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Sunday ServicesSunday, Feb. 10: Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
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What’s Love Got to Do with It?
-Rev. Bill SinkfordIn the interfaith world, we may be known as the “love people.” Those yellow shirts drew attention. But what love do we mean? When we answer the call of love, what is being asked of us?
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Guest BlogFirst Connections
by Rev. Tom DisrudWe often say in church that there’s a lot going on here at First Unitarian. And indeed there is—all you need to do is look at the weekly enews or pick up the Sunday Bulletin or look over the Path to Engagement publication to see the long list of things that the church offers. Everything from classes to retreats to small group experiences. Everything from choirs to social justice groups to many volunteer experiences. Indeed there are many opportunities, but paradoxically, all those options can feel a little overwhelming when you are new. Making connections in our large community can still feel like a challenge ....Continued
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Seminary for a Day Keynote Address You asked; we acted! Rev. Sofia Betancourt's Seminary for a Day keynote address is now available on-line.
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Q&A Session with Rev. Bill SinkfordSunday, Feb. 10, 1 p.m.
Eliot Chapel Please join Rev. Bill Sinkford in Eliot Chapel for another in a regular series of Q&A sessions with your senior minister. After a very brief update on developments at the church, he will respond to the questions you bring about the church or about faith.
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Immigrant Justice Action Group’s Monthly Meeting (IJAG)Sunday, Feb. 10, 1:30–3 p.m.
B302 In preparation for the All Church Dialogue on Mass Incarceration on March 10, IJAG's education component this month will examine the criminalization and detention of immigrants in private prisons.
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Peace Action Group Film Screening Monday, Feb. 11, doors open 7 p.m., starts 7:30 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall Making Waves: Rebirth of the Golden Rule Event is free of charge. Donations are gratefully accepted and will go to
support the mission of the Golden Rule Project. This screening is one of many stops this award-winning documentary film is making on its tour from Chico, California, to Portland, to Bellingham, Washington. The film won the 2018 Guam International Film Festival Winner for Best Short Documentary. Information is available at the Peace Action Table in Margaret Fuller Hall on Sunday, or contact Dan Shea at shea@veteransforpeace.org.
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First Connections
Beginning Sunday, Feb. 17, 1–2:30 p.m.
New to First Unitarian? Wanting to know more and to get connected? Join us for a new series called First Connections from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays beginning Feb. 17. We’ll have time to make connections with others and also to learn something about the church.
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First Connections: Our Liturgical YearSunday, Feb. 17 Come and learn about the flow of our church year, beginning with Homecoming Sunday and concluding with Community Sunday and our annual Flower Communion. What are the things that mark our yearly cycle? Learn about the traditions that shape our community.
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The Soul Box Project
Friday, Feb. 15
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WE DID IT! Thanks to the support of our church community, we will be delivering the 1,500 boxes made in January (triple our goal) to add to the huge display of 36,000 boxes in the Oregon State Capital on Feb. 15. The Peace Action Group set a goal of contributing a total of 4,000 boxes, and, thanks to the dedication of many people, our total contribution will be over 5,500 boxes! A Big thank you to those who joined us during coffee hours, and those who hosted box-making parties at home, or made them on their own. If you want to be a part of the Feb. 15 event, you must sign up at soulboxproject.org. Moving forward, the next huge display will be in Washington, D.C. in 2020. Details will follow soon, so keep making those boxes at home and bringing them to the Peace Action table during coffee, or dropping them off at the church office during regular business hours. We will not host a coffee hour box-making event during February, but will be back at it in March. Thanks to those who care about the crisis of gunfire deaths in our country, and want to do something about it. Every box helps.
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13TH Film ScreeningSunday, Feb. 17, 1 p.m.
Daisy Bingham Room, First Unitarian Portland Director Ava DuVernay’s award-winning documentary explores the “intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States.” The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution freed the slaves and prohibited slavery–except as punishment for a crime. DuVernay contends that slavery has been perpetuated since the end of the Civil War through such practices as convict leasing, Jim Crow laws, the war on drugs, and the mass incarceration of people of color. 13TH was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary for Nonfiction Special.
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Looking for Love: A Community Exploration of a Complicated WordThursdays, Feb. 21, 28, March 7, and March 14, 7–9 p.m. Love is the doctrine of this church...but what is it? Where does it come from? And if it's anywhere as near as powerful as many say, how can we honestly reckon with the vast lovelessness in our world and in so many of our lives? Can there be greater love in our lives and communities? If so, how do we start? This community exploration of love will feature in-class readings, discussions, songs, and personal reflection with the goal of helping each of us on our journeys to go in peace and practice love. Sources will include Bell Hooks; Martin Luther King, Jr.; Mr. Rogers; Christian scripture; and others. Optional but encouraged home activities will include practices, reflection prompts, and movies.
