What Do You Think, Episode 4: Dr. David Courard-Hauri, Professor of Environmental Science, Drake University

Iowa Environmental Council: https://www.iaenvironment.org/ 

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Courage means taking on risk of failure or foolishness, of becoming vulnerable. And, courage asks us to confront what is easier to avoid, to say what needs to be said.  How do we find courage in the midst of fear and avoidance? 

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There is great hope and trust needed to begin something truly great. The caterpillar has to trust the molting process to become a butterfly. What spiritual and ethical practices do we need, personally and communally, to begin something special?

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What Do You Think? Episode 3: Dr. John Pauley

Professor of Philosophy, Director of Interdisciplinary Studies

Simpson College

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“What Do You Think?” Episode 2: Josh Mandelbaum

Josh Mandelbaum is a Des Moines City Councilmember representing the 3rd Ward, and a senior attorney for the Environmental Law and Policy Center.

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As we come to the Autumn Equinox, the earth reminds us that the end of summer is the beginning of autumn, that every beginning is also an end.  What must we end in order to begin something new in our lives?

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How do our Unitarian Universalist commitments support us in this season of beginnings? Bring water to share in our annual Water Communion ritual, bring energy and curiosity to find something new to begin at the Community Faire after the service!

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Dr. Tim Knepper, Drake University Professor of Philosophy, director of the Comparison Project

Upcoming events: https://comparisonproject.wp.drake.edu/events/ 

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As a long-time agnostic secular and member of the Humanist Society, Paul Derrick doesn’t rely on any God or gods to watch over and comfort him, to hear and answer prayers or to intervene in human affairs. So, where does he turn for strength, comfort, solace, support and consolation? This Sunday we welcome back the Westphals for horn duet music. 

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11 Minute Meditation to Let Go and Forgive with Rev. Steve Sieck

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9 Minute Meditation to Understand our Feelings with Rev. Steve Sieck

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5 Minute Meditation for Awareness by Rev. Steve Sieck

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At First Unitarian we're in a season of big changes: to faith formation, service schedules, architecture, and more! How do we hold a sense of peace and community when everything is in flux? Join us this Sunday for a service of grounding and visioning.

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For many, the word politics has come to mean division, spectacle or partisan warfare. But, politics, at its best, is the work of the people for the common good. Come hear how ordinary people learned to turn private pain into public action, and believe that good power grows where people are connected and ready to act together.

AMOS: https://www.amosiowa.org/

with Elaine I., Eileen J., and Crystal L.

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What if play is not something we outgrow, but something that helps us grow? This sermon explores the theology of play—the role of imagination, wonder, and joy in developing faith, strengthening mental health, and building beloved community. Through humor, personal stories, and Unitarian Universalist values, we’ll consider how staying curious and a little silly can be a sacred practice.

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 We joined together for a fully improvised service! With a few prompts from the audience, we created a story for all ages, along with meditations, sermons, and music. 

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Join us as we celebrate the creativity within our own congregation. 

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The Celebrant Team explores how space exploration, science, and spirituality intersect.

Diane F., Faithyna L., and Louise A.

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Join us for “Attention is a Precious Resource” with longtime Iowa journalist Dave Busiek. Being an informed citizen these days demands a lot of our attention. To protect their sanity, too many people have tuned out the news. What should we pay attention to and how should we do so to stay aware but not overwhelmed?

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Our theme for our July 5 service is America’s 250th birthday. Listen to reflections by church members about what our nation’s 250th birthday means to them.

Todd L. and Oge N.

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What does it look like for queer joy to flourish in our shared community? We take time this week to hear perspectives on the myriad ways that queer joy presents itself and how we can help it grow and thrive together.

with Barb & Deidre, David & Walter, and Jaycie

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What are the conditions necessary for flourishing?  How do our pasts – even across generations – affect our capacity to flourish?  Join us as we honor the Summer Solstice, Father’s Day, and the deep work of nourishing and repairing the soil in which we grow

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What does it mean to truly flourish? We'll explore three introspective personal stories that reveal the many ways people experience growth, purpose, resilience, and joy. Together, we'll reflect on how flourishing can look different for each of us—and how we might cultivate it in our own lives.

Marsha Carty, Jim Carty, Elijah Evans

If you notice any differences in sound quality this week, please let us know! This was made using a new system. email- hnotch@ucdsm.org

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What does it mean to Flourish Together? Join us for Annual Meeting Sunday as we explore the interplay of resources that makes a garden flourish, and celebrate the work our church does to love, grow, and serve.

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This Sunday we honor the 103rd annual ritual first designed by Unitarian minister Norbert Capek.  How might this beloved tradition help us become more curious citizens in an interdependent world?

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Memorial Day is a complicated holiday for many of us. How do we honor those who serve without glorifying war? How do we build a peaceful future for our children? This morning we will hear perspectives on military service and war from a variety of UU voices

with Paige Shivvers, Megan Klee, David Witke

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As we explore our May theme, Awakening Curiosity, our youth take the lead in imagining a more fully inclusive, multigenerational church. Through their reflections, they’ll share what helps them feel truly seen and valued—and what could help us grow. Come ready to listen, learn, and be inspired by their vision.

