🥞 Community Pancake Breakfast 9 - 10:15 a.m. 🥞
Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Starting June 23, our worship service will be at 10:15 a.m.!
Childcare is available during our worship service for children six months to 3 years old (in the nursery.)
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service
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Our overarching spiritual theme of the year, “Love is at the Center,” ends with a focus on community this month. It is a season of war and humanitarian crises in Ukraine and Gaza. We have a polarizing US presidential election on the horizon. The UUA vote on a new covenant and values has stirred up creativity and some controversy.
How do we center love when we navigate and communicate about the conflicts in the world, in our communities, and in our individual lives?
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Minister's Blog
The Eliot Chapel Turns 100
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Did you know that the Eliot Chapel turns 100 this year? It was 1924 when First Unitarian moved to its present location, which, back in 1924, was the western edge of downtown Portland. Up until then, the church’s home was just a couple blocks away from what is now Pioneer Square. The first service happened in August of that year, and the building was formally dedicated in November. Then, in December, the annual Christmas Pageant was inaugurated in recognition of the congregation’s new home. That’s another important milestone we will mark this year.
100 years. Just think about all the milestones that have happened in this place. All the sermons preached, all the music offered, all the children dedicated, all the marriages consecrated, all the lives celebrated in memorial services. How the building almost burned to the ground in the 1960s and the congregation’s decision to remain downtown—not necessarily an easy decision at another time when downtown Portland was not the most popular place to be. In 2000, regular Sunday worship services moved to our present Sanctuary when the Chapel could no longer accommodate the number of people who were coming to Sunday services at the time. That was a big loss for many people. I still hear people talk about how they miss worshipping in the Eliot Chapel...continue reading.
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Community Pancake Breakfast 🥞✨
Sunday, May 5, before service from 9 -10:15 a.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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The Men's Community is throwing another awesome pancake breakfast this Sunday! We've got blueberry, chocolate chip, and plain pancakes hot off the griddle, with options for both gluten and gluten-free diets. Join us in the courtyard and at the dining tables in the Buchan conference room. Don't miss out – this is your last chance to hang out with us before our summer break!
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All-Come Social Justice End-of-Year Celebration with Pizza!
Sunday, June 2, 12:15 - 1:45 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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Join us for social hour with pizza and an end-of-year Social Justice celebration following the service. We'll share in song, shout out to all the amazing happenings we've co-created this year, "harvest" some of what we've learned, and deepen our connections for resilience and solidarity as we look toward the horizon.
This is an ALL-COME event and will be an opportunity to learn about the breadth of our Social Justice ministry and share what calls us as we move into the election season and beyond
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Labyrinth Happenings!
Sunday, June 2, 9:30 a.m. 'til noon
Location: Fuller Hall
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Join us for the last Labyrinth of the church year. Stop by before or after service for quiet contemplation.
Mark your calendars for next year: Starting in September, we will be holding the Labyrinth on the first Sunday of the month at our new location, Fuller Hall. We’re always looking for more volunteers to help us set up, hold sacred space, and plan special programming.
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First Steps Class
Sunday, June 2, at noon
Location: Channing Room
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Learn about the ways in which you can engage and connect by diving deeper into First Unitarian history.
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Young Adult Bagel Brunch
Sunday, June 2, at noon
Location: Fireside Room
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Are you a young adult (18-35) interested in deepening your engagement with the church and meeting other folks your age?
Join intern minister Danielle Garrett, member engagement coordinator Jen Thomas, and other young adults for an end-of-the-year brunch! We’ll gather in the Fireside room after service on June 2 to get to know one another, enjoy some bagels, and discuss how we can strengthen young adult programming in the coming church year. Please join us! This event is open to all young adults, whether you’re a long-time member or it's your first Sunday at church.
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Make calls for Arizona Abortion Protection
Sunday, June 2, 2 p.m.
Location: Meet in Buchan Reception Hall at 1:45 p.m. and via Zoom
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UU the Vote is collaborating to build a future where abortion healthcare is available on demand and where bodily autonomy, respect, and dignity are centered. This year, we are taking action to protect and defend abortion in Arizona.
Join us this Sunday when we will hold a virtual phone bank for supporters to check if they've signed the petition and ask them to help us get as many signatures as possible. If you'd like to do this with other First Unitarian congregants, bring your laptops and phones to the Social Justice celebration just before the phone bank. We'll get you a classroom where you can do your calls along with others!
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NEW — First Unitarian Annual Meeting Vote Results 2024
John Bishop, Board Secretary
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The voting members of our congregation were asked in May to consider the candidates recommended by the Nominating Committee to fill vacant seats on our Board of Trustees and the Church’s Nominating Committee. They were also asked to consider two candidates recommended to serve as Board Stewards for our church’s Foundation, a separate non-profit corporation whose sole purpose is to benefit First Unitarian Church of Portland. Finally, the Annual Meeting packet also asked voting members to approve the operating budget proposed by the Executive Team and approved by the Board for the fiscal year 2024-25.