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Facilitator Maggie Starr is a member a First Unitarian and as a queer person, is a member of a lineage that teaches trust in the love that lives in our bodies, reverence for the ways we discover our true selves in relationship, and hope for the radical liberation of humanity.
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Day of Mindfulness Retreat: Cultivating ResilienceSaturday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
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Join us for a contemplative day preparing to feel connected, develop insight, and restore hope. We can find our inner strength through simple practices that create calm at the center and build resilience as we go through stressful circumstances. During this retreat we will draw on the teachings from the Heart Sutra and explore the meaning of refuge for finding stability in our present day lives. Through guided meditation, walking the labyrinth, deep relaxation, shared reflection, and moments of silence, we will enjoy being present in a supportive community. Facilitator Katie Radditz is a student of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. She is a spiritual director who has taught aspects of Buddhism with Rev. Bob Schaibly, creative writing, and Retreats for First Unitarian Portland over the past 15 years. Advanced registration is required. Please bring a sack lunch. Morning baked goods and afternoon cookies, fruit, coffee, and tea will be provided. You are welcome to bring a snack to share.
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First Connections: The History of Our ChurchSunday, Feb. 24 Did you know that our church was founded by a group of women who wanted a voice for Liberal Christianity in Portland? Learn about them and how their legacy continues in our church to this day.
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Queer Narratives and Sacred Storytelling: Seeing Ourselves, TogetherSaturday, March 2, 1–3 p.m. Ever wonder how queerness and spirituality intersect? Do you sometimes feel fatigued by biases, or feel like your story isn’t being heard? Join us for a facilitated group storytelling session as we tenderly examine the threads of sacred queerness that weave us together. Members of the LGBTQIA2+ community are invited to gather for an afternoon of shared practice and community building, including a session of guided meditation before opening the circle to share our experience of being spiritual and queer. Free and open to members of the queer community with advanced registration. Spaces are limited.
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Facilitator Delta “Del” Likins. Del is the founder of Begin Within LLC, sharing the power of mindful self-regulation with creatives, organizers, and companies around the country. They graduated from Naropa University, where they trained in contemplative and somatic, and social psychology while pioneering student-led social entrepreneurship study. Del is trained to teach sustainable engagement and burn-out prevention with respected Buddhist teacher Joanna Macy.
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Africa Connections SaleSunday, March 3 Africa Connections is hosting a sale for Quilts for Empowerment on Sunday, March 3, in Margaret Fuller Hall after each service. Funds raised support and encourage self sufficiency for women in Kenya who are survivors of obstetric fistula surgeries and sexual abuse.
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Art WallIn February Kay Myers will be featured on the Art Wall in Margaret Fuller Hall.
Come down and see how she uses monotype to create rich, impressionist landscapes that honor the Gorge's sacred, fragile beauty.
Learn more here.
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First Unitarian Congregation Artists!The March 2019 Art Wall Show is designed to celebrate and showcase our First Unitarian artists. Take the opportunity to show your work and creativity. Entry forms and information is available at the Art Wall table in Margaret Fuller Hall. The deadline for bringing in your work is Feb. 17. Contact Sherry Hall (971-212-1551) for more information.
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Bookstore
Copies of “Justice on Earth” are still available for the book discussions happening on Feb. 9, 16, and March 2. We also have lots of great books for children and adults to learn about African American history and experience during Black History Month. And this Sunday is your last chance to choose a Valentine card from us before Valentine’s Day!
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Give the Joy of Flowers for Sunday’s Service
Have you ever wondered where the beautiful flowers come from each week? You can be one of the generous donors of the chancel flowers.
If you have an upcoming birthday, anniversary, or memorial that you’d like to recognize, what better way than to provide flowers in honor of your loved one. For details about giving flowers for the chancel, contact Marsha at 503-954-3534, marshamwarner@comcast.net.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Pick up a New Paths to Engagement Publication!
Check out the new Paths to Engagement guide available this Sunday at the Adult Programs table.
Learn about the classes, retreats, and other special events happening at First Unitarian this winter and spring.
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Speaking of Justice: Faith in Action - Housing and Houselessness This issue examines housing and houselessness in our community. Discover how our community puts our principles into action! We have highlighted the Committee on Hunger and Homelessness, Quilts of Love, 13 Salmon Family Center, as well as important news about development exploration for First Unitarian Portland, art, poetry, and more.
