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

P: 515-244-8603

What's Your Great Vow?

with Rev. Garmon

Our commitments orient our life. And it's that orientation that makes the difference between transformation and mere change.

Join the live service on Zoom!

Zoom Passcode: Safford

(Please mute your mic before the service begins!)

Photo by Michael Maasen on Unsplash

Joys & Sorrows for Sunday should be submitted by noon on Wednesday.

Visit the Caring Community Webpage for the following options:

• Caring Ministry – for temporary assistance, such as meals or rides, or to volunteer (515-244-8603 ext. 108)
• Pastoral care - for support through a difficult time

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

Children & Youth Programming

Every Sunday!

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.
• High-school aged youth of visitors, friends, and members are welcome to join our youth group after service on Sunday mornings 10:45AM-12:00PM.
• Have a middle-schooler (5th-8th Grade)? Our Faith Formation Coordinator wants to talk with you about we can nurture their spiritual and ethical growth.

NEWS THIS WEEK

Diane Kunzler's Painting Students from the Des Moines Art Center

Thursday, November 30th from 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Diane has a long (38 years) experience of teaching in the public schools but now teaches at Kunzler Studios (ceramics) and at the Des Moines Art Center (oil painting and pastels).These student paintings represent many people who have been guided by Diane for many years at the Art Center.

There will be a reception from 5:00 - 6:30 on November 30th at the gallery. All are welcome to come and meet the many artists represented in this exhibit.

Sacred Bridges CUUPS: Holiday Cards Writing Party

Saturday, December 2nd from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Join Sacred Bridges CUUPS on December 2nd for a heartwarming event! We'll be gathering in Griffin Hall from 1pm to 3pm to write holiday cards to incarcerated Pagans. All supplies and instructions will be provided. Let's spread some festive cheer and goodwill. Bring a snack to share if you would like too.

Coffee with YASS

(Young Adults Spiritually Socializing)

Sunday, December 3rd at 2:00 p.m.

Are you 18-35 and looking for connection with other UUs? Join YASS for coffee at Mars Cafe on 12/03 at 2:00PM. This group will meet on the first Sunday of each month - same time, same place. We hope to see you there!

First Unitarian Humanist Update

** Humanist Society Annual Meeting with Rob Sand speaking on Rank Choice Voting

Our annual meeting will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16 in Griffin Hall. There will be a short business meeting starting at 6:45, followed by snacks and a presentation by our state auditor, Rob Sand, on rank choice voting. Everyone is invited for an interesting and informative evening.

** Book Group **

The Humanist book group meets on the first and third Sunday of each month at 12:00 noon right after the forum. You can join in person at the church or via Zoom at https://humanistsocietyofiowa.org/bookclubzoom/. We will be discussing chapters 24 and 25 of The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself by Sean Carroll this Sunday, Dec. 3rd.

Queer Cocoa, Crafts, and Carols!

Saturday, December 9th from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Queer Cocoa, Crafts, and Carols!

Saturday, December 9, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Griffin Hall

Join the Queer and Transgender Action Group to cozy up for an afternoon of hot cocoa (or tea), crafts, and a few holiday carols! Enjoy an array of toppings, from classic to decadent, vegan, and gluten-free. All ages, genders, orientations, and allies welcome! Questions or craft suggestions? Please email the Queer/Trans Action Group at tag@ucdsm.org.

Submissions to the Intercom Weekly are due on Wednesday at 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!

Sad Family Promise News

It is with a heavy heart for the unhoused families in our community and the staff at the Family Promise office that I inform you of the Family Promise of Greater Des Moines board decision to close down the operation. After many months of lower than needed church participation, decreased funding sources and increased expenses to provide for participating families the board decided to cease services December 1st. This organization has made a difference for families for almost 20 years here in the Des Moines area. Be watching for more information to come on ways we can help the staff through this transition.

Thank you for your past involvement in making First Unitarian a safe haven for families in need. Together we made a difference in families lives for 31 weeks over the last 7-1/2 years. May we find another impactful way to assist others in the future.