Featuring Thea, Penny, and Simon.

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This Sunday we honor all those who are or have been mothers. How might the experience of motherhood help us all awaken our curiosity for the world and one another?

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As we begin this month’s theme of “Awakening Curiosity”, we take this Sunday to honor Vesak and the Buddha’s quest to understand suffering in the world. How might the Buddha’s journey help us to become more curious and wise?

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It takes preparation, stamina, and patience to embrace possibility. In a world that seems to measure possibility in quarterly earnings, how do we reclaim the perspective to plant trees whose shade we will not be here to enjoy?

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The Green Sanctuary Team is highlighted as we celebrate the upcoming Earth Day 2026 and our church's commitment to environmental action.

Slides:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1sUSN080hWFqv2uSb1Ux-IZrp-6LEvU1L/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115773222253600430449&rtpof=true&sd=true

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We’ve been meeting some of the amazing people out in the city of Des Moines doing the good work. This episode we’re keeping it local, meeting with an amazing person right here on our church staff doing the good work!

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Sometimes difficult experiences in life teach us to be cautious of embracing possibilities. Join us for a powerful service focusing on the work to nurture a trauma-informed community.  

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We’ve been meeting some of the amazing people out in the city of Des Moines doing the good work. This episode we’re keeping it local, meeting with an amazing person right here on our church staff doing the good work!

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It takes courage to see which possibilities might emerge out of present challenges.  Join us for an Easter service that explores abundance as a mindset, the art of improv, and the power of radical acceptance.

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In this month of Paying Attention, this Sunday we honor the power of being seen and heard.  We’ll begin with a 30-minute service focusing on Trans Day of Visibility, and then move into small groups for an hour to support AMOS’ work to listen to what’s on the minds of  “we the people” in Iowa.

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Speaking: Aaron Rosenfeld

When we cultivate our capacity to pay attention, we may start to notice patterns in ourselves or our relationships. How can this practice support us in growing ethically and spiritually together?

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How does our work of paying attention affect our relationships with others? How might the practice of attention deepen our capacity to love one another?

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We are drowning in input to compete for our attention. How do we navigate the constant distractions of contemporary life to steward our attention where we want it to go?

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What we choose to attend to is where we direct our time, energy, and love. How can we be good stewards of the resource of our attention?

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What does resilience look like in community? Join us this Sunday as we explore stories of communities that have faced remarkable challenges and found ways to spring back, let go, and transform.   

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Age, wisdom, experience, with reflections from the congregation

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As we deepen our exploration of resilience, what role do our expectations play in our ability to adapt and respond to life’s challenges? 

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As we begin our February theme of Embodying Resilience, we look at the nature of resilience and how it differs from resistance. In a world that frames most conflicts in win-lose zero-sum terms, how might embodying resilience improve our lives? 

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www.alexitoiowa.org

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Join us as we honor Rev. Dr. King and lift up the ongoing work to build the Beloved Community. As we work to resist racism, what might each of us have to change?

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 https://www.amosiowa.org/

Upcoming Events: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QezrU0h9kXqJM4gUL19j6QqAYN2AUwpEHiYp_jU8wjU/edit?usp=sharing

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In the abstract, it’s always right to resist injustice or harm. In reality, it can often be risky, even dangerous, to resist. How do we navigate these daily decisions? How might our UU values guide us through the thorny calculus of resistance?

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As we begin our January theme of Practicing Resistance, we acknowledge that “resistance” is a term and set of practices used by many different people to justify many different actions. What makes resistance good or bad? This service includes a special Turning of the Year ritual to release 2025 and welcome 2026.

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Hope – and despair – are ‘contagious’. We usually feel more or less hopeful depending on how those around us feel. Join us this Winter Solstice Sunday to claim the power of Active Hope together, to celebrate that even in the darkest time of the year, the sun still shines.

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To donate or volunteer: https://ubfmdsm.com/donate-volunteer 

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If the future is unknowable, why choose hope? What value does a hopeful outlook bring to our lives? Join us for a celebration of possibility.

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Volunteer: https://www.dmymca.org/locations/supportive-housing-campus/volunteer
Donate: https://tinyurl.com/4au85ndm

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Is the glass half-full, half-empty, or twice the container for the volume required? Join us this Sunday as we explore how gratitude helps us see the world more clearly and shake us from habitual resentment. 

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Donate to 26 For Her: https://thebeacondm.org/26forher/
Volunteer: https://thebeacondm.org/volunteer/ 

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It was the best of times; it was the worst of times… Join us for a service that imagines what the world might look like if everyone made gratitude an integral part of our daily practice – and what it might look like if no one did. 

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What is the difference between feeling gratitude and practicing gratitude? Join us on Sunday as we dive deeper into our theme of Gratitude, reflecting on how the active practice of gratitude helps both the giver and receiver. 