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Justice on Earth: People of Faith Working at the Intersections of Race, Class, and EnvironmentThis wonderful book is the Unitarian Universalist “Common Read” selection for 2018–19. It contains a collection of 12 essays on the intersection of environmental, economic, and racial justice. You are invited to discuss these inspiring readings about how our faith grounds our work for environmental justice with Community for Earth members. (Justice on Earth, edited by Manish Mishra-Marzetti and Jennifer Nordstrom, Skinner House Books, 2018 is for sale at our Beacon Bookstore.)
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All Learning Community Chinese New Year Celebration and PotluckSaturday, Feb. 23, 5–7 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall Everyone in the Learning Community is invited to a potluck followed by a special performance at 6:30 p.m. by Lee Association Lion Dancers. Two Cantonese lions will be accompanied by musicians playing drum, gong, and cymbals and will offer a dance that symbolizes blessings of good luck, prosperity, and great fortune for the Chinese New Year.
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Spirit of Life Family WeekendSaturday to Monday, March 23–25 We begin on a Saturday, giving families plenty of time to prepare and make the drive. We’ll have dinner that night followed by an orientation. Sunday morning includes an in-gathering with lots of time throughout the day to play. That all said, we remain flexible. If the weather is rainy, we will have more indoor planned activities. If the sun breaks, then we’ll be outdoors enjoying this beautiful place. Adult: $140
Teen 13–17: $120
Child 9–12: $110
Child 5–8: $ 75 Limited scholarship funds available. Space is limited. Deadline: March 3.
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Sunday Afternoon ChildcareEach Sunday afternoon, we'll be offering childcare, 15 minutes before an event, from 1–3 p.m. for group meetings and events happening after services. Please check in at the Eliot Center Info desk if you need care for children ages four months and older. When care is not requested by 1 p.m., staff will be released. Contact cscheffman@firstunitarianportland.org with questions.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Needs for 13 Salmon
We need thick socks, gloves, scarves, diapers, baby wipes, and towels. As always, thanks for your generosity. Experienced volunteers can log in and get straight to work!
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Nominating CommitteeThe Nominating Committee seeks church members who want to help with the governance of this church. We develop a slate of candidates for the spring ballot for three-year terms on the Nominating Committee and the Board of Trustees. Candidates should represent the diversity of our congregation and bring varied talents. The Board of Trustees is the larger commitment, but we are told by people who have served that it is a rich experience in their spiritual life. For the Nominating Committee, we seek people who enjoy networking and who know other people in the church through their activities. Please let us know if you are interested or if you would like to recommend someone else. You may send an email message to nominatingcommittee@firstunitarianportland.org
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Social Hour Helpers Needed Sunday Mornings
With two services continuing throughout the year, we need a few more beverage service helpers and subs on Sundays in Margaret Fuller Hall. Choose one Sunday each month, either 8–10:50 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m., with time to attend the service in between. Please contact Emily at 541-408-1516 or ewh1960@gmail.com. Training provided by experienced volunteers.
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| Seeking UshersUshers needed. Looking for a way to serve in our community? Consider being an usher one Sunday a month. You’ll be part of a team that is the welcoming face of the congregation. For information, see Dev Dion after services on Sunday or contact him at 1stuushers@gmail.com.
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Time-Limited Projects Await!While there are many opportunities for long-term commitments within our congregation, there are also myriad options for people desiring time-limited projects for a contribution of effort and energy. Questions? Marti Yoder at marti.yoder@gmail.com.
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| Seeking Sunday Welcoming Volunteers
If you like to greet people and make them feel welcome, this volunteer opportunity is for you: become a Welcome Desk or Newcomer Table host before or after a Sunday service.
This is a great way to connect with congregation members and newcomers. Contact Membership Chair Ed McClaran or call 971-279-2778.
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| Sunday Drivers Needed
Can you provide an occasional ride to Sunday services for a neighbor? Do you, or someone you know, need help getting to church?
Our First Unitarian Neighborhood Connections rideshare program helps match riders with drivers in Portland and Lake Oswego and is organized by ZIP code. To learn more, contact Leslie Comnes, 503-236-2963.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows Frank Svoboda, father of member Jerry Svoboda died at the end of January at the age of 94. We hold Jerry, Andrea, Veronica and Scarlett who traveled to celebrate Frank’s life with extended family in Ogallala, Nebraska. Margaret Hennings, sister of member Lena Lee, died on Jan. 27 at the age of 71. Throughout her life she went by Peggy, and she moved to Portland to be near Lena about 15 years ago. Lena is grateful for these years they have had together. We hold Lena and her spouse Ann Zawaski with care and love at this time. Congregant Jenn Navarro asks for our healing prayers. She took a fall last week and dislocated her shoulder, and is now home after spending several days in the hospital. She was already recovering from surgery on her opposite wrist and so for the time being cannot use either of her arms while they both heal. She would welcome visits, help preparing food, and well-wishes.
