Join Us for Worship this SundayIn Pioneer Courthouse SquareSunday, June 13, 2021 at 10:15 a.m.
Service will also be livestreamed—from the Square
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May the Road Rise Up to Meet You
Rev. Bill Sinkford
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We will gather for the blessing of in-person worship at Pioneer Courthouse Square. For the first time in over 15 months, safely in the open air, we will celebrate our community and affirm our participation in the life of our city. The service will be live-streamed, from the Square, for those who choose not to attend in person.
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A video message & invitation from Rev. Bill Sinkford!
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Bill's BlogYou Can No Longer Believe in Apathy
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I’ve been in some serious conversation with myself lately. These chats with myself have been prompted, I’m sure, by the re-opening of life as the pandemic ebbs. With each return to what used to be normal…the first hug with someone outside my family, the first time NOT wearing a mask in public, the first handshake…with each incident of return it feels like so many assumptions need to be tested.
I’m sure my own internal questioning is heightened by the chance to lead worship for us in Pioneer Square this weekend. What am I sure enough about…after these last 15 months…to preach?...continued.
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| Featured News & EventsTimestamps are Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) unless stated otherwise.Â
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Worship in Pioneer SquareFAQ & Important Info
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- Please Wear a Mask
- Bring your Pressed Flowers
- Parking and Public Transit
- Restrooms
- What Else to Bring
 - Your smart phone or tablet so you can sing-a-long with the hymns!
 - Portable chair and water
In case of downpour, check our website, Facebook or call the office 503-228-6389.
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Congregational Survey: Senior Minister Search 2021Your participation is wanted!
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Your Ministerial Search Committee is asking your opinion and assessment of First Unitarian Church Portland, and what could shape the future for the congregation in this all-member survey.Â
It is most important to have a “picture” of who we are and what we want to become. Please keep the whole congregation in mind.
Results will be shared with the Congregation later this summer or early fall. Thank you for your help in this important task that will shape our Congregational profile.
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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Reclamation Toward The Futurity of Central Albina: Dreamworld Urbanism: A Community Sneak PeakTuesday, June 22, at 7 p.m.
Presented by EDPA2 and FutureLab. In partnership with Portland State University.
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 | Bobby Fouther Chillin’ in Central Albina Age 5 (Photo credit: From the extensive & unrivaled Fouther Family Archive)
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For the past 6 months, The Emanuel Displaced Persons Association 2, EDPA2, partnered with the brilliant minds of FutureLab to create an inventive expression for the Destruction of Central Albina, the impact of that destruction and a clear justification for restitution. This groundbreaking 104 page report combines years of EDPA2 research with the latest GIS technology.
It introduces new concepts to explain the experiences of Forced Removal and chronicles this ugly City of Portland history in a way that has never been done before! It clearly explains the EDPA2-led idea for Curable Loss and Incurable Loss while providing clear examples. And finally, this project completes a full economic assessment for destroyed Real Estate Wealth. The report is complemented with an interactive digital platform for further study and exploration
This report answers all questions and removes any lingering doubt...You do not want to miss this rare opportunity. Note: The full report will be available for public consumption soon via a public announcement.
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Save the dates! - Jubilee 3: Antiracism Virtual Workshop
Dates: 7/16, 6-7 p.m.; Saturday 7/17, 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; & Sunday 7/18, 12-6:30 p.m.
Cost $170, Registration information coming soon!
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This July, Paula Cole Jones, Dr. Leon Spencer, and Lutricia Callair will co-lead a 3-day, virtual anti-racism workshop that covers the history of racism, societal and institutional mechanisms maintaining racism, the personal injury of racism, and analysis of racism in our immediate communities.
This engaging virtual workshop is a fabulous opportunity to delve more deeply into the work of dismantling racism in the company of other congregants and UUs on the West Coast. Jubilee 3 is the third incarnation of this anti-racism training that has been finely developed over time and has been shared with UU congregations across the country.Â
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Vesper Prayer Service
Fridays at 5 p.m.
End your week with a brief quiet time of prayer, reflection, meditation and music offered by our Lay Ministers. Let this be a pause at the end of the week, to receive and to be held in love, without the need to converse. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. An ongoing commitment is not required.