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CISS donations: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cissgeneralfunddonations
CISS upcoming events: https://centraliowashelter.org/events/

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This November we explore the practice of Nurturing Gratitude. On this weekend traditionally associated with All Souls Day, we remember those we have lost, and we consider how to express our gratitude for those we love. Come for a heartfelt service of gratitude and remembrance and stay for the forum to learn more about putting together your end-of-life documents. 

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What does it mean to cultivate compassion in a challenging world? As national figures debate whether empathy is a sinful weakness, how do we as Unitarian Universalists respond to challenges with compassion? Join us for a service that engages our hearts and minds to love radically, grow ethically and spiritually, and serve justly.

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Links from the Show:

• Donate to DMARC
• Donate food to DMARC

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We would move out of defensiveness, see another's perspective; we would honor silence; be more curious; not keep score.

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What does it take to give the same compassion to ourselves as we do to others? What drives our resistance to self-compassion? How do we balance the need to care for ourselves with the need to care for the world? Join us for a powerful service of light and love. 

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Links from the show:

https://www.aclu-ia.org/get-involved/
https://onrealm.org/FirstUnitarian/give/ITMAF

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What is compassion? What does it feel like to receive compassion? What does it look like to be compassionate? This Sunday we welcome in the October theme of Cultivating Compassion by exploring what it means to be fully present for one another.

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It's Great to Meet You, Episode 3: Max Mowitz, OneIowa

Links from the show:

Oneiowa.org
https://onrealm.org/FirstUnitarian/give/ITMAF

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Four Board of Trustee members will introduce themselves and tell you why they chose to belong to this church, and why they chose to take the leap and landed on the Board.

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It’s Great to Meet You, Episode 2: Wes Mullins, Executive Director, Capitol City Pride 

Links from the Show:

   Capitol City Pride: Home - Capital City Pride

   Pride Storyteller Event, Nov. 13: Apply to Be a Pride Storyteller - Capital City Pride

   Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund fundraiser: Give Now

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In order to build a sense of belonging, we need covenants to keep ourselves safe in community. Hear the stories of Jonah, Jonah, and Karl as we explore the limits of belonging.

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What does a college writing class, Doug, and the Platinum Rule have to say about building belonging? Join us this Sunday at 9:30 as we explore the commitments we make to one another to create a community of belonging. And then find your places of belonging at our Community Faire after the service!

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It's Great to Meet You, Ep. 1 - Connie Ryan, Executive Director of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa.

Rev. Steve Sieck has a new podcast! Welcome to "It's Great to Meet You!" where he gets to know the good people of Des Moines doing the good work in our city.

 Enjoy Episode #1 today!

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with Rev. Steve Sieck

The Water Ritual, a tradition we share with UUs around the world, was created by leaders in the UU feminist movement more than four decades ago to help us all remember how deeply we are each connected to one another, and to all life. 

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Highly selective account of the music in our church from its founding until today. What may it have been like, what have been its purposes, and who were the musicians?

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with Rev. Steve Sieck and Company

What is your vision for First Unitarian Church of Des Moines for 2040? In that future, what do you see? Who do you see? What is familiar, and what has changed? Join us as we look into the future together.

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It is good to ask questions! Unitarian Universalism believes that wonder is an important spiritual practice, and so we continually support one another in learning and growing. 

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Why do church services have so much music? Why do people in spiritual communities sing? Join us for this summer service, led by Rev. Steve Sieck, where we explore the intersections of creating community and singing together.

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Connie Ryan, executive director of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, highlights "who is our neighbor" in contrast with the message of Christian Nationalism.

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with Louise Alcorn and friends
When you think of church potlucks, does your mouth water? Member Louise Alcorn and many hungry friends will explore food and community, reminisce about potlucks we have known, and discuss how food has been inextricably linked to community here and forever.

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with Al Powers and Theresa Miller A look at our church home and garden through the lens of history.

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with Faithyna Leonard

In a world marked by division and unconscious bias, how can we show up with courage, compassion, and love? This Sunday, join us for a powerful reflection on bystander intervention, the ongoing work of justice, and the transformative act of centering love—especially in moments of harm and healing.

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 Member Elijah Evans will comment upon the intersection of mental health and spirituality with a service describing how we can nurture the internal communities of which we are all composed. 

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 David Yurnan and Urban Bicycle Food Ministry 

The Urban Bicycle Food Ministry motto is "Provide radical hospitality one burrito at a time." Every Thursday, all year long, members prepare and deliver hundreds of food and personal items by bike and car to people on the streets in metro Des Moines. They might be living under a bridge, in a tent next to the river or railroad tracks, in a hole dug in the side of a hill, or in temporary housing. Most importantly, the UBFM builds personal relationships with those who are overlooked and marginalized. 

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Rev. Meredith Garmon's last words in the pulpit at First Unitarian Church of Des Moines. 

