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
242 episodes
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?
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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