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January Moderator's Letter
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Naming First Unitarian Foundation in Your Will or Estate PlanHelp assure the long-term sustainability of this beloved congregation by including First Unitarian Portland in your will or estate plan.
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Sunday, Jan. 27 Attendance:1st Service: 255
2nd Service: 334
Musicians: 42
Total: 631
Livestream: 102
Grand Total: 733
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Interested in Joining a Women’s Circle?Women's Circle II is welcoming new members. All women are welcome on the second and fourth Monday evenings in the Channing Room from 7–8:30 p.m. Contact Kim Streuli, 503-869-1486, and/or streulik@gmail.com.
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Bed and Breakfast
Do you have a spare bedroom you could make available to other UUs visiting Portland? Our Bed & Breakfast program is in need of hosts. You provide a bed and a simple breakfast. Proceeds go to the church. To learn more, contact Ruth Robinson: mickrob@comcast.net or 503-246-2131.
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Add to Our Media Collection
Taken any nice photos of First Unitarian Portland or its events? Send them our way to help build our media collection! Sending us your photos gives us permission to publish and/or use images for publications, website content, and social media. If you'd like to limit your permission, just let us know. Please email your photos to photos@firstunitarianportland.org or click here.
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Ongoing GroupsThe following church groups meet on a regular schedule during our program year (approximately September through May or June). Many groups meet on an irregular basis. Many groups take the summer months off, so if you are unsure about a particular group's schedule, please contact the individual listed.
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| Africa Connections
This church social justice group supports advocacy and outreach work in communities in Kenya and Zimbabwe that have been deeply impacted by HIV AIDS. We do this through support of the IMANI Project, Zimbabwe Artists Project, and Quilts for Empowerment. Questions? Email Annie Bennett.
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Aging Together Learning GroupWe use books, movies, poems, and various art forms to catalyze group dialogue about our personal experience of aging. Meetings are held monthly on the first Monday from 1 –3 p.m. in Buchan Hall. For more information or to register, please contact Lucy Garrick, lucygarrick@icloud.com.
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The Alliance
The Alliance meets September through May, usually on the first Wednesday of the month, for a luncheon, business meeting, and program. Visit the Alliance web page. Questions? Email Alliance.
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| Animal Ministry Group
Normally meets on the fourth Sunday, 12:45 p.m., A303. Visit the Animal Ministry web page for special meeting times. Questions? 503-520-9012.
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Caregiver Support GroupWe usually meet on the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May.
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| Children's Mosaic Restoration Group
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| Committee on Hunger & Homelessness (COHHO)Meets monthly September through May on the third Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in A303, the Fireside Room, or visit our table in Margaret Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays. Questions? Email co-chairs John Elizalde, Ingrid Gjestvang, and Cynthia Sulaski.
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| Contemplative Practice Group Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., A301. Offers a regular opportunity for building community through silent meditation, mindfulness poetry, and deep discussion on church themes. Questions? Ron Walker.
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| Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG)The Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG) educates and advocates on issues of economic justice. Watch for our speaker, book, and movie events. Stop by our table for the latest information on fair trade, health care, democracy, and inequality and its dimensions. We meet the third Sunday of every month, September to June, at 9 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Contact: Michael Wade for more information.
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| Ending the New Jim Crow—Healing the Justice System Usually, monthly on the fourth Tuesday, 6:30–8 p.m., B302. Questions? Kathryn Scotten.
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Good Times Committee
Join with fellow congregants for social gatherings—from happy hour to hikes, from dinners to plays. Learn more and sign up with Good Times during social hour on Sundays. Questions? Laura Gadley, 847-525-8700.
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Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG)The Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) has begun meeting the second Sunday of every month from 1:30–3 p.m. in Buchan (302). Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. We offer quarterly educational meetings on topics of relevance to the congregation, focused on issues/needs of immigrant and refugee communities. Through the IJAG Google group, recommended actions are disseminated. Our meetings include time for reflection, sharing, and an educational program about one of the many dimensions of the immigration challenge. We also share opportunities for engagement and collaboration with our partners in the community and develop strategies and arrangements for our participation. We hope you'll join us for the important work of immigrant justice! Contact Ann Zawaski for questions: annzawaski@gmail.com.
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LGBTQIA Pride Group
Find out the latest social events by picking up a flyer at our Pride Table in Margaret Fuller Hall for our monthly movie game night, monthly PDX roller skating, potlucks, and any projects being planned. Visit our Facebook page: First Unitarian Pride, Portland, OR for all of our events and the LGBTQIA events we are supporting in the Portland area.
