Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Children & Youth Summer Session 10:15 a.m.
Childcare is available during our worship service for children six months to 3 years old.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
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We take the stuff of our lives—the good, the bad, and everything in between—and make meaning. And, just like compost happens with the right conditions, something new emerges. Our job is to tend that soil so that it is as rich as possible.
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Minister's Blog
On Pride and Sparking Our Imaginations
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Dear ones,
I know this has been another anxious week in what seems to be a string of anxious weeks. Violence and devastation continue in Gaza. Heat waves drive home the dangerous impacts of climate change. And political violence during an already tense and perilous election for our democracy has many of us feeling especially on edge. This is a time when we’ll need every one of the spiritual tools in our toolbox to stay centered, grounded, and hopeful.
One way I try to find hope in dark times is by seeking out things that spark my “theological imagination.” As Unitarian Universalists, we believe that revelation isn’t sealed. This means there is more to the sacred than we know, and there is always a different way forward that we haven’t dreamed of yet. So when I feel stuck or hopeless, I look for the people who are carving windows and doors where there had only been walls. I look for people who are expanding the definitions of the divine beyond what we thought possible and dreaming outside of our limited binaries...continue reading.
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Final Chance to Sign Equal Rights Initiative Petition
Sunday, July 21, during social hour
Location: Fuller Hall
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This is the last day that you can sign the initiative petition for an Oregon constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot to protect Equal Rights for All Oregonians.
This amendment will ask voters to update Oregon’s constitution to make clear that everyone has equal rights to make private and personal decisions about one's life and health, regardless of one’s ability to become pregnant, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We will have a table at the coffee hour after the service.
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Young Adult Weekly Meetups All Summer!
Next Meeting: Sunday, July 21, immediately after the service
Location: Channing Room
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Expect fun social events, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities to connect.
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Love to Sing? The Summer Choir is for YOU!
Arrive on any or all Sunday mornings of your choice at 8:45 a.m.
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Summer is here, which means we welcome the return of our annual Summer Pick-Up Choir.
The choir is open to anyone who would like to participate weekly. If interested, simply show up to the sanctuary on the Sunday mornings of your choice at 8:45 a.m. Music will be provided when you arrive, and we'll all learn together for the 10:15 a.m. service.
No experience or ongoing commitment necessary.
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WORKSHOP — From Reactivity to Responsiveness
Sunday, July 28, from noon 'til 2 p.m
Rev. Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe, UUA Pacific Western Regional Lead
Rev. Sarah Gibb Millspaugh, UUA Pacific Western Regional Staff
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Whether or not we are involved in and affected by some of the recent conflicts at First Unitarian, we are part of a culture and a nation where polarization and divisive hot takes have become par for the course.
In this workshop, we’ll explore how our minds and our bodies’ defenses can get in the way of actually listening to and mending trust with people we are in conflict with. We’ll explore our tendency to jump to conclusions and think we know what is in other people’s minds and hearts without ever asking. We’ll develop skills and practices for creating supportive spaces for getting curious, listening, learning, and rebuilding trust. Together, we’ll set the stage for some of the deeper conflict transformation work that First Unitarian will engage in within the months and years ahead.
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NEW — Update from the Music Ministry Transition Team
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During this time of transition in our music program, the Music Ministry Transition Team (Theo Harper, Ameena Amdahl-Mason, Holly Stern, Michael Murray, Henriët Fourie Thompson, and Rich Scher) has been charged with finding an interim/acting music director for the 24-25 church year. Previous information from the Front Steps can be found here:
You can help us by completing this survey. Please note that the survey does not guarantee that all these ensembles will exist next year. It is only to get an idea of interest. As plans for next year come together, people who have expressed interest will be contacted. At the end of this month, representatives from the regional UUA staff will be here to work with staff and the church.
See the article above ("WORKSHOP — From Reactivity to Responsiveness") for more information.
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Kids Summer Session with the Learning Community!
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Join our exciting summer Religious Education (RE) program, where families can explore the 8 Unitarian Universalist Principles together.
Every Sunday at 10:15 a.m., enjoy fun activities, engaging worship, and enriching Learning Community sessions.
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NEW! — Report from the 2024 UUA General Assembly
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The long process of rewriting our Principles and Values in the UUA bylaws ended with the new version, as amended and adopted. There were also Actions of Immediate Witness passed:
- World on Fire: Humanitarian Work and Climate Change
- Centering Love Amidst the Ongoing Impact of COVID-19
- Solidarity with Palestinians
- There was one Responsive Resolution: UUA GA Support for October 7 Hostages.
