Please Join Our Live Stream
Sunday, November 1Worship Service at 10:15 a.m. PDT
Family Worship Service at 9:15 a.m. PDT
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To Pray Without Ceasing
Rev. Thomas Disrud
On this Sunday before the election we will make a space to center and offer prayers for this time. We will offer prayers for our country, for all of us as citizens. We will make a space to name our aspirations and also our fears. On this All Souls Sunday we will also remember those in our congregation who have died in the last year with a litany of remembrance.
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Bill's BlogCalm During the Count Down
Have you noticed people around you getting more nervous or less patient, responses a little sharper in the last few days? Have you noticed yourself getting more “antsy” or anxious?
I know some of us have intentionally limited the information we take in about the election and the pandemic and the economy. Some of us have even had success at that. But as the din of the election rises toward its crescendo, many of us are feeling the pressure in our lives. I know I am...continued.
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| Featured NewsAll timestamps are scheduled in Pacific Standard Time (PDT) unless stated otherwise.
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Social Justice Grounding in Action
Sunday, November 1, 11:45 p.m. - 1 p.m.
You are invited to join our social justice community for a time for spiritual grounding, deepening connections to each other, and learning about how you can be in solidarity with church, local and national actions for electoral justice. We are stronger together!
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Election Night Vigil
Tuesday, November 3, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Join fellow First Unitarian congregants for a vigil on Election Night. Led by our ministers, this will be a time of reflection, meditation and prayer and an opportunity to ground ourselves before election returns start coming in. Join us for part of the time or the whole time.
Click the button below to join us via your computer, smartphone, or tablet. If you would prefer to dial-in via telephone call: 253-215-8782 and enter
Meeting ID: 836 4982 9138
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Defend Democracy Coalition
Meet up with other congregants at the mass action on November 4!
Interested in joining First Unitarian congregants in solidarity with the coalition? Want to volunteer at an aid station during protests? Would you like to stay informed of upcoming actions during the post-election period?
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General Guidelines for Marches and Rallies
Please read these guidelines for protests as you prepare.
For some practical direct action training, including Know Your Rights in the Streets, please go here: ShutdownDC
- You are responsible for your own body.
- Be sure to have at least one buddy.
- Be alert to your surroundings.
- Remember that systemic racism and white supremacy culture is always present.
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Recycling: Why the World is Looking to Oregon
The Alliance invites you! All are welcome!
Wednesday, November 4, 12:30 - 2:15 p.m.
Gain important current perspective from Jules Bailey, the Chief Stewardship Officer, of Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative.
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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Younger Adult Newcomer Welcoming
With Rev. Abigail Clauhs
Sunday, November 1
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Younger adults who are new to the church are invited to join Rev. Abigail Clauhs, one of our affiliated community ministers, in a time to virtually gather, get to know each other, and share in some spiritual grounding. **There are no age restrictions. If you identify as being on the younger end of adults in THIS congregation this community is for you!
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Interfaith Conversations Before the Election
Final Discussion and Q&A, Monday, November 2
5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
This Monday, we welcome author and Christian faith leader, Vanessa Lindley (she/her) whose mission is to transform the lives of individuals, organizations and communities.
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Caring Circle for Parents
Starting Monday, November 9
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
In these challenging times for families, our lay ministers invite you to join a Caring Circle for parents. An ongoing commitment is not required.
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Antiracist Book Club: Join a Fall/Winter Session
Expanding our offerings so that more congregants may engage!
Our first rounds were well-attended, highly educational and included lively and meaningful discussions. Find a club you're interested in below:
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Living with Loss: How Will I Get Through the Holidays?
Saturdays, November 21, December 5 and 12, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Holiday times can be some of the most challenging times for those who are grieving a loss. Holidays may not be the same, yet we offer hope that holidays can still be meaningful.
This virtual class, Rev. Wendy Fish and Kristin Guest will offer support through sharing information on the grief process, listening to your stories and connecting with others.
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Weekly Prayer Vigils
Fridays from 5:00 - 5:40 p.m.
You are invited to join our Lay Ministers for a prayer vigil and remembrance in honor of All Souls Day.
Congregants and visitors are invited to send in prayer requests. We look forward to sharing this time of quiet reflection with you when we are all holding so much in our hearts.
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Alliance Wreaths are Here!
ON SALE NOW!
