| Sunday ServicesSunday, March 10: Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
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Idolatries of Mind and Spirit-Rev. Bill SinkfordWe are “both/and” religious people, open to the wisdom of both science and faith. We value both individual discernment and collective wisdom. Yet we do not see truth on all sides and chiseling stone tablets can be very tempting.
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Bill's BlogThe Sound of the Genuine
“There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls.”
-Howard Thurman
I have often wished that our liberal religious tradition included Mardi Gras…Carnival. Other cultures embrace that celebration with gusto but it has never been seen as part of our Puritan derived, more somber spirituality. Those Puritan religious ancestors did not even really approve of the celebration of Christmas.
We are however comfortable with the language of wilderness and struggle, despite our privilege ...Continued
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Spring ForwardSunday, March 10 It’s that time of year again! Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead Saturday night before going to bed–and we’ll see you in church bright and early Sunday morning.
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First ConnectionsSunday, March 10, 1 p.m. New to First Unitarian? Join us to meet other newcomers and to learn something about the church. Snacks will be provided. This Sunday, March 10, join Rev. Bill Sinkford for introductions and some background on why we are doing the All Church Dialogue. Participants will then be invited to go to the All Church Dialogue on Mass Incarceration at 1:30.
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| Foundation Sunday: Join Us for a Special Moment of Appreciation!
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In the spirit of “Foundation Month” – a time when we ask the congregation to reflect on the importance of leaving a legacy gift to help secure the future of First Unitarian Church – “Foundation Sunday” will include an important testimonial on behalf of The Foundation an a special moment of appreciation where Rev. Sinkford will ask all Legacy Society members to stand and be thanked for including First Unitarian in their will or estate plan.
Members of The Foundation’s Board of Stewards will be available every Sunday this month in Margaret Fuller Hall after services to answer your questions and share helpful resources regarding how planned giving can benefit congregants as well as First Unitarian.
The Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3), operates solely for the support and benefit of First Unitarian Church of Portland. By including The Foundation (and by extension The Church) in your will or estate plan you are helping ensure a strong and vibrant future for The Church for generations to come and inspiring fellow congregants to do the same!
The Legacy Society was created to acknowledge and thank those members and friends of the church who have taken the important step of including The Foundation in their Will or Estate Plan. If you’ve already done this, please fill out our Legacy Intent Form, so that we may recognize you as an official member of our Legacy Society!
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First Unitarian's All Church Dialogue: The Crisis of Mass IncarcerationSunday, March 10, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall The crisis of mass incarceration is a moral imperative for Unitarian Universalists. Our All Church Dialogue is an opportunity to learn from local justice leaders about the scope of this humanitarian crisis here in Oregon. The panel, moderated by Bobbin Singh of the Oregon Justice Resource Center, will provide an overview of the crisis, addressing the intersection of race, class, immigration, and profit. Our panelists are Erin Pettigrew, a civil rights attorney with the Innovation Law Lab; Kate Gonsalves, Field Director of the ACLU of Oregon; and Shannon Wight, Deputy Director of the Partnership for Safety and Justice. Following the panel, we'll be joined by representatives of these additional organizations who are addressing aspects of mass incarceration. We'll engage in conversation and learn about concrete steps for putting our faith into action.
- OJRC Women's Justice Project
- Liberation Literacy
- Youth Educating Police
- Gorge ICE Resistance
- WomenFirst Transition and Referral Center
- Freedom to Thrive
- EMO Criminal Justice Ministries
- Disability Rights Oregon
- Portland Freedom Fund
- Bus Riders Unite
Please join us for this special opportunity to welcome community leaders to First Unitarian Portland and deepen our understanding and commitment to justice for all. Sponsored by First Unitarian's Immigrant Justice Action Group and Ending Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial Justice (formerly Ending the New Jim Crow).
YRUU Tamale Lunch for SaleSunday, March 10, 12:30–1:15 p.m. Prior to the All Church Dialogue, enjoy a tamale lunch with proceeds supporting this summer’s Civil Rights Pilgrimage of our church’s high school youth group, YRUU. While traveling through the Mississippi Delta, Alabama, and Memphis, our youth will explore how our country’s history is relevant in today’s world with the growing movement to end the injustices of mass incarceration.
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Younger Adult Potluck BrunchSunday, March 10, 12:30-1:15
A-203 Younger Adults of the congregation (we are mostly 20s and 30s with wiggle room on both ends) are warmly invited to join us for food and fellowship following the second service. Please bring a dish to share if you're able, or better yet, buy some tamales from the YRUU fundraiser! You can put it in the room before the second service. After we eat and share conversation, we'll head down together to the All-Church Dialogue on Mass Incarceration that begins at 1:30 p.m. Childcare is available from 1–3:30 p.m.