 Transition: it's not the same as change. Change is always happening. But sometimes we change (externally, superficially) in order to not change (truly grow) – we make changes so we can avoid changing. To transition, rather than merely change, is to bring a bit of intentionality to the process. 

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 with Meredith Garmon

What is yours to do? What is your calling — in life? Now? George Kaufman and Moss Hart won't answer that question, but their 1936 play does help frame the question. 

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon ft. Church Choir

 Community is the gift always there — the challenge is to make ourselves able and ready to receive it. 

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⚠️ Volume Warning:  The volume increases significantly around the 12 minute mark. 

with Rev. Meredith Garmon

War has been a significant part of human history — as conflicted as we may feel about that fact. It has shaped us into who we are. Perhaps we can build a world without war, though I'd like to hope we could still have a warrior's virtues (courage, determination, sacrifice) without actual war. In the meantime, let us remember the warriors who modeled those virtues.

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This Sunday, our Coming of Age students (7th/8th Grade) share their statements of faith and values with the congregation. Join us to learn about our students’ journeys of understanding themselves and their place in the world. 

Youth Faith Statements: Greta Hayes, Penny Guenther, Oliver Stamper, Simon Forman 

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with Rev Meredith Garmon

Vesak is the Buddhist holiday commemorating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death, as legend has it that Siddhartha Gautama — the Buddha — was born, became enlightened, and died all on the full moon of the lunar month Vesakha. We'll be observing this Buddhist holiday while also having our annual Flower Communion.

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 The work of building the Beloved Community always seems impossible... until it isn't. Join us for a service that affirms our call to Love.  

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 What's the natural response, and what's the effective response? Why do we gather together as a church? How do we stay grounded in our values in these difficult times? Join us to explore the power of counterintuitive joy.  

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

We pride ourselves on diversity of viewpoints — and that means we're going to see things differently, in ways that sometimes conflict. Through conflict we learn and grow, and, if handled well, bond more deeply.

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with Rev. LoraKim Joyner

Experiencing nature can do wonders for ourselves, our relationships, our communities, other beings and the planet. With a dash of intentionality and practice we can grow our wonder, our resilience, and our impact in the world. Join us today to share joyous wonder and to practice connecting to all of life.

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

 Our April theme is Caring. Everybody cares about something, but do we care for ourselves, others, and our world in the most effective ways? 

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

The book, Authentic Selves, is more than an introduction to gender identity. It will be useful to those seeking to promote our shared values: our places within an interdependent web of existence; the inherent worth and dignity of all people, whatever their identity or life experiences; and justice and compassion in how we treat one other and ourselves.

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Elijah Evans, a member of our Celebrant Team, shares a reflection on Dignity.

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

Wealth tends to have the effect of disconnecting us from others. Intentional generosity counteracts that effect.

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with Meredith Garmon

 There's widespread agreement that it's vitally important. But ask us what exactly it is and we're often a bit stymied. 

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

It's our culture's central religious and spiritual text. And it does have some great stories. Even the parts we tend to like the least have some lessons for us.

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with Meredith Garmon

The realm of Social Justice has many regions.

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 with Rev. Meredith Garmon

As a new wave of cruelty toward immigrants unleashes harms and anxiety, what is ours to do? Perhaps some guidance be found in an ancient story. Zoom for the Service: 

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

Negotiating the boundaries to respect and the borders to cross.

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

We'll be exploring Desert Theory —which is pronounced like the sweet dish at the end of a meal and is spelled like an arid region. But desert theory is about neither of those. It's aboutdeservingness. What theory of deservingness do we follow?

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

There's acceptance. Then there's resistance to acceptance. Then there's resistance with acceptance.

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

Even if determinism is true, one of the determinants at work on us is a concept of freedom. But what is it?

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

New Year's resolutions are famously short-lived. Still, it's helpful to reflect on what changes you want to make. It helps to put those changes in the context of the overall purpose of your life. Which begs the question: What is the overall purpose of your life?

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Celebrate the season at our Christmas Eve Service, where we’ll share the story of Jesus’ birth through fun and unique perspectives—including the wise musings of a curious camel! Come experience the wonder and magic of Christmas Eve!

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 Join us for a heartwarming Christmas Pageant Service as we celebrate the season with a joyful retelling of the Nativity story! Featuring participation from all ages, music, and festive cheer, this beloved tradition brings the spirit of Christmas to life. Come be a part of the magic and wonder! 

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

We probably would agree that we could use a little more wonder in our lives. But why? And how?

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

The living tradition we share draws from many sources. One of them, explicit in the UUA bylaws adopted in 1985, is: "Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason ad the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of mind a spirit." We'll celebrate our humanist heritage, exploring especially this warning against idolatry.

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

The living tradition we share draws from many sources. One of them, explicit in the UUA bylaws adopted in 1985, is: "Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason ad the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of mind a spirit." We'll celebrate our humanist heritage, exploring especially this warning against idolatry.

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon 

Our November theme is Reason. We're not very good at it. We can train ourselves to be better at it, but do we want to?