A total of 456 voting members submitted ballots that met the Church’s quorum requirements. Not all who submitted ballots cast a vote for every candidate and/or the budget proposal. All candidates recommended for the Board, the Nominating Committee, and the Foundation positions were elected, and the proposed budget was approved. The voting results were as follows:
BOARD OF TRUSTEE CANDIDATES
- Robert Bonner – 451 votes
- Linda Craig – 453 votes
- David Livermore – 453 votes
- Harriet Shaklee – 454 votes
NOMINATING COMMITTEE CANDIDATES
- Christa Copeland - 452
- Ingrid Gjestvang - 454
- Alison Richter - 450
ANNUAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
- Yes – 433
- No – 9
- Abstain – 2
FOUNDATION BOARD
- Cindy Cumfer – 435
- Dev Dion – 431
Thank you to all Church members who participated in the election and to all those who volunteered to serve in these positions and have now been elected.
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Upcoming Classes, Events & GatheringsEnjoyed 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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Keep the Momentum Going with UU the Vote!
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Thank you, First U letter writers, for your dedication to the UU the Vote campaign! Our goal is 10,000 letters, and we're almost halfway there! Let’s keep the momentum going through the summer!
Since March 17, we have:
- Distributed 4,930 letters
- Received 1,420 letters back for the October mail drop.
Note: Please return your finished letters as soon as possible to avoid a September bottleneck. Aim to get as many letters back by June 9.
Look for the blue tablecloth during Fellowship Hour every Sunday throughout the summer. Tuesday morning sessions will resume in September. Let's make a big impact with UU the Vote!
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Learning Community E-NewsJoin Our Vibrant Teacher Community!
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation & Family Ministries
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Starting June 23rd, our worship service will move to 10:15 a.m.!
We’ve assembled a wonderful team of teachers and leaders for the next program year, but we have a couple more open opportunities. Maybe you’ve been considering getting involved? I’d love to hear from you for a no-obligation conversation...continue reading.
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Third Act Oregon Presents: An Evening with Bill McKibben
Friday, July 5, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
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Don’t miss this rare evening with one of the world’s most beloved and important environmentalists and global thinkers. Mingle with Third Act Oregon volunteers and climate activists from all over the state after the main presentation.
Following the event, enjoy light refreshments in the First Unitarian's beautiful, air-conditioned Buchan Reception Hall.
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Shower Project Needs Clothes & Snacks
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The Shower Project is going well, and our guests appreciate the service, especially the clothing donations. To ensure we can continue providing for our guests, we urgently need the items listed below. Your donations of these specific items will make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your support!
- Men's new white tee shirts M/L (urgent need!)
- Men's boxer briefs M/L
- Single-serving, microwaveable snacks (i.e., mac and cheese, oatmeal)
Items can be left in the COHHO bins in Fuller Hall.
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NEW GROUP — Fare-Free Transit - PDX
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EJAG is forming a new group to advocate for eliminating fares on the Tri-Met public bus system. Currently, Tri-Met has a mishmash of standard and discounted fares.
Our question: Should Tri-Met be moved to a simplified system that ends the mishmash and instead eliminates the payment of any fare at all? There are environmental and economic justice issues, which would say YES. Come to the EJAG table after service, learn more, and sign up to become part of a Google Group to advocate for FARE FREE TRANSIT for the Tri-Met system.
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BOOK DISCUSSION — Saving Democracy: A User's Manual for Every American
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The group, co-led by David Delk and Jean Pierce, will meet the first week of each month beginning in June, with the exact time determined by the participants' schedules.
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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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HOW TO — Book for the 2024/2025 Church Year
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Social Hour Sunday Tabling: Sign up for Fuller/Buchan Reception tabling on Sundays by emailing John Rosette.
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Join Us for Cake and Ice Cream in Fuller Hall on June 9!
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Celebrate the end of the program year with cake and ice cream in Fuller Hall immediately following the service on June 9.
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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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The Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to social justice work and build the Beloved Community.
Curated by Ethel, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
The Social Justice Portal Project has released a new music video called "Horizon" by Taína Asili. The song encourages listeners to imagine a world beyond racial capitalism, one that embraces liberatory possibilities and values people and the planet in sustainable and healthy ways.
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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Beloved Community of Color: Every second Thursday evening and fourth Saturday morning of the month. Email for more info.
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 – 1:45 in Fireside.
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.
First Steps: Every first Sunday of the month at Noon // Location: Channing Room. Discover additional insights into life at First Unitarian Portland, avenues for connection, and delve deeper into Unitarian Universalism. Questions? Email Jen Thomas.
- Lunch Gathering at Elephants
Monday, June 24 at 12:30 p.m. || Location: Elephants Delicatessen S. Corbett
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: Sojourners and Sojourners 2 are two separate groups that meet for two hours in person at First Unitarian. Members support each other through the aging journey by engaging in facilitated discussion and activities, sharing personal stories and concerns, inspiring individual growth, and promoting friendship through social activities. 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 noon.
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.
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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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For the month of June, we are sharing our plate offering with Street Books. Street Books is a bicycle-powered, mobile library serving people living outside and at the margins in Portland.
Since 2011, Street Books has provided books, reading glasses, and other survival supplies to create relationships and a community of mutual care. They strive to empower people on the streets through access to literature and to create a community of support for people living outside through a shared love of books.
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