First U Think
First U Think is a podcast designed for you, just as you are. We're bringing you weekly talks about the topics that matter. Living with values. Caring about the world and the people in it. Making a difference. Learning about prophetic people and their work. Want to change the world? First you think. First U Think is brought to you by the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines IA.
Episodes
255 episodes
What Do You Think? Episode 1: Dr. Tim Knepper
Dr. Tim Knepper, Drake University Professor of Philosophy, director of the Comparison ProjectUpcoming events: h...
Where Does a Humanist Turn?
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, co...
11 Minute Meditation to Let Go and Forgive
11 Minute Meditation to Let Go and Forgive with Rev. Steve Sieck
9 Minute Meditation to Understand our Feelings
9 Minute Meditation to Understand our Feelings with Rev. Steve Sieck
All Things in Time with Rev. Steve Sieck
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 vis...
We the People with AMOS
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 ...
The Theology of Play with Faithyna L.
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. Thr...
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Making It Up As We Go Along with Rev. Steve Sieck
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.
Artists in Our Midst with Katherine V.
Join us as we celebrate the creativity within our own congregation.
Space, Science and Spirituality--The Overview Effect with the Celebrant Team
The Celebrant Team explores how space exploration, science, and spirituality intersect.Diane F., Faithyna L., and Louise A.
Attention is a Precious Resource with Dave Busiek
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 ...
America at 250 with Members of the Congregation
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.
Flourishing in Queer Joy with Members of the Congregation
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 & Deidr...
Conditions for Flourishing with Rev. Steve Sieck
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 th...
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The Different Faces of Flourishing with The Celebrant Team
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 ...
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Flourishing in Community with Rev. Steve Sieck
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.
Flower Communion with Rev. Steve Sieck
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?
Gathered in Remembrance: Held in Hope with the Celebrant Team
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 ...
Curious Voices: A Youth-Led Awakening
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 ...
A Mother's Love with Rev. Steve Sieck
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?
Awakening with Rev. Steve Sieck
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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