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Meditation Group
Wednesday nights
Group meets in the Elliot Chapel, 7 –8:30 p.m. Silent meditation for 30 minutes, followed by reading and discussing a book by Buddhist author. Please email with your phone number if you are considering coming. Mary Ann Harman.
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| Parents of Teens Support Group, 1–2 p.m.Second and fourth Sundays
Connect with other parents of teens to talk and share around parenting topics and the joys and challenges of navigating this phase of life as parents, with the guidance of a lay minister. We are an open group and parents are welcome to come as you are able. Childcare is provided 15 minutes before an event. Gather in Buchan (B301) at 12:30 p.m. after the second service, and meet formally from 12:45–1:45 p.m. every other week. If you’d like to be added to our contact email list, please contact Sara Robertson, sara.seely@gmail.com.
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| Peace Action Group Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Tess Beistel, Terri Shofner, Brianna Bragg.
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| Quilts of Love GroupThird Thursday meeting is now 10–11:30 a.m., B310. Sew-in is on the first Thursday at Modern Domestic, 1408 NE Alberta St., from 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. This group creates quilts for families served by Portland Homeless Family Solutions as they transition from the shelter to a permanent home. More. Questions? Contact Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
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| Sunday Morning T'ai Chi Chih
Sunday morning T'ai Chi Chih, 8:30–9 a.m.; check the sign board in the Buchan building for meeting locations. Questions? Email Adult Programs.
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UU Knitting GroupThe knitting circle meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month during the church year. Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.
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| UU Men's Community
Third Saturday, 9 a.m., Channing Room. An open group where men of all ages can share life experiences, learn from each other, develop friendships, support one another, and have fun. Questions? Richard Turner at 503-734-5854; more info here.
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| UU Movie Group
Meets on the fourth Sunday of the month over a potluck meal at members’ homes. For more information, contact Nancy Panitch, 503-318-0776, or Ellie Kirkham, 971-544-7003. More info at the Good Times table in Margaret Fuller Hall.
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| UU Poetry Group
Twice monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Rodger Blackburn, 503-519-3494.
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| UUA Outreach GroupMonthly on the last Wednesday at 7 p.m., usually in B310, but check the sign board when entering.
If your interest lies in the larger picture of UU ministry, join us! Questions? Bill Pryor, 503-894-9945. We'd love to hear from you.
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Women’s CirclesI: First and third Mondays at 7 p.m. Questions? Tess Beistel, 503-257-2042.
II: Second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. We are currently welcoming new members. Questions? Kim, 503-869-1486. III: First and third Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. Not accepting new members at this time. IV: Twice a month on Wednesday evenings. We are looking for participants of all ages for supportive sharing and discussion about such topics as parenting and spirituality. Questions? Amy, 503-241-5451.
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Update Your Records with UsHave you moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail address? Anything else you'd like to let First Unitarian know?
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Do You Have an Item for E-news and/or the Sunday Bulletin?If you have an item you’d like published in our weekly Front Steps (eNews) or the Sunday Bulletin, please submit it to:
Communications@firstunitarianportland.org and include in the subject line “For eNews” –or– “For Sunday Bulletin” –or– “For eNews and Sunday Bulletin.”
This will get to all the right people. Deadline for submissions is noon on Wednesday. Because space is limited in our Sunday Bulletin, we’re unable to run articles for more than a week or two in advance, depending on the number of submissions. Articles may need to be shortened if space is tight.
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| Sunday Livestream
Join us LIVE from your computer or smartphone on Sunday at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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PAALF envisions a world where people of African descent enjoy the rights, resources, and recognition to be a thriving, resilient, and connected community. PAALF helps the black community imagine the alternatives they deserve and build their civic participation and leadership to achieve those alternatives. We invite you to learn about PAALF's People's Plan that serves as a powerful tool for research, organizing, and implementation. By viewing the community as the drivers of change, this project empowered the Portland Black community to assert their right to actively shape the city they live in. While traditional planning engagement models often intimidate community members through complex, technical language and processes; the project’s aim was to engage the community on their terms to ensure that the solutions are informed by the people they affect. To get a copy of this important work, you can sign up here.
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SNOW? ICE? FREEZING RAIN?To learn if an event, class, or rehearsal has been canceled due to inclement weather, check the church website, Facebook page, or call the church office at 503-228-6389. During the week, evening closure decisions are made by 3:45 p.m. Decisions to cancel Sunday worship or to reduce the number of services are made by 7 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Remember, your good judgment is your best guide!
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