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

515-244-8603

Lessons from the Passover Story

with Rev. Meredith Garmon

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

Join the live service on Zoom!

Zoom Passcode: Safford

(Please mute your mic before

the service begins!)



Zoom may not be available.

New Member Sunday

Please join us in service this Sunday to welcome our congregation's newest members:

• Anna Bauer
• Sue Beachem
• Tyler Coe
• Ruth & Mike Lindeen
• Jean Claude Mbonigaba
• Dan Scholl
• Chrissy & James Williams

The final list of ticketed events and food items for auction is now available! You can find it online here. Paper copies will be available at church. Please note—paper copies include provider contact info, online version does not.

Mark your calendar for the Sale Kickoff and Potluck Dinner Saturday, April 27, 5-7pm. Sale continues Sunday, April 28, 10:45-12. Going to be out of town? Find someone now who can shop for you. In person bidding and buying only.

Just a reminder that if you have set up your giving to be automatically paid to the church through PushPay (or your bank) and you are changing your pledge amount, you will need to go back into PushPay (or your bank) and change the amount to be pulled from your account. The pledge you send in just notifies us how much you are pledging. We cannot change your automatic payment for you - You will need to do that. Feel free to contact Tracy Aukes at admin@ucdsm.org if you have any questions.

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.

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

FAITH FORMATION

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.

April Youth Service Day

Attention youth and families: our service day this month will be on Sunday 04/28, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. We will be helping the Green Sanctuary prepare the plot of their mini-forest project at Brookview Park in West Des Moines. We will supply water and a limited number of gloves; please bring work-gloves and a brown-bag lunch.

Adult Programming

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

• Bird Walks - 4/28
• Circle Suppers
• Connection Circles
• Metaphysical Awakening Book Study
• UU Wellspring Sacred Earth
• Seeing is Not Believing: How to Grow Compassion into Your Observations - 4/27
• Tai Chi



CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

EVENTS THIS WEEK

National Volunteer Month

Every April, people who give of their time and resources to their communities are noted and acknowledged in different ways for their service. Over the past year these volunteers gifted members by providing rides to doctor’s offices, organizing a room, grocery shopping, drugstore visits and meals delivered to their homes.

From June 2023 to the present time this year we are recognizing these volunteers: Laura Berardi - Jude Cigrand - Marsha Carty - Becky Evans - Lynn George - Barb Glass - Kay Hertz - Sue Huber - Elaine Imlau - Barb Martin - Ann Mowery - Sachiko Murphy - Walter Pearson - Susan Seitz - Sandy Simmons - Ellen Taylor - Angela Tedesco - Janet Thurtell - Dave Witke.

When you see these people, thank them for lending a hand to support our community. If you would like to be on the list for these requests, please contact Janice Hawkins, Caring Ministry Coordinator at caring@ucdsm.org or 515-244-8603 ext. 108. “Many hands make light of the work we are called to do.”

Exciting Opportunities

this Weekend!

The Adult Programming Team is excited that our Community Minister, Rev. LoraKim Joyner, is offering two opportunities this weekend for us to experience her gifts and talents of teaching and practicing compassionate communication, emanating from a framework of Spiritual Intelligence. Spiritual Intelligence encompasses Emotional, Social, Ecological, and Multispecies Intelligence.

Compassionate Communication

Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

The first opportunity is this Saturday, April 27th from 10:00 a.m to noon in Griffin Hall to learn about Compassionate Communication and a Spiritual Intelligence Framework.  She facilitated her first Compassionate Communications Workshop in March, when we delved into two of the four steps in Nonviolent Communication: Feelings and Needs. This Saturday we will work with the step of Observation.  By observing with as little judgement as possible we can increase our chances to deepen our relationships, and experience successful outcomes in meeting the needs not just of ourselves, but of others.

Register here

Bird Walk

Sunday, April 28 from 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m.

The second opportunity is this Sunday morning, April 28th at First Unitarian Church from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. to join Rev. LoraKim on the 3rd bird walk she has facilitated for us.  We will meet at the lower parking lot off of Druid Hill Drive. The first two bird walks have been wonderful and have met Rev LoraKim's goal of helping us grow our ability to transform ourselves and our world by watching birds as an intentional mindfulness practice. 

To register and learn more please click here.

