Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Childcare is available during our worship service for children 6 months to 3 years old.
Learning Community Classes start today! Children and youth go directly to their classrooms at 10:15 a.m.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
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Today is the first Sunday of our Learning Community Classes for children and youth. In our sanctuary, we will celebrate and learn about John Murray, one of the major spiritual forebears of the Universalist faith. September is the month in which he landed on this continent and preached a new gospel founded on love not fear and helped spread many of the ideals that we cherish to this day.
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Minister's ColumnA Basket for the Journey
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Last Sunday as we kicked-off the new year and our annual spiritual theme, “Join the Journey!” At the end of the sermon, we introduced the metaphor of the baskets filled with nourishment that we carry with us as we travel the peaks and valleys of the journey of life and faith together.
When we see baskets, we see evidence of culture and art and identity, the weaving techniques passed down from one generation to the next over thousands of years...continue reading
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NEW! — Music Ministry Transition
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The Music Ministry Transition Team has been hard at work. We have been screening applications, and have begun the interview process with the most promising candidates. We are excited about our candidates and are looking forward to our next steps in the process.Â
Once we have hired an interim/acting music director, we will transition to the next part of our charge, which is to hear from members of the music program and the congregation at large about their hopes, dreams, and imaginations for the future of our music program.
Looking for the Board's "Frequently Asked Questions" document about the music transition? Just email "Please send FAQ doc" to FAQ@firstunitarianportland.org.
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THIS SATURDAY! — All-church PicnicÂ
Saturday, September 14, 12 - 4 p.m.
Wilshire Park:Â 4116 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97212
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| This year's theme is "Join the Journey" and we invite everyone to come together for a day of fun, fellowship, and community.
We ask each family to bring their own picnic lunch and a dessert to share with others. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow congregants and enjoy a delightful meal outdoors.
Please note: There are not a lot of picnic tables at the park, so please bring your lawn chairs and blankets as needed. If you have extra chairs, please bring them for our older congregants who no longer own one.
2 p.m. is the time we will start the dessert potluck and hear remarks from Rev. Alison.
To make this picnic a success, we need volunteers to help organize and implement various activities throughout the day. Whether you can assist with setting up, leading games, or helping with clean-up, your support will make a significant difference. If you're interested in volunteering, please reach out to Jen Thomas and she will put you in touch with organizers.
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NEW! — The 100th Anniversary of Eliot Chapel: Decades of Remembrance Panel
Sunday, September 29, 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Location:Â Eliot Chapel
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Did you know that the Eliot Chapel was built 100 years ago? In 1924—100 years ago—on November 16, what we now call Eliot Chapel was finished and dedicated with much ceremony and celebration. Until 1993, this was the sanctuary where our congregation worshipped every Sunday. By the 1990s, three services were offered every Sunday, two in the Eliot Chapel and one in the Sanctuary.
This fall we will have a series of events to mark this important anniversary, including a rededication ceremony in November.
Our anniversary will kick off on September 29 with a program featuring stories from this chapter in the congregation’s life with voices from members of our community. Join us as we learn and celebrate this history together.
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Learning Community Registration is Now Open
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Registration is open for the Learning Community's 2024-25 church year! To register your child, fill out this form.
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NEW! — Stop by First Connections for a "Cup of Hospitality"
Every Sunday after the service
Location: Fuller Hall
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The First Connections table is open during Social Hour to welcome folks and to share information about First U PDX. You’ll know the table by the turquoise tablecloths and the friendly faces. If you are new to the church or you are interested in meeting new folks, please stop by!
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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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THIS WEEK — Register Now: Ranked-Choice Voting Workshop for City of Portland
Monday, September 16, 6 p.m.
Location: Zoom
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This year, Portlanders are using a new voting system to elect the city’s Mayor, Auditor and City Council. Instead of a primary followed by a general election, these positions will be elected in a single election November 5 using ranked-choice voting (RCV).
This hour-long workshop will prepare you to vote. Members of the League of Women Voters will summarize the changes, then dive deeply into how to fill out your ballot to ensure that your vote counts! You can ask your questions here too. This is a nonpartisan Zoom workshop. To join, please register through this link.