Elaine Imlau, UU FP Coordinator

Mini-Forest Project

Learn more about this image from the Green Sanctuary Group at the forum on Dec. 3rd.

A Belated Thank You

A belated thank you to Tom Thurtell, Al Powers, Doug Aupperle, Sherwin Beck, Sarah Chang, Rob Malcombson & Dave Witke for clearing the woods along Casidy Drive and blowing massive amounts of leaves off the parking lots. A big thank you to Jude Cigrand for hauling the piles to the city compost center. A double thank you to Al for shoveling acorns off the roof. W got a lot of work done in a short amount of time.  

Caring Ministry Needs Volunteers

Help foster our caring community at Caring Ministry! Janice Hawkins coordinates these requests and is refreshing its list of volunteers to provide help to Congregants on an occasional basis. Examples of services include: giving rides to & from medical appointments & church, providing meals or household tasks and helping with a move. Please sign up (or sign up again) at ucdsm.org/caring-community/ or stop by the table in the Gathering Area on one of the next 3 Sundays ~ Nov. 12, 19 or 26. Share your caring!

If you have any questions, please contact Janice Hawkins by phone or email. Thank you!

Zoom Help Needed

We are looking for 3-4 people to co-host Sunday services via Zoom. It would be best to have computer skills and a laptop with HDMI.

Please contact Bill Paxson if you have an interest in getting trained.

AVTeam@ucdsm.org

Church Cleaning

Do you appreciate having a clean church?

If so, your help is needed in keeping the building clean. Every Saturday a crew of volunteers cleans the church. We will continue to clean the church until funds are available to hire cleaning staff.

Please sign up to help!

Kitchen, Kitchen, Who's Got the Kitchen?

Inquiring Minds Would Like to Know!

Our renovated kitchen is popular and that’s a good thing. As some of you know, the kitchen, like other rooms in our building, needs to be reserved by calling or emailing Hannah Notch, ext. 107, hnotch@ucdsm.org. The person making the reservation will be responsible for ensuring that the kitchen is left clean, neat, and ready for use. We do not have a custodial service, nor do the Saturday morning cleaning volunteers clean the kitchen. So it’s up to each user to clean up, neaten up and take out the garbage too!

If you have any questions or need help with knowing what to do, just ask one of the Kitchen Care Team: Kay Scott, Elaine Imlau, Fern Stewart, Kerry George, Jan Knock, Terry Meek, Shelly Kaldenberg, or Ann Mowery. You can contact us at kitchencommittee@ucdsm.org.

Progressive Voices Concerts

NEW SEASON

Starting October 14, 2023

The Progressive Voices Concert Series is returning for its 13th season at First Unitarian Church!

This season's lineup of nationally and internationally-touring singer-songwriters includes both some past favorites and new faces to our stage:

Jack Williams -- October 14, 2023,  http://www.jackwilliamsmusic.com/

Mean Mary -- November 11, 2023,  http://www.meanmary.com/

Rupert Wates -- December 16, 2023,  http://rupertwatesmusic.com/

Triflemore -- February 17, 2024, http://www.triflemore.com/

The Honey Dewdrops -- April 13, 2024, http://www.thehoneydewdrops.com/

Annie Mack -- May 18, 2024, https://anniemackmusic.com/home

Where/When: All shows start at 7:30 p.m. in the First Unitarian Church auditorium. 

Tickets:

• Single Tickets: $22 Advance /$27 Door
• Season Tickets:4 Shows: $78, 6 Shows $117

Tickets available soon online at www.eventbrite.com. Tickets are also available in person at church after services the four Sundays before each concert.

More information is also available online at www.ucdsm.org/concerts.

Email questions to concerts@ucdsm.org.

Young Adult Potluck

Monday, December 11th from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Changing up our regular monthly gathering to have a potluck on Monday, Dec. 11 6:30-8:00pm in Griffin Hall! We'll share food together, play social games, and talk a wee bit about vision for this group in 2024.

