News & Events
In Decorah: “Aloka the Peace Dog” Choosing to walk with peace. With Guest Speaker Shelley Buffalo
“Aloka the Peace Dog” Choosing to walk with peace.
in Decorah this Sunday March 15, 10:00
Also:
“Rematriation and Indigenous Futurism”
Monday March 16 – 4:30
Read MoreCalled To Climate Action 2026
Please join me for the “Called to Climate Action” conference of the Iowa Faith and Climate Network on Saturday, March 21, from 9 am to 5 pm, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1340 3rd Ave. SE, in Cedar Rapids.
As the board chair for this nonprofit organization, I am excited to welcome neighbors and visitors to Cedar Rapids for this event. Please share with others who might be interested.
We do want people to register for this event (basic cost is $35, but scholarships are available) at this link:
https://iowafaithandclimate.org/ctca-registration/
Translives Festival moved to Saturday, June 6, 2026
Calling all transgender, gender queer, and nonbinary church members and friends. If you would like to participate in this year’s festival (Saturday, June 6, 2026) as a fine art or craft exhibitor, author, performer, or food/beverage vendor, please visit our website for more information on how to apply. Applications may be submitted beginning March 1. Questions? Email translivesfestival@ucdsm.org with any questions.
Read MoreSign petition supporting Immigrants in Iowa
On February 24, 2026, Rev. Carin Bringelson joined 50+ other clergy in hand-delivering a public letter to Rep. Ashley Hinson. In the letter, they urged the legislator to consider the civil rights of immigrants before voting on more funding for Homeland Security, stop her attacks on religious liberty and free speech, and meet with clergy and directly impacted immigrant families in her district.
Read MoreHelp Minneapolis Get a Nobel Peace Prize
The editors of The Nation are formally nominating the city of Minneapolis and its people for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
Read More“Red Earth Nation” Book Discussions
In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, Decorah Unitarian Universalists (Decorah UU) is hosting book discussions of “Red Earth Nation” by Eric Zimmer and Meskwaki Historians, Johnathan L. Buffalo and Dawn Suzanne Wanatee Buffalo. This book was recommended by Shelley Buffalo from the Meskwaki Red Earth Nation. Free and open to the public, please join us…
Read MoreDr. James Zogby Two Years of War In Gaza Where Do We Go From Here?
The Peace, Justice and Democracy Team of First Unitarian Church of Des Moines in collaboration with Catholic Peace Ministry, First United Methodist Church Mission & Social Concerns Committee; Women’s International League of Peace and Freedom, and Democratic Socialists of America hosted Dr. James Zogby Two Years of War In Gaza Where Do We Go From Here? at First…
Read MoreUpcoming Book Discussion on Red Earth Nation.
In the spirit of truth and reconciliation we want to both publicize and thank the Decorah UU Fellowship for hosting a Community Book Read “Red Earth Nation” by Eric Zimmer and Meskwaki Historians, Johnathan L. Buffalo and Dawn Suzanne Wanatee Buffalo. The First Unitarian of Des Moines Green Sanctuary Team and IUUWAN Environmental Justice Team are…
Read MoreCheck out Progressive Voices Season 15
Progressive Voices Concert Series Presents THE SEASON 15 LINE-UP! We’re celebrating our 15th season bringing you the Progressive Voices Concert Series with another great lineup of world class singer-songwriters with diverse musical styles drawn from underneath the broad singer-songwriter umbrella. We hope you’ll join us for this landmark 15th season and enjoy music that will engage the mind, touch…
Read More2025 Pride Event Calendar
18 Iowa Communities plus Omaha are hosting Pride events this year.
Read MoreVictory for Police Transparency! Iowa Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Just Voices
Victory for Police Transparency! Iowa Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Just Voices
We have BIG news to share.
The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Just Voices — and in favor of every Iowan’s right to know how law enforcement operates in our communities.
This decision affirms that police departments cannot hide information about use-of-force incidents from the public. It’s a crucial step forward for transparency, accountability, and justice in Iowa.
We brought this case because we believe the people deserve answers — and now, the law agrees.
Read MoreFirst Unitarian Church of Des Moines Calls a New Minister, Rev. Steve Sieck
With hearts full of joy and deep gratitude, we are thrilled to announce that Steve Sieck has officially accepted our call to serve as our settled minister! This is a moment of joyful celebration for our entire church family, and we are filled with hope and excitement as we look ahead to this new chapter in our shared journey of faith and community.
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