If you are unable to join this online event or would like more practice, the Alliance is hosting the League of Women Voters on October 2 at 10:30 a.m. for a hands-on workshop.Â
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NEW! — Join the Journey on the Labyrinth
Every first Sunday starting October 6, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location:Â Fuller Hall
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This year, as we explore the church theme “Join the Journey,” we will have monthly opportunities to deepen our spiritual practices and focus on our inner journeys through the Labyrinth. Starting October 6, the Labyrinth will be set up in Fuller Hall on the first Sunday of every month from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
We’re always looking for more volunteers to help us set up our sacred space and plan other labyrinth related activities throughout the year. If you’d like to volunteer, reach out to Teri.
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The Art Wall Committee is Looking for New Members
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You don’t have to be an artist to join, just be interested in art. Members commit about one day a month to attending a meeting or helping install the new show, usually the last Thursday of the month. Committee members recommend artists who might be a good fit for Fuller Hall and the committee juries the artists. If you are interested, contact Connie.
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Vespers Service Every Friday
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Our Friday Vespers services resumed on September 6 and will continue through the church program year.
End your week with a quiet pause at the Vespers service each Friday evening on Zoom from 5:00 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. Wind down from a busy week and begin your weekend with this service of music, poetry, reflection, prayer, and meditation.
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Weekly Loving Kindness Meditation
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The teachings of Loving Kindness, or Metta, are about finding a path with heart. Jack Kornfield says, “It’s about undertaking a path that transforms and touches us in the center of our being. To do so is to find a way of practice that allows us to live in the world wholly and fully from our heart.”
With this Spiritual Practice, one can cultivate feelings of happiness, dispel loneliness, let go of fear and anxiety. If you are feeling stuck, this practice can help you enjoy a more compassionate life for yourself and others.
Join us on Zoom on Monday evenings from 8 - 8:30 p.m. starting this upcoming Monday to extend Loving Kindness to yourself, to those around you, and to the world.
No previous meditation practice is necessary, and new participants are always welcome. Join on an on-going basis, or drop in as you’re able.
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NEW! — Thank You to the First U Gardening Crew
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Thank you to Bob, Laurie, Joe, Dori, Phil, Lee, Robin, Eloise, Arliss, Art, Michael, Tony, Carolyn, and Kathy for all that you do!
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NEW! — Check Out Our New Narthex Banners
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Thank you to Kathleen, Marti, and the Quilts of Love members who made these lovely banners located in the narthex/lobby of the main sanctuary. Look for color changes with the seasons!
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Join Our Support Network: Lotsa Helping Hands
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Do you enjoy helping others? Are you looking for concrete ways to strengthen our beloved community? Consider joining our church’s Lotsa Helping Hands support network!
Coordinated by Lay Ministry, Lotsa Helping Hands is a care calendar similar to Meal Train that enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times.
And if you or someone you know could use the support of meals or visits—or if you have any questions—please contact one of our coordinators, Leslie or Susan.
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Share Your Garden!
Every Sunday after the service
Location: Fuller Hall
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Do you have a flourishing garden brimming with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs? Share your garden’s bounty with our community by bringing it on Sundays to the First Share table in Fuller Hall during Social Hour.
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NEW! — September 15 Newsletter
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Click here for the Learning Community e-newsletter! Get it while it's hot. I hope to see you all this weekend at our All-Church Picnic on Saturday at 12 p.m. and at our first day of the RE program year on Sunday at 10:15 a.m...continue reading
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UU The Vote: Time to Return Your Letters!
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Please finish your letters to voters and return them to the UU the Vote Table during social hour or to the church office before the end of September. The letters will be blessed at an upcoming worship service and we will send them all in early October, in time to make an impact on this election.
Over 6,000 of the letters we've distributed have not yet been returned. If you took letters but have not finished them, bring what you've done and return the rest to the UU the Vote Table ASAP. We'll find folks to finish them.
