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
236 episodes
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?
Open to Life with Rev. Steve Sieck
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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Embracing Possibility with the Celebrant Team and Green Sanctuary
The Green Sanctuary Team is highlighted as we celebrate the upcoming Earth Day 2026 and our church's commitment to environmental action.Slides:
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It's Great to Meet You, Episode 13: Faithyna Leonard, Faith Formation & Congregational Life Coordinator, First Unitarian Church of Des Moines
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!
The Risks of Possibility with Rev. Steve Sieck
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.
It's Great to Meet You, Episode 12: Tracy Aukes, Church Administrator, First Unitarian Church of Des Moines
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!
Embracing Possibility with Rev. Steve Sieck
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.
To Be Seen and Heard with Rev. Steve Sieck
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 list...
The Transformative Power of Attention with the Celebrant Team
Speaking: Aaron RosenfeldWhen 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?
The Connective Power of Attention with Rev. Steve Sieck
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?
The Work of Attention with Rev. Steve Sieck
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?
The Gift of Attention with Rev. Steve Sieck
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?
Resilient Community with Rev. Steve Sieck
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.
Embodying Resilience with Mike Smith and Barb Royal
Age, wisdom, experience, with reflections from the congregation
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The Problem with 'Should' with Rev. Steve Sieck
As we deepen our exploration of resilience, what role do our expectations play in our ability to adapt and respond to life’s challenges?
Bending and Breaking with Rev. Steve Sieck
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?&...
It's Great to Meet You, Episode 11: Gabby Guerra, Executive Director, Al Éxito
www.alexitoiowa.org
Righting the Ship with Rev. Steve Sieck
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?
It's Great to Meet You, Episode 10: Courtney Dufford, Lead Organizer, AMOS (A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy)
https://www.amosiowa.org/Upcoming Events: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QezrU0h9kXqJM4gUL19j6QqAYN2AUwpEHiYp_jU8wjU/edit?usp=sharing
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The Calculus of Resistance with Rev. Steve Sieck
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?
Holding Your (Moral) Ground with Rev. Steve Sieck
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 ...