Sacred Bridges CUUPs Presents

Sage Advice with Dr. Susan

Saturday, April 27th from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Sage Advice: Exploring Techniques for Magickal Cleaning and Purification

Discover alternative methods for cleansing your magickal tools and spaces, going beyond traditional herbs like sage and palo santo. Explore the reasons behind their use and learn about culturally respectful and sustainable alternatives. Join us for a workshop where you’ll explore various herbs for smoke cleansing, along with other techniques for energetic clearing. Plus, create personalized tools for your practice. Suggested class fee: $10.00, but all are welcome regardless of funds. RSVP HERE.

"Less Mow May" Des Moines Initiative is Part of Bringing Back Pollinators from the Brink

Enroll April 28th after service

The 2023 "No Mow May" Initiative, which was supported last year by a Reach Grant is now "Less Mow May." Enroll in Less Mow May after service at 10:30 am on April 28. You will receive:

• A Less Mow May yard sign
• Native garden design plans for Des Moines area urban landscapes
• A native plant seedling and some seeds to go with the native garden design
• A list of resources for buying, planting and maintaining natives in your landscape.

UUA Bylaw Amendments

Potluck and Discussion

Wednesday, May 1st from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Please join the Adult Programming Team for a potluck and discussion about the proposed revisions to Article II of the UUA's bylaws on Wednesday, May 1st. We will begin with a potluck at 5:30PM, followed by a discussion at 6:30PM about Article II, the proposed revisions which delegates will vote on at General Assembly, and more. First Unitarian can send eight voting delegates to the UUA's virtual General Assembly June 20-23, 2024. If you are a member interested in the proposed Article II amendments of the UUA bylaws and/or if you are interested in being a delegate, please plan on attending.

Please sign up to bring food or drinks here.

For more information about Article II, please see our website.

We will be sharing additional links and documents for you in preparation for the discussion. Thanks for your interest in this topic!

Volunteer Sustainability Training:

Stop Recruiting, Start Retaining

Saturday, May 4th from 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Large Activity Room

We will meet Saturday mornings: 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.

Make a Drum with Wayne Manthey!

Saturday, May 4th at 10:30 a.m.

We are absolutely thrilled to announce our special guest for the Pagan Jubilee: Wayne Manthey Drum Maker! Wayne is a gifted artisan with a deep connection to the ancient rhythms of nature. ​

At 10:30am, he will lead a workshop that will allow you to create your very own deer skin drum. Imagine crafting an instrument that will resonate with the heartbeat of the Earth itself, a tool for your spiritual journey unlike any other. This is your chance to do just that. ​

13 inch deer skin drum: $155

16 inch deer skin drum: $180 ​

Tickets are non-refundable. If you decide you can not make the event you may transfer/sell your ticket to another individual. Please contact us to let us know who will be receiving your ticket. For more information and ticket info click here.

Spring Grounds Cleanup and Work Day

Saturday, May 11th from 9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

(weather permitting)

Please join us to work on getting the church grounds ready for summer. Coffee and breakfast treats will be provided. We'll be concentrating on several main projects:

• Removing invasive honeysuckle from the woods.
• Clearing winter debris from landscaped areas around the church building and from the pollinator garden at the south end of the church property.
• Pruning trees and shrubs in identified areas.
• Mulching flower beds around the building and the trail in the woods (wheelbarrows needed).
• Picking up litter and trash all around the church property.

What to bring: Loppers, hand saws, hand clippers/pruners, leaf blowers, wheelbarrows

Wear: Work clothes including work gloves and sturdy boots or shoes.

Note: If the weather is not conducive, we will post an announcement on the church Facebook group that morning about cancelling the event.

Questions: Email grounds@ucdsm.org

Talent Limited/A Monthly Reading Group

Sunday, May 12th at 5:00 p.m.

at The Towers Club

Our small group of would-be thespians has been meeting since June 2023 on the 2nd Sunday of each month. We invite you to join us on Sunday, May 12th, for a play chosen, directed and read by our members. We gather at 5:00 p.m. for a potluck so bring your beverage of choice and something to share. The reading begins at 6:00 and we are usually finished by 7:00 p.m. The event is held in the party room at The Towers Club, 3663 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312. All are welcome!

UU Women's Lunch Bunch

Tuesday, May 14th from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

at Little Brother Restaurant

Please join our monthly women's luncheon held the second Tuesday every month at 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Little Brother, 6587 University Ave, Windsor Heights, IA 50324. It's a great place for lively conversation and connection. RESERVATIONS are required. Please contact admin@ucdsm.orgif you plan to attend.