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a festive celebration in memory of those who have died. Its origins in Mesoamerica go back over 3000 years, even though it was shaped by two Roman Catholic holidays: All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2). We will honor this tradition and reflect on the loved ones who are no longer with us.

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon 

Come be a part of something bigger than yourself. Climate Justice intersects with all other forms of justice– economic justice, racial justice, social justice and more. Together we are enough!

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with Meredith Garmon

We're still living out lessons the great Universalist Minister Hosea Ballou (1771-1852) preached.

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Paul Nelson is a member of First Unitarian Church, and was formerly an ELCA/Lutheran pastor (1994-2009). He is looking forward to offering some thoughts on our monthly theme, "Fear."

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with Meredith Garmon

Our theme for October is "fear." We all fear. What lessons can we learn from fear — and how can we prevent it from hijacking our better judgment?

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We'll be looking at Danya Ruttenberg's insights from her book "On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World." The book is the UUA Common Read for 2023-24.

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"God" is, most usually and commonly, a noun. Last week we explored how to think of "god" as a verb. This week we'll look at the adjective option. It’s not about what exists; it’s about the qualities of existence: is it wondrous, mysterious, beautiful, awesome? Those adjectives are the crux of the matter.

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We gathered to celebrate the church year ahead in the waning days of summer (autumn begins on September 22). Each brought a small sample of water to represent the last 12 weeks. We then reflected together on our September theme: hospitality. 

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

Railcar magnate George Pullman was a Universalist, born and bred. He had a certain recognizable Universalist idealism – but it went horribly, instructively, awry. As a result, we have Labor Day. 

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Member Louise Alcorn will discuss growing up Unitarian Universalist, the confusion and freedoms that brought, and how she "cherry-picked" her way to now.

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 It’s often at life’s extremes of joy and pain that we become most in tune with our spirituality or at least experience a strengthened drive to seek meaning. Sarah will reflect on this and how her beliefs have helped her weather the storms of life and find hope. 

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Al Powers’ story of his journey to becoming a UU and Humanist, and his reflections on what Humanism means to him today

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Bill Brauch’s reflection on the pathway of his own free and responsible search for truth and meaning. 

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In a world where spirituality and self-identity often find themselves at odds, queer individuals have faced the challenge of balancing their faith and self-identity. Today's speaker, our very own Faith Formation and Congregational Life Coordinator, Faithyna Leonard, will discuss her path navigating her spiritual journey while learning to be true to herself. As she shares her story, we will gain insights into the struggles and triumphs of remaining faithful to her spiritual beliefs while also remaining true to herself.

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Join Elliott Nolte for an exploration of developing a personal prayer practice based on attentiveness to story and spirit.

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What does it mean to weave a spiritual life? What are the strands would you call your own? Join member Sally Boeckholt for an exploration of four aspects of life that have come together to build a personal theology about possibility and change.

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In this presentation, Amy Landrigan, Vice President of Strategy & Venture for Central Iowa Shelter and Services, will explore the comprehensive range of services provided by the organization. Learn how these initiatives work together to not only address immediate needs but also empower individuals to move from merely surviving to truly thriving. Discover the impactful ways in which CISS supports our community members on their journey to a better life.

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The picture is called "Enso." This image has been associated with the Zen tradition and represents what can be described as "the mind before thought," "the awareness that exists behind thought," or, in my particular case, "the secret in our hearts."

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 with Rev. LoraKim Joyner

Today, we will briefly review the scientific and cultural aspects of how people relate and respond to nature, and specifically to birds. Being intentionally mindful of birds reaps benefits not just for humans but for the birds themselves. As people come to understand and connect to birds, they increase their resilience and health by being with birds and, in so doing, increase their capacity to care for themselves and others. The mindful practice of birds can take only minutes a day but conversely also involves a lifetime of commitment, exploration, and wonder. Rev. Joyner will share how her lifetime working with birds has changed her and others with whom she works. 

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

Shunryu Suzuki said, "You are perfect just as you are, and you could use a little improvement." Or, we might say, "...and you're still growing." So how should a perfect person live?

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

We’re an LGBTQ welcoming congregation because it’s the right thing to do, because it’s what justice requires, but also out of sheer gratitude for what diversity of attraction and of identity teaches all of us about ourselves.

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with Meredith Garmon

"Hope is not a plan" (attributed to Anderson Cooper, Harrison Jones, and others), the saying goes. Without hope, however, we may not make and carry out plans. Active hope, as opposed to passive hope, can have a positive function.

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

How about a celebration of the flowering of truth? We'll have our flower communion and acknowledge the Buddhist holiday, Vesak.

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

Reflections on the courage to choose change, and to face the changes we don't choose. Changing means the death of the person that you used to be, so facing ultimate bodily death is integral to facing change (chosen and not).

Note:  We experienced an audio cut-off after the interlude, which may affect the sound quality. We apologize for the technical error. 

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with Birch Cue

What gifts can give us the courage to embrace a life full of changes? Please join Birch Cue, our Faith Formation and Congregational Life Coordinator, as we explore the sometimes frightening transitions of life. 

