I’m so pleased to say that another congregation in Prairie Star District is being recognized as a Breakthrough Congregation by the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations! We’ve just received word that First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, Iowa, has been chosen as one of four Breakthrough Congregations for 2009.
The church added a Saturday afternoon service a few years ago, to welcome new people.
The congregation recently completed a building renovation that added new office and meeting room space and renovated the religious education classrooms. A lift that goes to all levels, a new large foyer, and a downstairs area for greeting families with children were important additions for welcoming newcomers.
The church is actively involved in AMOS — A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy — a congregationally based, community organizing group — along with other Iowa congregations. The minister, Rev. Mark Stringer, is active in AMOS and has served as President of the local Interfaith Alliance.
The congregation has grown from 251 adult members to 389 in the last eight years, as part of a concerted effort to serve the needs of more people and their community. Their budget has grown accordingly, and people have pledged generously.
Congratulations to First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, who joins our District’s other Breakthrough Congregations — All Souls UU Church in Kansas City, MO [2007] and White Bear UU Church in Mahtomedi, MN [2005].
