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
170 episodes
Conflict is a Good Thing
with Rev. Meredith GarmonWe pride ourselves on diversity of viewpoints — and that means we're going to see things differently, in ways that sometimes conflict. Through conflict we learn and grow, and, if handled well, bond more deeply.
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22:34
Nurturing Nature Through Wonder
with Rev. LoraKim JoynerExperiencing nature can do wonders for ourselves, our relationships, our communities, other beings and the planet. With a dash of intentionality and practice we can grow our wonder, our resilience, and our impact ...
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26:07
Who Cares?
with Rev. Meredith Garmon Our April theme is Caring. Everybody cares about something, but do we care for ourselves, others, and our world in the most effective ways?
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19:46
Common Read: Authentic Selves
with Rev. Meredith GarmonThe book, Authentic Selves, is more than an introduction to gender identity. It will be useful to those seeking to promote our shared values: our places within an interdependent web of existence; the inh...
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25:32
Standing Tall: Reflections on Dignity
Elijah Evans, a member of our Celebrant Team, shares a reflection on Dignity.
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3:47
Money, Money, Money
with Rev. Meredith GarmonWealth tends to have the effect of disconnecting us from others. Intentional generosity counteracts that effect.
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24:13
Dignity
with Meredith Garmon There's widespread agreement that it's vitally important. But ask us what exactly it is and we're often a bit stymied.
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22:16
UU Uses of the Bible
with Rev. Meredith GarmonIt's our culture's central religious and spiritual text. And it does have some great stories. Even the parts we tend to like the least have some lessons for us.
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24:41
You, UU, and Social Justice
with Meredith GarmonThe realm of Social Justice has many regions.
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27:10
Borders and Belonging
with Rev. Meredith GarmonAs a new wave of cruelty toward immigrants unleashes harms and anxiety, what is ours to do? Perhaps some guidance be found in an ancient story. Zoom for the Service:
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23:30
Crossing the Line
with Rev. Meredith GarmonNegotiating the boundaries to respect and the borders to cross.
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24:09
Desert Theory
with Rev. Meredith GarmonWe'll be exploring Desert Theory —which is pronounced like the sweet dish at the end of a meal and is spelled like an arid region. But desert theory is about neither of those. It's aboutdeservingness. What theor...
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25:09
Acceptance & Resistance
with Rev. Meredith GarmonThere's acceptance. Then there's resistance to acceptance. Then there's resistance with acceptance.
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20:42
Freedom?
with Rev. Meredith GarmonEven if determinism is true, one of the determinants at work on us is a concept of freedom. But what is it?
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22:54
The Vow-Powered Life
with Rev. Meredith GarmonNew Year's resolutions are famously short-lived. Still, it's helpful to reflect on what changes you want to make. It helps to put those changes in the context of the overall purpose of your life. Which begs the ...
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20:05
Christmas Eve Service 2024
Celebrate the season at our Christmas Eve Service, where we’ll share the story of Jesus’ birth through fun and unique perspectives—including the wise musings of a curious camel! Come experience the wonder and magic of Christmas Eve!<...
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24:57
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Christmas Pageant
Join us for a heartwarming Christmas Pageant Service as we celebrate the season with a joyful retelling of the Nativity story! Featuring participation from all ages, music, and festive cheer, this beloved tradition brings the spirit of Ch...
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9:03
Awe and Wonder
with Rev. Meredith GarmonWe probably would agree that we could use a little more wonder in our lives. But why? And how?
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23:16
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There is No God, and She is Always with You
with Rev. Meredith GarmonThe living tradition we share draws from many sources. One of them, explicit in the UUA bylaws adopted in 1985, is: "Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason ad the results of science, ...
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21:14
Pardon, Forgiveness, Reconciliation
with Rev. Meredith GarmonThe living tradition we share draws from many sources. One of them, explicit in the UUA bylaws adopted in 1985, is: "Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason ad the results of science, ...
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22:49
Reason
with Rev. Meredith Garmon Our November theme is Reason. We're not very good at it. We can train ourselves to be better at it, but do we want to?
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22:18
Día De Los Muertos
with Rev. Meredith GarmonDía de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a festive celebration in memory of those who have died. Its origins in Mesoamerica go back over 3000 years, even though it was shaped by two Roman Catholic holidays: All S...
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19:27
Climate Justice Revival
with Rev. Meredith Garmon Come be a part of something bigger than yourself. Climate Justice intersects with all other forms of justice– economic justice, racial justice, social justice and more. Together we are enough!
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22:52
