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
262 episodes
What Do You Think, Episode 4: Dr. David Courard-Hauri, Professor of Environmental Science, Drake University
What Do You Think, Episode 4: Dr. David Courard-Hauri, Professor of Environmental Science, Drake UniversityIowa Environmental Council: https://www.ia...
Taking the Leap with Rev. Steve Sieck
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?
The Practice of Molting with Rev. Steve Sieck
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?...
What Do You Think? Episode 3: Dr. John Pauley
What Do You Think? Episode 3: Dr. John PauleyProfessor of Philosophy, Director of Interdisciplinary StudiesSimpson College
What Do You Think? Episode 2: Josh Mandelbaum
“What Do You Think?” Episode 2: Josh MandelbaumJosh Mandelbaum is a Des Moines City Councilmember representing the 3rd Ward, and a senior attorney for the
Every Beginning is an End with Rev. Steve Sieck
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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Stepping into the River with Rev. Steve Sieck
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...
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? with Paul Derrick
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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