Optional potluck theme: bring something that helps us get to know you (a favorite food, your grandpa's casserole, nothing because Mondays are a struggle, etc). Bring your own plate/silverware if you can.

Questions? Contact Courtney Dufford.

Rupert Wates At Progressive Voices Concert Series

Saturday, December 16th at 7:30 p.m.

RUPERT WATES AT PROGRESSIVE VOICES CONCERT SERIES

Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

Location: First Unitarian Church Auditorium

Questions: concerts@ucdsm.org

Music Video: A Song of Your Own

Single Tickets: $22 Advance /$27 Door

Season Tickets:4 Shows: $78, 6 Shows $117

Available online at Eventbrite. Tickets are also available in person at church after services the four Sundays before each concert.

London-born and now Colorado and New York-based Rupert Wates will bring over two decades of thoughtful songwriting, soulful singing, and incredibly intricate guitar work to our stage. Hear why his eclectic mix of acoustic, melodic art folk, with flavors of jazz, vaudeville and cabaret, have resulted in over 50 songwriting and performing awards. It should be an entertaining evening of memorable and moving music. More information about Rupert Wates at rupertwatesmusic.com.

A limited number of complimentary tickets for this concert are available for those otherwise unable to afford to attend. Please speak confidentially with our minister, Meredith Garmon, to obtain them.

Unity Circle

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

We will be meeting at noon on Thursday, December 21st for lunch and program.

Our Faith Formation & Congregational Life Coordinator, Birch Spick will give us some "Lessons learned in seminary."

Please bring a dish to share, and your own table service and a cup for your beverage.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Longest Night Service

Thursday, December 21st at 6:00 p.m.

First Unitarian Church of Des Moines will again host a "Longest Night" service this year. A Longest Night service recognizes that, for some, the holidays are a challenging time. Whether you have experienced the death of a loved one or another loss, or are struggling with a season that's supposed to be joyful, you are welcome to attend a short service of reflection and acknowledgement of all that this time of year can hold. The service will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21 in the Auditorium, followed by a simple soup supper. Questions? Contact pastoralcareteam@ucdsm.org.

Sacred Bridges CUUPS: Yule

Saturday, December 30th from 4:00-9:00 p.m.

Embrace the enchantment of the season with Sacred Bridges CUUPS! We invite you to join us for a festive Yule potluck and ritual on December 30th at 4:00pm in Griffin Hall, First Unitarian Church of Des Moines.

As the winter solstice approaches, let's come together to share warmth, joy, and community. Bring a dish to share at our potluck, and join us in a meaningful Yule ritual that honors the turning of the wheel.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or simply curious about Pagan traditions, all are welcome as this is a family friendly event! Griffin Hall at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines will be adorned with the spirit of the season, creating a sacred space for our gathering.

Save the date, December 30th, and let's weave memories and connections in celebration of the winter season. Your presence will add to the magic of this special evening. See you there!

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

Highlights from the November Board Meeting

The Stewardship Committee presented an initial vision of its upcoming pledge drive for 2024. The Board is looking forward to events celebrating joyful, generous giving.

The Board approved the Building Team’s proposal to create storage space to make outdoor equipment used during service easier to store and access on busy Sunday mornings. The project’s funding was secured via the Endowment Committee and a handful of generous donors.

The Board granted member Elliott Nassif congregational sponsorship, affirming Elliott’s commitment to Unitarian Universalism as they pursue their Master of Divinity.

Please join us for coffee with the Board on Sunday, December 3 at 8:30 AM (in-person). Our next Board meeting is Tuesday, December 19 at 6:00 PM (in-person or on Zoom). For the remainder of the current term the Board will convene on third Tuesdays to balance out the schedules of some of its members.

No Intercom December 29th

There will be no Intercom going out on December 29th, the last week of December. December 22nd will be the last Intercom for the year. Please get announcements in early for things you need announced in early January.

Thank you!