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

We are built, it seems, to be creatures of both aspiration and fear.

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 with Rev. Meredith Garmon 

Freedom is ever the half-won blessing. We have overcome some constraints – but "chains still there are to break." 

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

Every day is Earth day, of course. But we don't always talk about it in our Sunday service. This Sunday, let's talk about it!

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with  Rev. Meredith Garmon

Our commitment, as members of First Unitarian, is to "grow ethically and spiritually, serve justly, and love radically." Let's look at what the "grow ethically" part and the "love radically" part have to do with each other.

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

Sometimes we opt to ignore the Christian story and focus on fertility, eggs, bunnies, springtime, and the resurrection of life and hope. But there's something worth our attention in that story of how Jesus died, and it has nothing to do with substitutionary atonement.

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

Sometimes we have differing perspectives on what exists in reality. Sometimes, instead, our difference is in what words mean. And sometimes the disagreement isn't about either of those.

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 with Rev. Meredith Garmon 

As Unitarian Universalism grows and changes (in the midst of a wider culture also growing and changing), every generation or so we need to re-articulate our covenant to express who we are now as well as to put into the terms most salient to the current time, who we always have been. 

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

It's easy to look at our lives and focus on scarcity, on what is in short supply. And this can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. We always have the option to choose abundance.

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Why do we believe things (or act like we do) that we don't really believe? And do we always know the difference?

with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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 From saying "bless you" when someone sneezes to blessing a meal before we eat it, there's something important we're doing when we bless. 

with Rev. Meredith Garmon 

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 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? 

with Rev. Meredith Garmon 

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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with Reverend Meredith Garmon

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with Bill Brauch and Sally Boeckholt

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with Rev Meredith Garmon

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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with Sarah Letourneau, Mary Hays, Louise Alcorn, and Bill Brauch

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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with Rev Meredith Garmon

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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With Bill Brauch, Heidi Levine, and Elliot Nassif

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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with Mike Andreski

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with Dylan Cute

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With Tim Wilson

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 Bruce and Barb Martin have attended First Unitarian Church of Des Moines for 56 years. They will share stories of their other church experiences, how they ended up here, and what has kept them coming. 

Part of the Sermon cut out due to internet issues! Sorry!! 

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with Kathryn Sutton

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with Birch Spick

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with Elliot Nassif

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With Nancy Harris

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with Sally Boeckholt

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 with Gwen Hope & Ysandril Morrigan 

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With Louis Alcorn

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With Rev. Victoria Safford

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With Gavin and Rev. Victoria Safford

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with Rev. Victoria Safford

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With Sally Boeckholt

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With Elliot Nassif

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with Reverend Victoria Safford  

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Compilation of the readings

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With Harvey Harrison

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This Sunday, we began our new year of Faith Formation, with new programs, new people, and new ways of being together. Standing at this threshold, we’re faced with questions about how we form our own faiths, and how we aid each other in this. Join us as we look forward to the year ahead and the opportunities it brings us.

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Anything is possible for our beloved congregation as this new year begins! We gathered in community, heard the music of our wonderful choir, welcomed our new Minister, Victoria, and celebrated the Water Communion. 

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On Labor Day Sunday, we reflected on the value of work, from jobs we're paid to do to the vocations and avocations that call us to lives of integrity, service and joy. What does work mean, in a culture committed to capitalism? How can we honor the labor of all workers, paid, unpaid, and underpaid, and celebrate good work, well-done? 

Readings done by Rev. Victoria Safford, Elliot Nassif, and Louise Alcorn.

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Before the beginning of great brilliance, there must be chaos. Let us notice the liminal spaces: disruptions and transitions in life that carry us through our unending becoming.

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Some life events are etched in our memories, and sometimes shared by the community as a whole. What will you remember of the Pandemic?

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Broader and deeper than philosophy or meditation alone, Buddhism is a rich, practical, and living tradition. Join the members of our Awakening Heart Sangha to explore Engaged Buddhist Ethics as practiced through the Five Mindfulness Trainings - Thich Nhat Hanh's version of the five basic ethical precepts of Buddhism.

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Author of “Atomic Habits,” James Clear believes that having a clear identity is the first and most important step to being the person you want to be. At this time of exploration, could using “Atomic Habits” help us clarify and support our congregation’s identity – helping us to actually BE the faith community that we want to be

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In 2021, congregant Elaine Imlau met another Elaine, in an unlikely place and with an unlikely history. Since her detour through Elaine, AR she has grown to better know the people there and the story they have to tell. Join us as we hear her reflect on this journey, the wisdom we can learn from this little town and how we can help them proceed in the future.

Giving Link to the Elaine Museum and Richard Wright Civil Rights Center

www.elainemuseum.org

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Some life events are etched in our memories, and sometimes shared by the community as a whole. What will you remember of the Pandemic?