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Community for Earth Monthly Meeting
Sunday, March 10 All are welcome to the monthly meeting of Community for Earth, March 10, 9–9:30 a.m. social time, 9:30–11:00 a.m. meeting. We meet in the Fireside Room (take the stairs by the Channing Room to the top floor and turn left, or take the Buchan elevator to 3A and turn left to the end of the hall then right into the room.)
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Tales from the Mythic Isle with Storyteller Will HornyakSaturday, March 9, 2–3:30 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall Free family event for the Learning Community. Friends are welcome! Fables, folktales, participation stories, songs, and legends from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Join storyteller Will Hornyak on a journey of the imagination through memorable lands with unforgettable characters. Will was named Young Audiences Artist of the Year by Young Audiences of Oregon and SW Washington. We are thrilled to host him again for another fun-filled and lively storytelling event. Don't miss it! This is a family event and everyone is invited. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
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| The Wondering Wilderness with Heather Sparks: "Memorials, Interconnection, and the Essence of Magical Animals”
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Tending the Web: A Workshop on Grief and GratitudeSaturday, March 16, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Registration is now open for this dynamic Saturday workshop based on the framework of Buddhist activist, systems theorist, and deep ecologist Joanna Macy. We will gather in a temporary community of change-makers to engage our hearts.
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Selected Topics in the Philosophy of Art with Andy SimonTuesdays, March 19 and 26, April 2 and 9, 7–9 p.m. Why do we devote so much energy and resources to the arts? Through readings, lectures, and discussions, we will explore aesthetics, philosophy, and the value that art brings to our lives.
No charge. Advanced registration is appreciated. Drop-ins are welcome.
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Environmental Action: Annual SOLV Beach CleanupSaturday, March 23 Each year the Mt. Hood cluster of UU congregations join together to help keep plastics and other pollutants out of the ocean. Members of our church and other UU congregations will work together to clean a beach at Camp Merriweather near Tillamook and have a picnic together after the job is done.
Registration and carpool information is coming soon. Contact Roberta Richards at cfeuupdx@gmail.com for more information.
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Writer’s FairSunday, March 24
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Celebrate our talented church writers and musicians on Sunday, March 24, after each service in Daisy Bingham.
Questions? djdeacon@comcast.net
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Plastic Pilgrimage
Ongoing through Earth Day
Community for Earth of First Unitarian, Planet Earth Group of the First Methodist Church, and congregations of downtown Portland and in other areas of Oregon are joining together to do a plastic pilgrimage to raise awareness to reduce the use of plastic and pollution in the environment.
Find our pledge sheets for daily action and sign up at the Community for Earth table in Margaret Fuller Hall.
More information is located at www.PlasticFreePilgrimage.org
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EJAG: Gathering 200,000 SignaturesFirst, Third and Fourth Sundays after each service during coffee hour The Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG) is gathering signatures for Initiative 1, a constitutional amendment to the Oregon Constitution to permit regulation of campaign financing. Oregon has voted for this type of regulation in the past, but the Oregon Supreme Court has blocked implementation of these measures based on language in the Oregon Constitution. This Initiative has survived legal challenges, fixes the constitutional problem, and is now ready for your participation!
You may have seen the recent Oregonian article, Polluted by Money, on the power of corporate money in the action of our Oregon legislature. It is time to implement some controls! We will be gathering 200,000 signatures between now and June of 2020. Help us get off to a good start by stopping by our table during coffee hour.
If you are interested in helping us gather signatures, stop by and we will hook you up.
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 | This piece by Bill Kirkham is featured in March's show. |
| Art WallIn March, congregants display their talents on the Art Wall in Margaret Fuller Hall. Stop by and see the diversity of artwork our fellow members have produced. There is always a wide range of styles and media that reflect the diversity of our congregation.
Learn more here.
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BookstoreJulie Lythcott-Haims, author of Real American: A Memoir, is our speaker at this year’s Sewell Lecture on Tuesday, April 16. Her book is available in the bookstore. Get it now to read before the lecture, and bring it along for her to sign. “A compelling, incisive and thoughtful examination of race, origin, and what it means to be called an American.” And mark your calendars for March 24–dozens of talented First Unitarian writers and musicians will host a Writer’s Fair after each service. The talented writers and musicians among us will be on hand to sign the works you choose to buy. Proceeds will benefit our church. If you are a published author or musician and you haven’t already signed up to participate, contact Donna Deacon ( djdeacon@comcast.net) for more information.