Eat, Meet, & Be Merry - With Circle Suppers

The Circle Suppers program is looking for 4-5 households to be first-time hosts. Circles are made of 4-5 households who come together once a month for as many months as there are members to host a potluck dinner. The purpose is for church members to get to know one another better in an informal setting with the bigger goal of building a caring church community. First-time hosts will begin the groups with the first dinner and some conversation starters. Email the Faith Formation Coordinator, Birch Spick, at ffoffice@ucdsm.org.

Food Pantry Donations

Red Food Barrel

Please help fill the Red Food Barrel for the upcoming holidays. This is the time of year when most people do think about giving to those in need. The truth is that food pantries are in need all year long. All area food pantries continue to have increased needs. Many of the clients that use food pantries to supplement their food needs have full time jobs but still struggle to put food on the table because of increased costs for rent and other necessities. Many other clients are seniors and are trying to survive on social security.

Please bring food items and personal care products and put them in the Red Food Barrel that is located near the coat closet at the front entry.

Read More

Diane Kunzler's Painting Students from the Des Moines Art Center

Art Gallery Exhibit

This collection of works is from the very talented artists who are participating in the Des Moines Art Center’s drawing and painting class that is held on Monday mornings. The class is structured to encourage participants to develop their own style and interests and to work with the media of their choice.

One of the most amazing things about this group, besides their obvious talent, is their willingness and ability to support each other. Critiques are always lively, informative and one of the best aspects of working with other dedicated individuals.

We appreciate you letting us share our work with you.

Welcome!

Welcome our newest staff member - Dylan Delagardelle, our new AV Technician. Dylan comes to us from the theatre world and will be helping support our AV Team and other church AV needs.

You can reach Dylan Delagardelle at dyland@ucdsm.org.

Photo by Szabo Viktor on Unsplash

Giving Tree

Giving Tree We will again support families in need through our Giving Tree. Pick up names and wishlists in the gathering area at church from Sunday, 12/3-Sunday, 12/10. $40 limit per individual. Wrap all gifts for one person in one bag or box labeled clearly with name and family number. Return to church by Sunday, December 17. Questions contact Sue Huber.

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

Rev. Meredith Garmon, Interim Minister

mgarmon@ucdsm.org

515-244-8603 ext. 102

cell: 352-682-8492

Alice J. Stewart, Director of Finance & Administration

director@ucdsm.org

515-244-8603 ext. 101

Mondays: by appointment

Tuesdays – Thursdays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Fridays: by appointment

Zoom meetings available upon request

Birch Spick, Faith Formation Coordinator

& Congregational Life Coordinator

FFOffice@ucdsm.org

CLOffice@ucdsm.org

515-244-8603 ext. 103

Off Mondays

Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Hannah Notch, Office Manager & Childcare Coordinator

hnotch@ucdsm.org

515-244-8603 ext. 107

Tuesday - Friday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm

To have an event or meeting added to the church calendar, email Hannah at calendar@ucdsm.org

Faithyna Leonard, Communications & Rental Coordinator

fleonard@ucdsm.org

515-244-8603 ext. 106

Available by appointment only

Dylan Delagardelle, Audio-Visual Technician

dyland@ucdsm.org

Intercom Weekly Submissions

Deadline: Wednesday @ 12 noon

• In the body of an email, please include a title, relevant dates and times, contact information, and a brief description of your event or announcement.

• Please proofread your article before submitting (or ask a trusted friend to proofread if you need help!) We try to check every article, but we still miss things.

• An image can help make your article stand out! Please feel free to attach an image to your email. (JPG or PNG files are preferred.) Note: images that violate copyright laws will be rejected.

• The Intercom Weekly is sent out to our mailing list on Friday at 12:00 p.m.

• We run announcements for no more than three consecutive weeks, so please plan accordingly.

• Per church policy, we do not share private email addresses or phone numbers in our communications. We will set up an @ucdsm.org email address for you as the contact person for your group which will automatically forward to your private email, so you won't have to do anything special to view it. (Please allow a few extra days for us to set up the email when you submit your announcement.)

Please email communications@ucdsm.org to submit your information.