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Art For Social Justice
The Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and building the Beloved Community.Â
Curated by Ethel Gullette, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
Damian Robert Nesta " Jr. Gong " Marley (born 21 July 1978) is a Jamaican DJ, singer, rapper, songwriter and record producer. A renowned lyricist, Damian is the youngest son of reggae singer Bob Marley. He was two years old when his father died; he is the only child born to Marley and Cindy Breakspeare, Miss World 1976.
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In the Community
Member Jody Feldman’s father, Richard J. Feldman, died on May 16th after a short illness and in the care of hospice. He was 88 years old. He listened to all our our services in Portland via livestream from his home in Stevens Point, WI, even from his hospital bed. Richard's first career was as a Baptist minister, followed by a career as a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point (UWSP), then in retirement he was the primary founder of the still thriving Learning Is ForEver (LIFE) program, modeled on Elderhostel. He had significant impact and influence on his family and community. His life and contributions will be celebrated in early July. Jody and her husband Bill Yasnoff appreciate all of your warm thoughts.
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First Unitarian Adopts the 8th Principle
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The 8th Principle The 8th Principle calls us to work to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions. The overwhelming majority of membership (95%)Â voted to adopt the 8th Principle into the church by-laws reflects the broad engagement of the congregation.
This is an important step in our collective spiritual journey! While in many ways it is just the beginning of our journey, this is also a moment to pause and celebrate our commitment to building Beloved Community by the actions that we take together. First Unitarian Church of Portland is the 66th UU congregation to adopt the 8th Principle.
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First U PDX Ballot Results
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- Mindy Clark, Ryan Deibert, Theo Harper and Barbara Morrison were elected to second terms on the Board of Trustees.
- Dean Baker, Ingrid Gjestvang, Jessie Eller-Isaacs were elected to serve on the Nominating Committee.
- Ed McClaran and Eric Terrell were elected to the Foundation Board
- The budget was adopted.
- All three changes to the bylaws, including the adoption of the 8th Principle, were approved.
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THERE'S STILL TIME! - Virtual General Assembly
Register NOW for this year’s G.A. in Milwaukee
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- Visit the virtual Portland booth in the exhibit hall, and experience General Assembly from the comfort of your own home!
- Are you a newcomer? Then you’re especially welcome. On average, approximately 40% of G.A. attendees are first-timers.
- Enjoy the “Invitation to Portland” video, for the G.A. we are hosting next summer.
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Brandon Lee, First U congregant & Training 4 Transformation co-founder
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Ibsahu Ma'akmaha, Co-founder & Chief Wellness Officer
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This year's G.A. is offering many "On-Demand" programs. Look for the On-Demand presentation Healing from the Trauma of Police Brutality led by congregant Brandon Lee and Ibsahu Ma'akmaha. This workshop is sponsored by First Unitarian's Police Accountability Team, introduced by Director of Social Justice Dana Buhl.
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As we near the end of our most unusual church year we are winding up our meetings with congregants to hear their thoughts on our church-wide goals for the next three years. Many congregants have given their input through group meetings or individually. We are already seeing themes emerge across the congregation...continue.
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Naming First Unitarian Foundation in Your Will or Estate Plan
Help assure the long-term sustainability of this beloved congregation by including First Unitarian Portland in your will or estate plan.
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Having trouble viewing our services through the website?
Find our Live Streams on Boxcast, Youtube or on Facebook.
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Have a Submission for E-News?If you have a church-related submission you would like published in our weekly Front Steps (E-News), please submit it here with subject line “For E-News.”
Submission deadline is noon on Tuesday.Â
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Sunday Live StreamÂ
& Social Schedule
Join us LIVE from your computer or smart device by clicking on the links below.Â
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June/July Shared Plate
We share our plate with Black & Beyond the Binary Collective. BBBC is dedicated to advocacy and healing for transgender and gender-variant Oregonians who are Black and have lived experiences as a member of the African diaspora. They seek to uphold the dignity of the Black transgender and nonbinary community in Portland Metro by providing resources without stipulations, sharing Black joy, and combatting transmisogyny and anti-Black racism...continue.
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Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and  stay engaged!
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Trying to find connection with those in the congregation with similar interests?
Contact one of the many groups run by members of the church and connect.
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Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
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