If you can't commit to all six sessions, you can catch up by watching the webinars on your own.

Animal Blessing Service

Sunday, April 7th at 9:30 a.m.

Led by Rev. LoraKim Joyner, Community Minister, in affiliation with First Unitarian Church.

The service will honor our nonhuman friends currently living and memorialize those who have passed on. Please plan to bring to the service a photo or memento of a nonhuman animal who is or was an important part of your life.

Progressive Voices Concerts Presents

The Honey Dewdrops

Saturday, April 13th at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $22 Advance /$27 Door

Available online at pvconcerts.eventbrite.com or after the service on Sundays at church.

Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish of The Honey Dewdrops began touring in 2009 and have called the city of Baltimore home since 2014. With several albums and fourteen years of playing shows on the road, they continue to expand their experimental folk sound of electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin and clawhammer banjo with tight vocal harmonies, while maintaining a commitment to deepening their understanding of the world through the lens of songwriting and music. No Depression says of the new album, Light Behind Light, “The Honey Dewdrops have a way of filling their songs with humanity, using their beautiful playing and harmonies to emphasize what connects us all.”

Path of Membership Opportunities

Whether you are ready to commit to membership at First Unitarian, or just curious to know more about us, we offer regular opportunities for visitors and prospective members to learn more about our congregation and Unitarian Universalism.

• Our next "cUUriosity Conversation" for new visitors to ask questions about us will be on Sunday, April 7th, immediately after service until 12:00PM.
• Our next "UU 201" class on membership and life at First Unitarian will be on Saturday, April 20th, from 1:00-3:00PM.

Please contact Birch Spick, our Congregational Life Coordinator, at cloffice@ucdsm.org with any questions. You can read more about our Path of Membership here.

Fellowship, Food and FUNds (FFF 24)

Submissions due April 8

Sale April 27-28

Our annual food fair fundraiser, Fellowship Food and FUNds, is coming up at the end of April! Do you like to plan or host dinner parties? Do you like to help others throw a party? Have some fun ideas for activities culminating in a meal together? Do you love to cook or bake? We need you and your talents to help raise money for the church and have a great time getting to know people better.

Submission forms for events and food items for auction available here.

More information will be available after Sunday services and on the website. For questions or to volunteer to help with the sale, email foodfair@ucdsm.org.

Sacred Bridges CUUPS Pagan Jubilee

Volunteers Needed

Calling all kindred spirits!

Sacred Bridges CUUPS is seeking volunteers to help make our Pagan Jubilee: Beltane May 4th, 2024 event magical!

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Greeting guests and guiding them with warmth and grace.
• Assisting with event setup.
• Helping to ensure a smooth transition by aiding in post-celebration cleanup.

Interested in becoming a part of our mystical team? Complete our survey to join the enchantment. Let's co-create an unforgettable Beltane experience together!

Artwork in Griffin Hall

The artwork hanging in Griffin Hall are a few of the Trans-life artists who will be displaying at the Trans Lives Fest coming up at the end of the month.

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

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

New Staff

Meet Elisabeth Connell

Childcare Worker

Elisabeth will be starting Sunday, March 31st as a Childcare worker. Be sure to say hello when you see her!

Hi! I’m Elisabeth and I enjoy painting, singing and writing! I go to Drake university and am studying education to be a high school English teacher.

Igniting the Fire of Commitment:

By the Numbers

Thank you to all who have pledged, whether by card or online. For those who still need to make their 2024-25 pledge here’s the link: 2024-25 Pledge. As you think about your own pledge, consider these important & interesting numbers:

Current fiscal year – July 2023 – June 2024:

• 222: number of pledges received
• 29: highest donors who are funding 50% of the budget
• $534K: total pledged
• $2,406: average pledge

We know everyone’s circumstances are different, and appreciate your thoughtful consideration in determining what you give based on what your circumstances allow. Small increases can make a big difference and share the financial responsibility of the church with more members.

