Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Learning Community (RE) classes are at 10:15 a.m. Nursery and toddler care is always available during our worship service. Learn about our program here. Current news here.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
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Are you viewing Front Steps via Gmail? If so, please know that, depending on your device, Gmail truncates the newsletter and you have to intentionally scroll down and click to see the entire issue.
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Join the Journey of Generosity
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We all need one another. None of us can afford to go it alone. The good news is that we arenât alone. Each of us has reached this point in part because of the generosity of others, and we also have the capacity to make a difference in other peopleâs lives. Let us then reflect on and celebrate what it means to live in a world where we are all connected to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality.
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Minister's ColumnCountering Truthiness
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I am reflecting on one of the spiritual, emotional, and moral challenges of our time, which can be summed up by the word Stephen Colbert made up 19 years ago today: truthiness. Colbert was trying to get at the challenge that faces us in a society where statements that are true and verified are increasingly put on par with statements which simply feel true.
We are witnessing the phenomenon and impact of the rise of âtruthinessâ unfold right now in the presidential and vice-presidential debates, through the sharing of posts on social media, and through reports on what purports to be news these days. We are witnessing how it manifests in conflicts arising across colleges and universities, in community organizations (including in our church), and in families and friendship circles...MORE
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NEW! â Welcome to Our Season of Giving
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Join us this Sunday for the kick-off of our Season of Giving! Read more in this week's Order of Service.
You can give to the church anytime, but our Season of Giving makes possible this caring, inclusive, and justice-seeking community. Help us fund our church!
When you pledge a gift to "Join the Journey of Generosity" you help fund our programming, services, ministry, social justice efforts, and staff. We hope you are able to make a commitment in the coming weeks, but know that your gift can be fulfilled now or anytime in 2025 on a schedule that works best for you.
Please pledge before Celebration Sunday on November 17!
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NEW! â Board Update â Member List
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Recently, the church received a request to inspect and release First Unitarian Churchâs membership list. No member information has been released, as the Board takes this request along with an alternate proposal under consideration.
Your Board of Trustees received many requests from congregants to protect their contact information. We will investigate updates to our Bylaws and Governing Policies related to this matter.
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NEW! â Annual All Souls Service on October 27
Sunday, October 27, 10:15 a.m.
Location: Main Sanctuary
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We will hold our annual All Souls Service on October 27. Part of that service will be naming those in our congregation who have died in the last year. Members and close family members of loved ones who have been named in the parish concerns part of our service will be included in the service.
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What's Ahead for Your Board of Trustees
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The Board set goals at our October meeting that address the shared desire to review our governance, increase transparency and connection between the Board and the congregation, offer more opportunities for connection within the community, and support our still-new Senior Minister.
Your Board of Trustees strongly supports Rev. Miller.
Attempts by a small group of congregants to remove her from her position and divide our congregation would be harmful to First Unitarian now and well into the future, and will not succeed. Rev. Millerâs leadership is key to our efforts and success.
Our Board Goals. They are the result of discernment over recent years, and focused conversation at our Board retreat in August. There is significant alignment between the Boardâs goals and input from the Listening Circles, input from Community Conversations last year, and communication from congregants, including those who have been protesting. For the full list of goals, visit the Board page here.
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NEW! â Membership Orientation Series: Social Justice
Sunday, October 20, 11:45
Location: Room A108
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Bring your favorite beverage to room A108 for a Q&A session on all the ways you can be involved with Social Justice at First Unitarian Portland. Come and learn about the rich history and vital importance of social justice work. Hosted by Jen Thomas and Social Justice Council Leader Mary Ann Barham, this session will delve into:
- How we live out our commitment to social justice.
- The many ways you can get involved in our diverse program offerings that support meaningful work in the world.
From education and advocacy to direct action and community partnerships, you will find numerous opportunities to engage and make a difference.
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Around the Church
Enjoyed coming to gatherings at First Unitarian Portland? Consider contributing to sustaining our community. Your support goes a long way in fostering meaningful connections. Thank you!
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NEW! â Sr. Minister Q&A and the Boardâs Finance Update
Sunday, October 27, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
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Please join Rev. Alison Miller in Eliot Chapel for another in a regular series of Q&A sessions with your senior minister. After a brief update on developments at the church, she will respond to your questions.  Immediately following the Q&A, members of our Board of Trustees Finance Committee will bring a financial update.
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NEW! â Membership Orientation Series: Spiritual Practices for All
Sunday, October 27, 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception B101
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Join our ministerial resident, Danielle Garrett, and Jen Thomas as we dig into:
- Why cultivating personal spiritual practices is crucial.
- A variety of practices to consider for your own journey.
- How these practices can deepen your connection to our community and enhance your overall experience at First U PDX.
Whether youâre new to spiritual practices or looking to expand your existing routine, this session offers valuable insights and practical guidance.
Drop-ins are welcome!
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NEW! â Grief and the Holidays
Sundays, November 17 and 24, December 8 and 15, 11:45 a.m.
Location: Buchan Room B310
Rev. Duane Fickeisen and Dr. Bill Yasnoff
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In this class for people who are grieving the loss of a close family member, we will explore the nature of grief, offer the opportunity to share your own grief story, and make a plan to navigate the winter holidays. We will meet at First Unitarian Church on four Sunday afternoons, from 11:45 to 1:15, on November 17 and 24 and December 8 and 15.