Unity Circle

Thursday, May 16th at 12:00 p.m.

We will be meeting at noon on Thursday, May 16th, 2024, for lunch and a program. Our speaker will be Josh Mandelbaum - Des Moines City Council Member. Please bring a dish to share, and your own table service and a cup for your beverage. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Progressive Voices Concerts Presents

Triflemore

Saturday, May 18th at 7:30 p.m.

Triflemore is a Transatlantic folk duo, including one from small-town middle America and the other from Shetland, the northernmost islands of Scotland. Their songs are meditative and progressive, whilst reflecting traditional British Isles folk baroque stylings, pondering such things as the impact of simple, old-fashioned kindness, mindfully navigating the unexpected, and the value of cultivating community. Their calendar is sparse and handcrafted with unique, welcoming venues and inclusive gathering places that are working toward the common good, for it is precisely this intention that inspires their songcraft.

Tickets: $22 Advance/$27 Door

Tickets are available on Sunday's after the service at church or online by clicking the button below.

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 May 5th, when we will be discussing chapters 41 and 42 of The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself by Sean Carroll.  You can also help select our next book by visiting the book club website.

** Watch Party

Our watch party series will continue on Saturday, April 27th; starting at 2:00 PM at the Stine Barn in West Des Moines. We will be watching two more episodes of James Burke’s Connections series. Send a note to info@humanistsocietyofiowa.org for more information.

**2024 Secular Summit

Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 22. The annual Secular Summitt will be held that day at the Stine Barn, starting at 1:00 PM. Join us for an afternoon of discussion with community leaders about the importance of human rights, separation of church and stare, and education. More details and tickets are available here.

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

Thanks for your support of Faith in Action!

Our partners this church year were FreeStore and Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund. Thanks to your efforts, we provided meaningful support to both organizations. Now it’s time to choose the coming year’s partners.

Faith in Action is seeking nominations for the 2024-25 church year. Two organizations will be selected by the congregation at the annual meeting in June.. The nomination form is available on the church website . The deadline for nominations is Friday 5/3/24 @ 11:59 p.m.

Questions? Contact faithinaction@ucdsm.org

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

Welcome

Talia Lombardi

Part-time Bookkeeper

Talia is a native Iowan and she has spent the last ten years with a small company managing the books, as well as the company and staff. She has a very strong background in administration as well as 14 years in bookkeeping.  

When she is not rock hunting with her granddaughter she enjoys reading and kayaking, not necessarily at the same time.

Talia's schedule will be flexible throughout the week. Her email is bookkeeper@ucdsm.org and her phone is 515-244-8603 x103.

Please continue to submit all giving, pledges, invoices and reimbursement requests to the Church Administrator, Tracy Aukes.

AV Technician Opening

Dylan Delagardelle, AV Technician, will be leaving us for an apprenticeship opportunity. Dylan's last day will be May 19th and we wish him the best in his new endeavor!

Please help us to get the word out about our opening! See below for more information!

PowerPoint Volunteers Needed

Are you good at pushing buttons? Then we need YOU! We are looking for volunteers to handle advancing the PowerPoint slides during the Sunday service. This will free up our AV Technician to handle the technical aspects (Zoom, camera angles and audio) for the services. It's an easy job - you just need to be able to follow along in the service so you don't get behind! It is as easy as pushing one button to advance the slide. No technical or previous PowerPoint experience needed. Please contact the AV Team at avteam@ucdsm.org if you can help!

Church Security Team

Forming Now

Last month at Unity Circle, we hosted two officers from the Des Moines Police Department to talk about church safety. This sparked valuable discussions on ways we can enhance security for our church and its members. We're considering forming a dedicated team to assess our church's security and recommend improvements. If you're interested in joining this team, please reach out to Tracy Aukes at admin@ucdsm.org.

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 sat with Brown Bear at zazen early one morning, and afterward she asked, "Why don't we study turning points that are relevant for the forest today?"

Brown Bear said, "Ask me a relevant question."

Raven asked, "Does the bear hunter have Buddha-nature?"

Brown Bear growled, "Mu." "There you go," Raven said. "Mu is an old Asian word."

Brown Bear said, "That's the difficulty."

See the 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.