First Unitarians GA Delegates: Curt Bell, Dana Buhl, Sharon Copeland, Linda Craig, David Delk, Ethel Gullette, Theo Harper, John Hutzler, Teri Martin, Nancy Panitch, Leslie Pohl-Kosbau, Randy Russell, Arliss Ungar, and Art Ungar.
"The 8th Principle calls EACH and every one of us to be antiracist and to commit to dismantling racism. The new values of Equity, Pluralism, Justice, and Interdependence, grounded in Love, all speak to this work." —Sharon Copeland
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Upcoming Classes, Events & Gatherings
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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Summer 2024 Activities at First Unitarian
Summer Spiritual Vibes: Rest, Reflect, Renew
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Summer’s slower pace is an opportunity for us to gather in community, have a little fun, and refresh our spirits! I invite you to lean into our summer church theme, “Rest, Reflect, Renew,” with these low-commitment, laid-back offerings. Join us at one that sparks your interest, or come to all of them.
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NEXT WEDNESDAY — Finding the Sacred in Pop Culture
Wednesday, July 24 // from 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall / Brown Bag Lunch
Discuss meaningful books, movies, TV shows, and music.
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NEXT THURSDAY — Poetry Night
Tuesday, July 25 // from 7 - 9 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
Share a dessert and read a favorite or original poem.
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Drop-In Brown Bag Discussions
Bring your lunch and join summer minister Danielle Garrett from 12 - 1:30 p.m. in the Buchan Reception Hall for informal conversation and community building.
- July 24: Finding the Sacred in Pop Culture—Discuss meaningful books, movies, TV shows, and music.
- August 7: UU History Grab-Bag—Explore favorite moments and figures from Unitarian Universalist history.
- August 21: All We Kindred Pilgrim Souls—Talk about pilgrimage experiences and spiritual travel.
Evening Community Gatherings
Join us in the Buchan Reception Hall and Courtyard.
- July 25: Poetry Night—Share a dessert and read a favorite or original poem from 7 - 9 p.m.
- August 9: Summer Potluck—Bring a summer dish to share from 6 - 8 p.m.
Summer Vespers Schedule
Join our contemplative Vespers services on Zoom at 5 p.m. every Friday. This summer, services are on July 19, 26, August 2, and 9. Join us via Zoom.
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Curious About Electric and Hybrid Cars?
Sunday, August 11, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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Join Us for an Electric Vehicle (EV) Test Ride Event!
Join our Community for Earth volunteers and fellow congregants for an exciting EV Test Ride event! Enjoy a delicious lunch at the church while engaging in a Q&A session about electric vehicles. You'll have the chance to test ride and chat with the owners of various Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles, including Rivian, Bolt, BMW, Leaf, Prius and RAV4 Primes, Volt, VW, and more.
Don't miss out on the fun and unique EV experience!
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UU the Vote Summer Letter Writing Update
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Thank you, letter writers! You've taken over 5,000 letters from the UU the Vote table to write at home. Our goal is 10,000 letters; we've received over 2,000 back for the October mailing.
While we initially had until fall, we've realized that we need more time to prepare the letters for mailing. We kindly request that you start returning your completed letters on Sundays this summer. This will help us avoid a last-minute rush and ensure we can effectively meet our goal. Your commitment to this schedule is greatly appreciated!
UU the Vote will be at Social Hour every Sunday through the summer. Look for the blue tablecloth and keep writing!
Reminder: Tuesday morning sessions will resume in September.
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Solidarity with Palestinians and Portland Events
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The General Assembly is the final governing body of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Their adoption of the Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) “Solidarity with Palestinians” was historic in calling for a permanent ceasefire, no more US military aid to Israel, and support for the Apartheid Free Communities campaign.
Two events in Oregon for those wanting to learn more or donate in support of Palestine:
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Palestine Children’s Relief Fund At The Park
Saturday, July 20, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: Cook Family Park, Shelter #2, 17005 SW 92nd Ave, Tigard, OR (free parking)
Activities: Kites, Arts & Crafts, Palestinian Sandwiches
Fundraise for an ultrasound machine for Rafidia Hospital.
Tickets: $35/adult, $15/child under 10 (food included) Register
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Documentary Showing: "Where Olive Trees Weep"
Saturday, July 27, 2 p.m.
Location: Beaverton Library Auditorium
Hosted by: Health Care Workers 4 Palestine-PDX and the American Council for Palestine
Join us for a free screening of the award-winning documentary Where Olive Trees Weep, showcasing Palestinian experience and resilience.