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With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, our nation is poised to enter an era of legal repression not seen in decades. To survive, we must rediscover our histories and strategies of resistance. How do we keep each other safe in these dangerous times? We look to the example of those who came before, who understood what their moment required, and who put themselves into the work.

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For decades, Humanism has been a prominent ethical tradition in our congregation, and for many UU congregations across the Midwest. But what is Humanism all about? This Sunday, join members of the First Unitarian Humanist Group to explore Humanism through history and a little entertainment.

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The Summer Solstice reminds us that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Our lives are full of their own particularities, but we play them out on a greater cosmic stage. The seasons change, the sun moves up and down across the horizon, and we can always situate ourselves in a greater order of things, no matter what joys,
 sorrows, or conflicts we encounter along the way. Join us in considering how the constants of our lives can anchor us among the change.

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Art and music help us to express some of our deepest longings and most true thoughts. Come and explore art and music as theology!

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As Unitarian Universalists we are not often crowned with holy fire and sent out into the world. Or maybe we are. Join Rev. Amy Shaw in a service which examines the fire that sends us into the world, and the ethic which fuels it.

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We are one church and together we grow, through joy and sadness. We bring ourselves freely to this community, and we take away those things which help us on our life journey. Flower Communion is a symbol of that relationship and covenant, and we invite all to join us in celebrating our free church. We encourage each person to bring a small live potted plant (herbs, vegetables, flowers, or anything else growing which represents what you bring to our community) to add to the communion- at the end of the service everyone can choose a plant to take home with them. If you can’t bring a plant, please come, and join in anyway- there will be enough for everyone to participate!

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American culture tells us that appearance is important. How do we move beyond the surface of life and focus on the things that matter most? Join Rev. Amy Shaw for this service about the life-long search for personal and religious depth and meaning in a culture where race, handicapped status, weight, and adherence to conventional beauty standards all impact us.

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What does it mean to be truly beautiful, and how can we approach transient beauty as a spiritual practice?

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Over 2,000 years ago the man Jesus of Nazareth died on a cross and was buried. Three days later, something got up. Come and enjoy this thought-provoking Easter service. Please feel free to wear your spring or Easter bonnet!

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Authentic relationship underlies and supports the work of social justice and community building. Come and join Reverend Amy Petrie Shaw in this exploration of compassion, vulnerability, authenticity, and unnecessary fig leaves.

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A basic principle of of the United Nations asserts that victims of systemic and massive violations of human rights have a right to prompt, adequate and effective reparation. Reparations have the potential to build trust and restore dignity through a felt, public commitment to human rights. They also serve the objectives of providing a measure of justice directly to victims, offering them a future that may alleviate, to some extent, the suffering they have endured. Join Harvey Harrison to explore the moral and ethical dimensions of this right through a personal, humanist, lens.

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What is the difference between patriotism and nationalism, and why does it matter? Why are we called to resist fascism?

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Many religions and cultures have a practice of lamenting, or crying out in pain or sorrow. Come and explore a Unitarian Universalist perspective on lammentation and the need to be heard.

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How do you Renew Faith when you never 
had it to begin with? Gen Z's take on the world

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1 in 10 Americans has a substance abuse problem. Explore faith as part of the journey out of addiction.

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It is said that every minister really only has one sermon. Life is Not A Dress Rehearsal is Rev. Dr. Debra W. Haffner’s. We came together February 20th to celebrate our “one wild and precious life.”

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Sunday, February 13th, we explored the roles words play in shaping our identities and communities. We use many words to express ourselves and how we move through the world. With varying specificity, they help us communicate our genders, sexualities, ethical frameworks, spiritualities, and more. Like many tools, they can make life easier to navigate. And sometimes they can get in our way when finding and building community with one another.

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Sunday, February 13th, Elaine
shared her experience of a trip that made her change
from her initial plan and lead her in a direction she
didn't plan for.

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Unitarian Universalism doesn’t come with a holy book or creed. Today we’re going to talk about building religion and having it your way.

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Living with struggle is difficult. Today we gather to support one another in community and to talk about living with poverty.

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Come and share a hopeful exploration of Martin Luther King Day. The dream is alive, and we can bring it closer to completion.

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Walking with others as allies is not easy- our paths are different, our experiences varied. How are we called to respond authentically to oppression and injustice in our world and what are the possibilities?

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A Christmas Eve service of beautiful music and timeless lessons.

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What is Critical Race Theory and how does it impact us? Come and learn about this hot button issue, and explore it's impact on your life and your spiritual practice?

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Our Christmas service Sunday was a special music-centric service that celebrated the approaching holiday! Enjoy performances from the Choir and Bells, and take a moment to find peace in the middle of the hectic holiday season. 

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Join members of the congregation's Transgender Action Group on an introspective journey into the hearts and minds, the pleasures and pitfalls, ecstasies and anxieties of what it is like to be transgender, in public and in private.

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Some Pagans and witches consider the end of October as the end and beginning of the liturgical year. Called Samhain, Hallowtide, or All Hallows, it’s a time to take one last look at the year: all that’s grown, all that’s come to fruit, and all that’s passed on. Everything in our world eventually comes to an end, and this can allow new things the room to come into being. Through this season, we can find the insight to see this interaction in our daily lives.

