Sunday and Special Services
From the weekend after Labor Day through April, we meet in two services every Sunday, at 9:15 and 11:00 am, with a social hour in between. The program for both services is the same. Beginning in May and throughout the summer there is a single service at 10 am. Check the calendar for details.
Visitors are always welcome. Our FAQ provides more information about what you can expect when you visit.
Nursery care for children up to age 3 is provided at all services, year-round. Religious education for older children is available during the academic year at one of the services or at both, depending on the child's age. There may be child care for older children available in the summer. Contact our Director of Youth and Children's Ministries (292-5960, dycm@uufames.org) for more information. Preregistration is not required for occasional visitors.
September 2011 - Sunday service times as noted below.
4 Toward Greater Worker Justice
Suzanne Zilber
In these times of economic uncertainty, Labor Day and its traditions have particular relevance for UUs. In the words of past UUA President William Sinkford: “Rewarding an honest day’s labor with a just living wage is the right thing to do, and advocating for fair compensation is our religious duty. It is only when our most vulnerable sisters and brothers achieve a basic level of economic and physical security that they can embark upon a ‘free and responsible search for truth and meaning.’ Making that spiritual journey possible for all people is the heart and soul of Unitarian Universalism.” Suzanne Zilber will talk about the moral issues around Labor Day, and we’ll be hearing more about AMOS’s Project IOWA, a labor intermediary that has received a $25,000 grant to help disadvantaged central Iowans move into a higher-wage career path.
11 Working Together for Peace
Rev. Charlotte Cowtan and Sal Syed
Sal Syed is the Vice President of Masjid Darul Arquim, the Islamic Center in Ames. Charlotte and Sal will be sharing the service today as they focus on our shared values and our common focus on Justice, Equity, Compassion and Peace.
September 11: Between-Service Discussion of Muslim and UU Perspectives on Peace and Justice
September 11 Forum is now a Sermon Discussion! Join Rev. Cowtan and Sal Syed from Masjid Darul Arquim, the Ames Islamic Center, between services for a discussion of their shared-pulpit service. The discussion on their joint sermon will take place from 10:30 am - 10:55 am. This is a beginning step in building a relationship with the Ames Mosque for working on our common interfaith goals for peace and social justice.
18 DREAM Sabbath;
Guest Speaker Gini Courter, UUA Moderator
The Interfaith Coalition for Immigration Reform has asked congregations of many faiths to recognize DREAM Sabbath today (DREAM Act, also known as the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act). This is a chance to increase understanding of the circumstances DREAM students face, and their hopes and contributions to our communities. Gini will reflect on the need for immigration reform from our UU perspective. She may also give us a ‘sneak preview’ of Justice GA, 2012, in Phoenix, AZ.
25 Up In the Air
Guest Speaker Rev. Mark Stringer, First Unitarian Church of Des Moines
Rev. Mark Stringer recalls a recent theological discussion he shared with a stranger at 25,000 feet. Poor visibility and turbulence sure make for a bumpy ride. How exactly do we land this plane anyway and arrive at our destinations in one…peace?
Charlotte will be leading the services at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines this Sunday.