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2024 Collins Lecture: Faith & Politics in a Divided World
Thursday, August 8, from 7 pm - 9 p.m.
Location: University of Portland - Buckley Center Auditorium 5000 N Willamette Blvd., Portland, Oregon
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Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon presents two leaders from the Global South who will engage us in conversations around leadership, faith, and politics from their unique perspectives. Our Collins Lecturers will be Ambassador Cecilia Adeng, South Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Juan Guaidó, opposition leader and former Interim President of Venezuela...get tickets.
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Support LiftUp This Summer
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We are supporting LiftUp throughout the summer, from June 16 to Labor Day. Please place in the COHHO bins in Fuller Hall by the kitchen any of the following most needed food items: brown rice, whole grain pasta, shelf-stable milk, canned protein (tuna, chicken, salmon), nut butter, any low sodium broths, canned veggies, and sauces.
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Donate WATER to the Shower Project!
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The Shower Project is going well, and our guests appreciate the service. We urgently need cases of water to continue providing for our guests. Your donations will make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your support!
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In the Community
Member Joyce Follingstad injured her foot and had surgery on July 9. She will have a period of recovery during which she will avoid weight bearing. She welcomes cards, well wishes, and phone calls.
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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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NEW! — First Unitarian and Georgina Pittock: A Legacy of Women's Suffrage
From Leslie Pohl-Kosbau, Archivist, First Unitarian Portland
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First Unitarian is fortunate to have our Archives partner with Jennifer Fang of the Pittock Mansion in the new exhibition featuring Georgiana Pittock. At noon on July 16 the Royal Rosarians planted a Madame Carolina Testout rose and opened the new exhibition honoring Georgina and the legacy that she has given Portland.
Henry and Georgina were members of First Unitarian Portland at the turn of the twentieth century. However, Georgiana was a member of the Alliance (Sewing Circle) that founded First Unitarian. She started Fruit and Flower Nursery, the Washington Hotel (now owned by Portland State University), and many other charities and helping organizations.
First Unitarian features in this story of Georgina Pittock and the people who helped her with Women’s Suffrage and all the help for women and children of the day. I recommend that you see the exhibit at the Pittock Mansion in Portland, Oregon.
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KUDOS! — Thank John Boelling for his Service to Our Community
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As many of you know, John Boelling has stepped down as associate music director after many years of serving our music community. To honor his time with our congregation and express our gratitude, we have created a space to share well-wishes, stories, memories, and photos. Say thank you to John by adding your contribution to the Kudoboard.
Kudos Instruction Note:
- Click "+ Add to Board"
- Create a post by adding text and/or media, then "Skip Email"
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Summer Art Wall Exhibitions Art Wall
Tapestries by Stephen Karakashian
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This summer, enjoy the art of The Art Wall Committee Members in Fuller Hall. Also, check out the tapestries of artist Stephen Karakashian in the church Narthex.
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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.
SUMMER BREAK — 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 for summer activities.
First Connections: We meet monthly on the third Sunday for all new and returning folks! And it is a terrific way to meet new folks just coming into the community. Bring a brown bag lunch. Questions? Email Pat.
Vespers will be on break on August 15, 23, and 30. It will resume on July 19 through August 9 and then again on September 6.
Good Times: Movie Group Sunday movie meetup this Summer on August 11, 4 - 6:30 p.m., at members' homes to discuss current films in theaters or streaming. Contact Christine for details and to join our group email list.
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 Writing
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: Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
EVERY SUNDAY — Young Adult Summer Meetup! Every Sunday at 12:15 p.m., the meeting room may vary. Expect fun social events, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities to connect. Questions? Contact Caroline.
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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 noon.
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| Livestream Schedule
Friday Vespers – 5 - 5:40 p.m.
via Zoom (No Vespers this week) (Summer Dates: July 19, 26, August 2, 9)
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This week, we share our plate with TRUUsT (Transgender Religious Professional UUs Together.) TRUUsT is an organization of trans-Unitarian Universalists who are living out a call to ministry within Unitarian Universalism. Its mission is to advocate for trans-religious professionals' gifts, safety, liberation, and leadership in Unitarian Universalist ministries and institutions. We encompass many genders, races, ethnicities, abilities, classes, ages, and sexualities; we are diverse in terms of spiritual belief, practice, and ministry, and we understand our work for liberation as intimately tied to all efforts to dismantle oppression within Unitarian Universalism and our wider world.
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