Sunday Live Streaming ServiceSunday, August 16 at 10:15 a.m.
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My Faith in Creativity
Rev. Tracy Springberry
Faith is a difficult word for Unitarian Universalists since it gets associated with “belief” in things that are not scientifically provable. I yearned for something that did not defy reason to have faith in. What I discovered was the deep way we belong to each other.
Tracy Springberry is the minister at West Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Portland. She has also served congregations in Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. She has published extensively and is co-editor of and a contributor to Chaos, Wonder and the Spiritual Adventure of Parenting: An Anthology. She is the mother of four and loves reading, hiking, and gardening.
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Bill's Blog
Eyes on the Prize
“Trump’s Presidency has paved the way for a revolution against racism. … Just as the Abolitionists of the 1850’s demanded the immediate eradication of slavery, immediate equality must be the demand today.”Ibram X. Kendi, The End of Denial, Atlantic, Sept. 2020
I want to believe Ibram Kendi that our current President, by displaying for the American people the depth of the racism in our culture, has opened a real possibility to dismantle that racism and move toward equality...continued.
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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After Service Virtual Social Hours
Every Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
Join fellow congregants for a virtual social hour each Sunday after the worship service.
There are two social hours from which to choose:
- one for the congregation at large and
- another specifically for families in our Learning Community
When you follow the link to your chosen social hour, you’ll be assigned to a “Zoom Room” with 6-8 fellow congregants. You’ll be invited to introduce yourselves and to share something that moved you in the worship service. And we hope that conversation will follow. Please be courteous and "share the floor." And if you're ready to make new friends, know that you can leave your meeting and sign back in to join a new group.
Use your QR code reader or Apple camera app to scan the QR Code on our Sunday slides OR click on the links below after the service OR type the tinyurl shown on Sunday's screen into your browser.
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Taking a Collective Breath: Deepening Our Alignment with the Movement for Black Lives
Free Webinar Series: August 25, September 8, September 22, October 13 4:00 p.m. PST
The Unitarian Universalist Association and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee have collaborated to assist in deepening our collective activism and participation in the Movement for Black Lives.
The five-session series is built around the elements of the BREATHE Act, using its structure to “focus our energies to effectively support ongoing racial justice work.”
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Loving Kindness Meditation
Virtual Classes Mondays
Starting August 17 through September 21, 8-8:30 p.m. PDT
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.
Facilitator: Intern Minister, Stacey Mitchell is pursuing an M.Div. at Union Theological Seminary, bridging her interests in Buddhism, social justice, and Unitarian Universalism.
Details: Starts Monday, August. 17. Attend one or more of the sessions.
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Mindful Baking
Virtual Classes Wednesdays
Starting September 2 through 23,
5-6 p.m. PDT
Mindfulness Meditation, deepening one’s appreciation of the present moment, can be practiced in anything we do. Cultivating mindfulness has the potential for self-transformation and greater depth in our lives. Intern Minister, Stacey Mitchell, invites you to explore this practice through baking. No prior meditation or baking experience is necessary.
Details: On Wednesday, Sept 2. we will be making Oatmeal and Apple Squares (sugar-free and gluten-free).
Attend one or more of these sessions.
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Are You a Wellspring Alumni? Registration is now open!
Virtual Gatherings Starting Thursday, Sept. 10, 1:30 p.m.
If you are a Wellspring Alumni, which means that you have already completed the 10-month Sources curriculum, you are invited to join us for our advanced curriculum. Application deadline extended to August 20.
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Disconnect from the Millionaires' Tax Giveaway in the CARES Act!
Oregon UU's For Justice Action of the Week
The CARES Act created 4 new millionaire tax breaks which will cut Oregon revenue. The Oregon legislature needs to disconnect to save services which benefit our most vulnerable populations. Take action!
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Attend Oregon UU Voices for Justice Annual Meeting
"Bridging the Economic Divide" - All Are Welcome!
Two Saturday Zoom Discussions: Register in Advance
September 19, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
October 10, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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Speaking of Justice: Weekly Update
Urgent Community Needs. Actions & Advocacy. Keeping Informed.
Click for updates and articles from our Social Justice Program and our Social Justice Action Groups.
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In the Community
Community milestones, joys, & sorrows
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A memorial service will be held for member Bob Leeper this Saturday, August 15, at 1 p.m. Find the live stream link here. Bob died June 2 at the age of 73 after living with multiple myeloma for several years.
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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.
Coffee Hour with the Ministers
Wednesday at 8 a.m., join the ministers and fellow congregants on zoom for a simple spiritual check-ins. To join click here. Password: FirstU#
Community Justice and Service
Unsure how you can learn, contribute and serve the broader community? Find our "Speaking of Justice: Weekly Update" through our Linktree.
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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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| Join us LIVE from your computer or smartphone on Sundays at 10:15 a.m.
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August Shared Plate
BLUU provides information, resources, and support for Black Unitarian Universalists and works to expand the role and visibility of Black UUs within our faith. BLUU provides guidance and best practices for the important work of congregations supporting groups seeking to organize safely, spiritually, and effectively.
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Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes, stay for connection!
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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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Share photos of you or your family watching our Sunday livestream or volunteering in our community!
You might see yourself in our pre-service slideshow!
(Your photos gives us permission to publish and/or use images for publications.)
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Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
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