The Rev. Duane Fickeisen and Dr. Bill Yasnoff will facilitate the group. There is no cost, but pre-registration is required. Space is limited.
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Our new church year has begun, a time to rededicate ourselves to each other and our community. As the Board looks to the year ahead, we are grateful for the Listening Circle sessions that have been so well attended and lovingly facilitated by our Lay Ministers and Board members.
The conversation at the two sessions Iâve attended were heart-felt and reflected a range of viewpoints, reflections on our history, and hopes for our future. Itâs also striking how similar they are to Board discussions...MORE
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NEW! â October 20 Newsletter
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I have an open-ended invitation, especially for people in middle and high school (or maybe very mature elementary students). Perhaps families could directly share this request with young ones, as appropriate:
If you like stories and are brave enough to want to practice talking in front of a bunch of adults who love to hear kids, consider helping me tell the story in the service on Together Time Sundays!...MORE
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NEW! â UU the Vote Update
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13,000! That's how many UU the Vote letters our congregation just sent to voters in Arizona and Georgia!! Rev. Alison gave a beautiful blessing of the letters last Sunday, each letter a prayer in action. Thank you to every letter writer and to our fabulous team that led the effort this year: Scott Eliasof, Gilda Lorensen, Laurie Lester, Marni Tapscott, and all of you who helped staff the UU the Vote Table.Â
You can still help UU the Vote by making calls to voters in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Michigan. The UU the Vote team provides training at the start of every session. Just hit the link for the sessions below to register and join in.
Keep your eyes on our Facebook page for live updates from First Unitarian's delegation of canvassers to Arizona from October 25 -November 2!Â
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CHECK WEEKLYÂ â Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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The Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and to build the Beloved Community.
This performance of "Hold Fast to Dreams" by Joel Thompson was featured on the Resonance Ensembleâs recent concert "AMENDMENT: RIGHTING OUR WRONGS" - a program exploring human rights, featuring music by Melissa Dunphy, Joel Thompson, Rosephanye Powell, and more. To listen, watch the video below:
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Do you have a birth in the family, a graduation, an anniversary, a memorial, or other milestones to share?
You can acknowledge it to the entire congregation by sponsoring a floral bouquet. As we connect with friends, say it with flowers on the Chancel.
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September/October Art Wall ExhibitionsÂ
Photographs by Sam Muller
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Sam's images capture the essence of the raw Elements of Japanese Garden design, such as rock, water, plant, sand, bamboo, cedar, and the seasons. Enjoy Sam's photographs in Fuller Hall in the months of September and October.
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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Caregivers Support Group: Open to Newcomers. Fourth Sunday of each month at 9 a.m. via Zoom.
Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD): We meet on the fourth Sunday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Fireside and via Zoom. Contact Marni.
Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO): We meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month after services. Contact Cynthia for details or to be added to our email list.
Community for Earth (CFE):Â We meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month before worship services (hybrid) and on the 4th week of the month at rotating times. Contact our group or visit our calendar for details.
Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG): Check the IJAG page on the church website for ways to get involved and groups that need our energy and gifts. For meeting info, contact Laurie.
Lotsa Helping Hands: A care calendar that enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times. To join, send a request here. For questions or to receive support, contact Leslie or Susan.
Mental Health Caregivers Group: Second Wednesday every month via Zoom 7 - 8:30 p.m. Email Ellen for more information.
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: Sojourners and Sojourners 2 are two groups that meet for two hours at First Unitarian. Members support each other through aging with facilitated discussions, activities, personal stories, and social events, fostering growth and friendship. All are welcome, but both groups are limited in size; no drop-ins, please. Email Lucy with questions.
"Tâ Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: Meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room at 12 - 1 p.m.
Wednesday Night Meditation: Every week from 7 - 8:30 p.m. All mindfulness and Buddhist-based meditations. Beginners welcome. A thirty-five-minute meditation followed by a member-led discussion to increase understanding and integration of Buddhist principles into our daily lives. For the link, contact Robert.
Women's Circle II:Â Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month. Email Anne. Accepting new members!
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Got something for Front Steps? Send in your church-related submission for our weekly publication. Use "Front Steps" as the subject line and submit here.
Deadline: Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
If your submission is urgent and couldnât be sent before the deadline, please include âURGENTâ in the subject line.
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For the month of October we are sharing our plate with the Unitarian Universalist Association's Disaster Relief Fund. The scale of destruction in the wake of Hurricane Helene has been utterly devastating to many communities in the southeastern United States. Some Unitarian Universalist congregations have been seriously impacted and others are still trying to assess the damage. You can help support Unitarian Universalists and their communities as they recover from this storm by giving generously to the UUAâs Disaster Relief Fund.
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| This Week's Shower Project Requests
Your donations make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. All donations are greatly appreciated. At this time, we are in special need of the following items:
- Plastic grocery bags with handles
- Mens jeans and pants (all sizes)
- Winter coats and rainwear
- Mens sneakers and boots (all sizes)
- Disposable razors
- Granola bars
Our page includes a list of our most frequently-needed items.
Please bring your items to donate to the cabinet in Fuller Hall, next to the kitchen. Thank you for your support!
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