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We must tell and LISTEN to stories of individual experiences in order to draw the circle of love wide. Join Rev. Kimberley Debus for this sermon about love and inclusion.

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Join us for this fascinating service. Rebecca Gibson is an independent scholar, whose published works include “Desire in the Age of Robots and AI: An Investigation in Science Fiction and Fact” (Palgrave Macmillan 2019), “The Corseted Skeleton: A Bioarchaeology of Binding” (Palgrave Macmillan 2020), and "Gender, Supernatural Beings, and the Liminality of Death: Monstrous Males/Fatal Females" (Lexington Books 2021).  She holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from American University, and when not writing or teaching can be found reading mystery novels amidst a pile of stuffed animals.

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Mental illness has been called the “non-casserole disease”. When your child is seriously physically ill, it is common for neighbors and friends to bring casseroles, and offer to help. But if we learn that someone’s son is diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, or that their daughter has attempted suicide, we stay away. As Unitarians, we understand the inherent worth and dignity of all people, and our interdependence on one another. Erik Erikson, the German-American psychologist, said “Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all.” This service is about how we can support families in the midst of a mental health crisis.

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It has been said that all that is necessary for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing. What does it look like, then, for good people to interrupt evil? Must we be rude? In a word: yes. Yes, we must.

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For some witches and Pagans, Lammas is the first of three points in the year honoring the harvest. It asks us to focus on the “first harvests” of our lives and in the world around us. Literal harvests often go through changes to become the products we love, and we can also apply this observation to our metaphorical harvests. Join us in considering what we harvest in our lives, how we transform it, and how it transforms us in turn. 

Join us for this service with Birch Spick which explores the things we harvest in the world.

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As the landscape around us continues to shift seemingly from one day to the next, how do we transition from a state of languishing – not quite depressed, but not really thriving – to one in which we can flourish? Join us as we explore what positive psychology has to teach us about living into wellbeing, even in the midst of uncertainty.

Join us for this service lead by Heidi Levine.

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Australian Indigenous activist, Lilla Watson, says, “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” 

Join our guest preachers, the Rev. Laura Randall and Heather Vickery of UUSC, as we explore how to create together the beloved community. 

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As Unitarian Universalists, we're compelled to heal and help others by refilling their vessels. But sometimes, we're refilling from our own empty vessels. This service is about learning to fill and heal ourselves first, before we take care of others. 

Join music therapist and UCDSM member Meghan Westphal for this engaging service using music and imagery. 

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Our Unitarian Universalist faith values independence -- freedom of belief, freedom of thought, and more -- but we also value interdependence -- connection to and support of one another, connection to and honoring of the earth and its creatures.  So for this holiday weekend we'll look at how to hold these things in balance in our faith and in our lives.

Join Rev. Dr. Cynthia Landrum and explore connection.

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The Awakening Hearts Sangha of the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines presents this lovely celebration of the Buddhist holiday of Vesak

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No matter who we are, making sense of our lives and seeking out direction is a profound commonality we share as human beings. It is a journey that many people make in each other’s company, often in religious or spiritual communities. But for a variety of reasons, many LGBTQ people struggle to feel welcome in joining and staying in these communities. Join us as we consider what it means to be LGBTQ and spiritual, religious, or seeking deeper meaning in our lives.

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Join Janice Hawkins, Linda Lemons, and Ron Heideman as they discuss Earth Day and Pachamama Alliance of Iowa

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This thoughtful talk  by Harvey Harrison explores the work of Isabel Wilkerson and her book Caste - The Origins of Our Discontent. Ms. Wilkerson uses the framework of this Caste system, deeply imbedded in our institutions and in all of us, to describe how systemic racism in our country is maintained. She uses the history and the current status of the Caste system in India, the Caste system in the United States, and the United States Caste System as it was utilized in Nazi Germany as a powerful mirror on how we continue to suppress people in our country based on the color of their skin and their perceived race.

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After being in the grip of the Coronavirus Pandemic for over a year, the vaccines have most people looking forward with anticipation and joy to the day they’ll be reunited with family and friends. But there are many millions who suffer from another pandemic for which there is no vaccine. For them, it will be, in the words of Paul McCartney, “just another day.” Please join us on this day dedicated to love to learn about the hidden pandemic of loneliness and how you can be the cure.

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As we travel life’s path, we find that its ways are never woven in a straight line – we are provided with numerous options and alternatives.  Some of these paths will lead us to joy; some to sorrow.  Still others will lead to insight and self-realization.   But life’s journey should not be spent in always contemplating what lies at the end, or in building up hopes and dreams related to some future goal.  What really matters is not the goal, or the destination, but the journey itself.  It is the journey that must be fully enjoyed at every moment. This talk is provided by guest speaker Patty Notch

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One Good Year - Resolutions or Intentions: What will we practice in the coming year?

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