In the 2024–2025 campaign season, so far we’ve received 119 pledges totaling $384,403.36. THANK YOU!

If you want to have a conversation about pledging, please reach out to the stewardship team at stewardship@ucdsm.org Thank you for your gifts!

The Stewardship Team

PS — For more on stewardship, budgeting and all things financial, join us for the Forum on 4/7/24.

Needed: Nominations to USDSM Board of Trustees

The Nominations Committee is soliciting nominations for individuals to serve on the BOT for July 2024 – June 2027. It’s an exciting time at First Unitarian Church, as new BOT members will have the opportunity to continue great work with our Interim Minister and will welcome in our new Settled Minister in August 2025. There are many ways to serve your Congregation, and the BOT is one of them! If you have questions, please chat with a member of the current BOT or Nominations Committee. Self-nominations are accepted. Please feel out the form here. Just scroll to the bottom of the page. Thank you for your time and consideration in serving First Unitarian Church!

Nominations Committee: LeeAnn Back, Sue Huber, Crystal Loving, Gianfranco Berardi, and Kerry George. Email us at nominating@ucdsm.org

Green Sanctuary 2030 Survey

We are a UU Green Sanctuary congregation! All our past efforts through Energy and Justice for All led us to achieving Green Sanctuary certification on February 19, 2015. Our current activities include development of a mini forest in West Des Moines and education sessions with Shelley Buffalo of the Meskwaki Settlement on ways we can be supportive of the indigenous peoples in Iowa. The UU Green Sanctuary program has been reborn for 2030 and we want First Unitarian of Des Moines to enter the pipeline for certification in 2030. In order to participate, congregations must complete projects within three intersectional domains: mitigation, adaptation and resilience, and justice. Justice activities are an essential component of the new Green Sanctuary process. We know that our First Unitarian members love Mother Earth and are seeking ways to put our 7th principle into action. This is your chance! Please help us by filling out this questionnaire.

Search Committee

We are looking for a few good search committee members! The Board of Trustees have begun making calls to all member households. One purpose of these calls is to surface names for our Search Committee. After we have finished our phone calls with each of you, we will work with our Nominations Committee to produce a slate of seven candidates for the Search Committee. This slate will be voted upon by the congregation at the June annual meeting. Once selected by the congregation, the Search Committee begins their work.

For more complete details about what it means to serve on the Search Committee, please click Ministerial Transition. This will take you to our website page dedicated to this transition.

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.

Here it is...Your Moment of Zen

Raven went to see Moose Roshi.

She found him feeding on waterweed in the creek at Cedarford. Perching herself on a rock, she croaked for the Roshi's attention. When Moose looked up, Raven said, "I hear that Buddha Macaw looked up from the branch of her Jobo tree and saw the morning star and announced her realization. I get the feeling that something is missing from the story. I have been to see Jackrabbit Roshi and Prairie Dog Roshi. When I asked them what happened when Buddha Macaw saw the morning star, Jackrabbit said, 'She realized the truth of mutually dependent arising.' Prairie Dog said, 'She realized the underlying fact of oneness.' What do you say? What happened when she saw the star?"

Moose dipped his face in the creek again and came up munching. "Delicious waterweed," he said.

"Well," thought Raven, "that sounds more natural." She sat on the rock a moment, but Moose said nothing further and just went on feeding.

"OK," thought Raven, "maybe I'll come back, but for now I think I'll continue this pilgrimage."

See full post here.

Who Do I Contact for...?

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

Financial Requests: admin@ucdsm.org

Pledge Requests: admin@ucdsm.org

Administrative Requests: admin@ucdsm.org

Communication Requests: communications@ucdsm.org

Building Use Requests: hnotch@ucdsm.org

All Other Inquiries: mgarmon@ucdsm.org

Intercom Weekly Submissions

Deadline: Wednesday @ 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!

Helpful Hints:

• 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

• 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. Please contact the office for more information.