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Give the Joy of Flowers for Sunday’s Service
Have you ever wondered where the beautiful flowers come from each week? You can be one of the generous donors of the chancel flowers.
If you have an upcoming birthday, anniversary, or memorial that you’d like to recognize, what better way than to provide flowers in honor of your loved one. For details about giving flowers for the chancel, contact Marsha at 503-954-3534, marshamwarner@comcast.net.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Pick up a New Paths to Engagement Publication!
Check out the new Paths to Engagement guide available this Sunday at the Adult Programs table.
Learn about the classes, retreats, and other special events happening at First Unitarian this winter and spring.
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Speaking of Justice: Faith in Action–Housing and Houselessness This issue examines housing and houselessness in our community. Discover how our community puts our principles into action! We have highlighted the Committee on Hunger and Homelessness, Quilts of Love, 13 Salmon Family Center, as well as important news about development exploration for First Unitarian Portland, art, poetry, and more.
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Sunday Afternoon ChildcareEach Sunday afternoon, we offer childcare from 12:45–3 p.m. so that parents can attend an afternoon meeting or event held at the church. Please check in at the Eliot Center Info desk if you need care for children ages four months and older. When care is not requested by 1 p.m., staff will be released. Contact cscheffman@firstunitarianportland.org with questions.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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The Neighborhood House's Annual Food Drive
Runs through Sunday, April 14 First Unitarian and COHHO join with 40 local faith and community groups to collect canned goods for The Neighborhood House's annual food drive. This food drive helps feed 1400 people monthly. Drop off cans at COHHO's food cupboard in Margaret Fuller Hall. Contact Donna at webbed@msn.com for more information.
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Needs for 13 SalmonWe need mushroom and other soups, granola bars, canned chicken,
canned fruit, chips, enchilada sauce, and noodles. Please bring donations to the 13 Salmon donation center in Margaret Fuller Hall. Contact Donna at webbed@msn.com for more information.
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Social Hour Helpers Needed Sunday Mornings
With two services continuing throughout the year, we need a few more beverage service helpers and subs on Sundays in Margaret Fuller Hall. Choose one Sunday each month, either 8–10:50 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m., with time to attend the service in between. Please contact Emily at 541-408-1516 or ewh1960@gmail.com. Training provided by experienced volunteers.
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| Seeking UshersUshers needed. Looking for a way to serve in our community? Consider being an usher one Sunday a month. You’ll be part of a team that is the welcoming face of the congregation. For information, see Dev Dion after services on Sunday or contact him at 1stuushers@gmail.com.
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Time-Limited Projects Await!While there are many opportunities for long-term commitments within our congregation, there are also myriad options for people desiring time-limited projects for a contribution of effort and energy. Questions? Marti Yoder at marti.yoder@gmail.com.
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| Seeking Sunday Welcoming Volunteers
If you like to greet people and make them feel welcome, this volunteer opportunity is for you: become a Welcome Desk or Newcomer Table host before or after a Sunday service.
This is a great way to connect with congregation members and newcomers. Contact Membership Chair Ed McClaran or call 971-279-2778.
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| Sunday Drivers Needed
Can you provide an occasional ride to Sunday services for a neighbor? Do you, or someone you know, need help getting to church?
Our First Unitarian Neighborhood Connections rideshare program helps match riders with drivers in Portland and Lake Oswego and is organized by ZIP code. To learn more, contact Leslie Comnes, 503-236-2963.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows A memorial service will be held for Tim Feliciano this Friday, March 8, at 3 p.m. in the Eliot Chapel. Tim was the husband of member Susan Smallsreed and he died on Jan. 4 of a heart attack at the age of 68.
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February Moderator's Letter
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Naming First Unitarian Foundation in Your Will or Estate PlanHelp assure the long-term sustainability of this beloved congregation by including First Unitarian Portland in your will or estate plan.
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Sunday, March 3 Attendance:1st Service: 217
2nd Service: 357
Musicians: 43
Total: 617
Livestream: 43
Grand Total: 660
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Bed and Breakfast
Do you have a spare bedroom you could make available to other UUs visiting Portland? Our Bed & Breakfast program is in need of hosts. You provide a bed and a simple breakfast. Proceeds go to the church. To learn more, contact Ruth Robinson: mickrob@comcast.net or 503-246-2131.
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Add to Our Media Collection
Taken any nice photos of First Unitarian Portland or its events? Send them our way to help build our media collection! Sending us your photos gives us permission to publish and/or use images for publications, website content, and social media. If you'd like to limit your permission, just let us know. Please email your photos to photos@firstunitarianportland.org or click here.