October 19 through November 15
We are not going to let a pandemic set us back! We are not going to let down the women, children and marginalized groups who benefit from our greens sale.
From the comfort of your own home, you can order online and choose from among 3 styles for safe pickup at the church garage on Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10-2 p.m.
There is one style of wreath available for shipping anywhere within the U.S., including Portland.
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Monthly Theme Mailers and Zoom Gatherings
Registered families should have received their October mailer packets for the theme of Home. Watch your Learning Community news for details about a zoom session for each age group as we round out the month. Please share your feedback about the mailer packets and zoom sessions which will help us in planning future months.
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Loving Kindness Meditation
Every Monday, 8:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Loving-Kindness towards self and others is a basic foundational view of Buddhism and other religions. Intern Minister Stacey Mitchell will gently guide you through this spiritual practice which cultivates benevolence, kindness, and amity.
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Contemplative Practice Group
Next meetings: Tuesdays, October 27, November 10 and 24
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
All are welcome! We begin by meditating for 20 minutes, in any style you are comfortable with. Then we discuss a spiritual “check-in” topic. We finish by sharing a poem related to the topic. We read it aloud twice with a pause in between, giving people time to reflect on a word or phrase that struck them. Afterward we discuss our reaction to it.
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Petition to Create Municipal Public Banks
Submitted by the Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG)
Let's keep our money local and reinvest profits back into our communities through public banks.
The Oregon Public Bank Alliance will present legislation to ease the creation of municipal public banks in the next legislative session. Please sign our petition declaring your support.
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First Unitarian Social Justice Voter Guide
Social Justice Action Groups recommendations for state and local ballot measures. Read those recommendations and get important information about ballots and voter pamphlets by clicking the button below.
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In the Community
Bruce Kingsley ("King") Buhl, uncle of Dana Buhl and brother-in-law of Carolyn Buhl, died peacefully in his sleep on October 16 at the age of 77. Dana shares that her Uncle King actively pursued a bucket list that included skydiving at the age of 70, a trip to Alaska with his son at the age of 75 despite failing health, and making atonement with loved ones for the hurts he had inflicted in his lifetime.
Joanne Finkelstein, mother of member Carol Hinton, died on October 20 at the age of 89 in Phoenix. Carol says she will be remembered most for her love of children, for the family vacations she organized, and for her volunteer efforts. She served as organist of the UU Congregation in Phoenix for almost four decades
Marian Cobb Carlson, a friend of our church, died on September 21 at the age of 100. Marion was a teacher, an avid traveler, and a gardener. She leaves four children, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. We hold them at this time of loss.
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Board Meeting
Thursday, November 5, from 7 - 9 p.m.
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Message from our Board Moderator
As we move into fall, we hope you’re all staying well. These are anxious times, and it is good to have our church community.
First, we thank all of you who have participated with a gift to Our Path Forward. As of last week, we have reached 93% of our goal, an achievement well worth celebrating. We expect additional gifts to come in over the next few weeks...continued.
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Evaluation of the Ministry
The bylaws of First Unitarian Church, Article III, Section 5, require the Board, the Senior Minister, and the Executive Team to annually conduct a joint evaluation of the ministry of the church in reference to the church’s mission and the policies enacted by the Board. This year’s report revolves around the three core elements of the mission statement of the church—creating community, spiritual deepening, and bringing our values to the larger community.
The final report for the 2019-2020 church year can be viewed here.
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First Unitarian's Response to Covid-19
Here are a few important updates that affect our life together.
Sunday Worship
Staying Connected
Church Communications: Do you receive messages from the church including this weekly E-News and our Staying Connected emails? To receive church emails send a note to etafuri@firstunitarianportland.org.
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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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Have a Submission for E-News?If you have a 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.
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Sunday Live Stream & Social ScheduleJoin us LIVE from your computer or smart device by clicking on the links below.
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November Shared PlateIn November, we share our plate with the Chúush Fund: Water for Warm Springs. In partnership with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, MRG Foundation developed The Chúush Fund to directly benefit the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs as they work to restore their access and infrastructure for clean water.
In 2019, a water main break on the Warm Springs Reservation has meant continued water crisis on the largest tribal reservation in Oregon.
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Speaking of Justice: Weekly Update 10/29In this period of physical distancing, the sacred work of justice continues. Engage with what our Social Justice Action Groups are diving into.
What you can find inside!
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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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