Entry No. 9 — the Des Moines file — filed under: witchy
CUUPS Sacred Bridges (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans)
An earth-centered Pagan worship group profiled by Drake University's Comparison Project, meeting for the full moon, the third Sunday of each month, and the eight Sabbats of the Wheel of the Year. Rituals are leaderless and rotate among volunteers, with magic worked through chanting, singing, dancing, candles and symbols under the principle 'it shall harm none.'
The story
If you wander into the 1957 modernist sanctuary of the First Unitarian Church on Bell Avenue, you might expect straightforward Midwestern parish life. But head past the main hall into the Stonewall Conference Room on a full moon night or the third Sunday of the month, and you'll run right into Sacred Bridges—a local chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans doing real, grassroots earth magic in Des Moines.
There are no self-appointed high priests or rigid hierarchies running the circle here. The rituals rotate among volunteer members who take turns writing ceremonies around the eight Sabbats of the Wheel of the Year and the moon cycles. Operating under the central ethic that 'it shall harm none,' the group works spellwork using basic human tools: collective chanting, singing, rhythmic movement, candles, and physical symbols set out on low altars.
Profiled by Drake University's Comparison Project as one of the city's key esoteric communities, Sacred Bridges sits at the quiet intersection of progressive church culture and folk Paganism. You're not going to find grand theatrical illusions here—just local practitioners gathering on Des Moines' south side to mark seasonal turnings together.
What it's like
Head into the church lot at 1800 Bell Ave, walk inside, and ask for the Stonewall Conference Room. You don't need special robes or secret passwords; jeans and a sweater are fine, and newcomers are welcomed straight into the circle with no advance preparation required. A typical gathering involves setting an intention, chanting, lighting candles, and participating in simple group ritual actions. The vital rule here is privacy: drop your phone in your pocket and never photograph anyone without explicit permission.
The move: Show up to a public full-moon or Sabbat ritual together with 'an open mind and heart' (no prep, no dress code) and quietly take part in the chanting and candle work for a genuinely offbeat shared evening.
📍 Before you go Gatherings happen at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, 1800 Bell Ave on the city's south side — a wheelchair-accessible 1957 modernist sanctuary with its own lot. Rituals are typically held in the Stonewall Conference Room inside, so head in and ask at the door if you're unsure where to go. Email the group ahead to confirm the date and mention you're coming, since the schedule rotates between the third Sunday, full moons, and the eight Sabbats. Newcomers are genuinely welcome with no dress code and nothing to bring, but respect members' privacy and don't photograph anyone without first asking.
- 📍 Des Moines
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Hours: Gatherings on the third Sunday monthly, full moons, and Pagan Sabbats; email sacredbridgescuups@gmail.com to confirm and ask before visiting
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Ancient Ways — Pair your ritual visit with a stop at Des Moines' long-running occult shop on University Ave to pick up incense, herbs, or tarot decks.
- Enchanted (Enchanted Mystical Boutique) — Stop by this Ingersoll Ave shop for a tarot reading before heading south to Bell Ave for group ritual work.
- Drake Municipal Observatory — Follow up a full-moon Sabbat ceremony with actual celestial viewing at a 1921 limestone observatory hidden on a public golf course.
- Kays Spiritual Ways — Grab custom-blended incense or ritual candles in Highland Park before heading down to the church conference room.
Good to know
Where and when does Sacred Bridges meet?
They meet at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines (1800 Bell Ave) on the third Sunday of every month at 12:30 PM, along with additional gatherings on full moons and the eight Pagan Sabbats.
Do I need to sign up or prepare beforehand?
No formal sign-up is required, but it's best to email sacredbridgescuups@gmail.com ahead of time to double-check the gathering room and confirm dates, as the Sabbat and full moon schedule fluctuates.
What should I wear or bring?
There is no dress code and nothing you need to bring. Come as you are with an open mind.
Is photography allowed?
No, respecting members' privacy is strictly enforced. Never take photos or recordings during a meeting without asking first.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: comparisonproject.wp.drake.edu · Official site
last checked: 2026-06-06