Also, join us Tuesdays in September from 10:00-11:30am in Room B101 in Buchan to write letters. Bring a friend, bring your letters, and make it a party! Thank you for helping with this collective effort to put our UU values into action. Let's get out the vote!
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NEW! — Call Voters This Fall!
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UU the Vote is hosting weekly phonebanks leading up to the election - join us!
We offer training at the start of every session (and of course, experienced phonebankers can just jump right in!)
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CHECK WEEKLY — Donate Supplies to the Shower Project!
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The Shower Project is going well, and our guests appreciate the service. With colder weather around the corner, we have updated requests for needed items:
- 1 gallon of Ginger Lilly Farms body wash
- Men's long pants and sweatpants (all sizes)
- Raincoats/jackets (all sizes)
- Blankets and sleeping bags
- Cases of water
- New boxers or boxer briefs (M & L)
- Used or new adult sweatshirts (M & L)
- Used or new jeans, belts, and shoes (all sizes)
- Disposable razors, preferably double-bladed
- Small containers of shaving cream
- Emery boards & nail clippers
- Granola bars
- Sugar packets for tea/coffee
Our page now 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. Your donations make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your support!
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UPDATE — Antiracism Learning Circles 2024 Registration
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You are invited to join an Antiracism Learning Circle this fall. It’s on Zoom, so you can join from anywhere! Circles start the week of September 23. Registration is still open HERE.
We have added two new sections of "Seeing White" on Wednesday afternoons and Wednesday evenings, starting September 25.
We still have several seats available for "How We Win the Civil War" by Steve Phillips on Wednesday evenings, starting September 25.
Visit the group page for full descriptions of the group mission, media we will dive into, schedules, and registration information. For questions, contact Jody.
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NEW! — Spread the Love: Support Lift UP's 2nd Annual Nut Butter Drive
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September is Hunger Action Month. Join us in taking action locally by supporting Lift UP's 2nd Annual Nut Butter Drive.
Why nut butter? Because a simple jar can provide a nourishing meal for someone who may be facing food insecurity. Together, we can help ease that concern by filling our neighbors’ cupboards with this most requested pantry staple.
Drop off one or more jars of peanut (or other nut) butter to the COHHO cabinet in Fuller Hall (by the kitchen) and we will deliver them to Lift UP for distribution. Every action—big or small—is one step closer to a Portland where no one is hungry. You can also donate directly to them at lifturbanportland.org. Thank you!
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CHECK WEEKLY — 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 week features a performance of "Ella's Song" written by Bernice Johnson Reagon, performed by Sweet Honey in the Rock. To listen, watch the video below:
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In the Community
A memorial service will be held for member Mary Lansing this Saturday, September 14, at 11 a.m. in the Eliot Chapel. Mary died in July at the age of 93.
Member Chris Gates had emergency abdominal surgery on September 8 and is now recovering. This is unrelated to his recent surgeries in July. Chris deeply appreciates the kind support of this congregation, and welcomes healing energy and loving thoughts at this time.
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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 Exhibitions Art Wall
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 third Sunday of each month from 12:15 to 1:45 in Fireside. Contact Marni.
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.
SUMMER BREAK — Good Times: Movie Group: Sunday movie meetups at members' homes to discuss current films in theaters or streaming. Contact Christine for details and to join our group email list.
Mental Health Caregivers Group: Second Wednesday every month via Zoom 7 - 8:30 p.m. Email Ellen for more.
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.
"T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: Meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room at 12 - 1 p.m.
EVERY SUNDAY — UU the Vote: Join Us For Community and Letter WritingÂ
The blue tablecloth will be available every Sunday until October. Letters can be dropped off and picked up at the church office.
Letter Writing Schedule:
Women's Circle II:Â Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
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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 couldn’t be sent before the deadline, please include “URGENT” in the subject line.
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For the month of September, we share our Sunday offering with our church's 13 Salmon Shower Project, whose doors opened this past January. We aim to provide access to basic hygiene and respite needs, including a shower, restroom, clean clothes and a lunch in a safe and non-judgmental environment while building relationships with our unhoused neighbors. We are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, housing status, or ability, feels welcome and secure.
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