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Ongoing GroupsThe following church groups meet on a regular schedule during our program year (approximately September through May or June). Many groups meet on an irregular basis or take the summer months off, so if you are unsure about a particular group's schedule, please contact the individual listed.
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| Africa Connections
This church social justice group supports advocacy and outreach work in communities in Kenya and Zimbabwe that have been deeply impacted by HIV AIDS. We do this through support of the IMANI Project, Zimbabwe Artists Project, and Quilts for Empowerment. Questions? Email Annie Bennett.
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Aging Together Learning GroupWe use books, movies, poems, and various art forms to catalyze group dialogue about our personal experience of aging. Meetings are held monthly on the first Monday from 1 –3 p.m. in Buchan Hall. For more information or to register, please contact Lucy Garrick, lucygarrick@icloud.com.
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The Alliance
The Alliance meets September through May, usually on the first Wednesday of the month, for a luncheon, business meeting, and program. Visit the Alliance web page. Questions? Email Alliance.
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| Animal Ministry Group
Normally meets on the fourth Sunday, 12:45 p.m., A303. Visit the Animal Ministry web page for special meeting times. Questions? 503-520-9012.
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Caregiver Support GroupWe usually meet on the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May.
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| Children's Mosaic Restoration Group
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| Committee on Hunger & Homelessness (COHHO)Meets monthly September through May on the third Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in A303, the Fireside Room, or visit our table in Margaret Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays. Questions? Email co-chairs John Elizalde, Ingrid Gjestvang, and Cynthia Sulaski.
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| Contemplative Practice Group Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., A301. Offers a regular opportunity for building community through silent meditation, mindfulness poetry, and deep discussion on church themes. Questions? Ron Walker.
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| Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG)The Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG) educates and advocates on issues of economic justice. Watch for our speaker, book, and movie events. Stop by our table for the latest information on fair trade, health care, democracy, and inequality and its dimensions. We meet the third Sunday of every month, September to June, at 9 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Contact: Michael Wade for more information.
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| Ending the New Jim Crow—Healing the Justice System Usually, monthly on the fourth Tuesday, 6:30–8 p.m., B302. Questions? Kathryn Scotten.
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Good Times Committee
Join with fellow congregants for social gatherings—from happy hour to hikes, from dinners to plays. Learn more and sign up with Good Times during social hour on Sundays. Questions? Laura Gadley, 847-525-8700.
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Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG)The Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) has begun meeting the second Sunday of every month from 1:30–3 p.m. in Buchan (302). Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. We offer quarterly educational meetings on topics of relevance to the congregation, focused on issues/needs of immigrant and refugee communities. Through the IJAG Google group, recommended actions are disseminated. Our meetings include time for reflection, sharing, and an educational program about one of the many dimensions of the immigration challenge. We also share opportunities for engagement and collaboration with our partners in the community and develop strategies and arrangements for our participation. We hope you'll join us for the important work of immigrant justice! Contact Ann Zawaski for questions: annzawaski@gmail.com.
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LGBTQIA Pride Group
Find out the latest social events by picking up a flyer at our Pride Table in Margaret Fuller Hall for our monthly movie game night, monthly PDX roller skating, potlucks, and any projects being planned. Visit our Facebook page: First Unitarian Pride, Portland, OR for all of our events and the LGBTQIA events we are supporting in the Portland area.
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Meditation Group
Wednesday nights
Group meets in the Elliot Chapel, 7 –8:30 p.m. Silent meditation for 30 minutes, followed by reading and discussing a book by Buddhist author. Please email with your phone number if you are considering coming. Mary Ann Harman.
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| Parents of Teens Support Group, 1–2 p.m.Second and fourth Sundays
Connect with other parents of teens to talk and share around parenting topics and the joys and challenges of navigating this phase of life as parents, with the guidance of a lay minister. We are an open group and parents are welcome to come as you are able. Childcare is provided 15 minutes before an event. Gather in Buchan (B301) at 12:30 p.m. after the second service, and meet formally from 12:45–1:45 p.m. every other week. If you’d like to be added to our contact email list, please contact Sara Robertson, sara.seely@gmail.com.
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| Peace Action Group Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Tess Beistel, Terri Shofner, Brianna Bragg.
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| Quilts of Love GroupThird Thursday meeting is now 10–11:30 a.m., B310. Sew-in is on the first Thursday at Modern Domestic, 1408 NE Alberta St., from 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. This group creates quilts for families served by Portland Homeless Family Solutions as they transition from the shelter to a permanent home. More. Questions? Contact Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
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| Sunday Morning T'ai Chi Chih
Sunday morning T'ai Chi Chih, 8:30–9 a.m.; check the sign board in the Buchan building for meeting locations. Questions? Email Adult Programs.
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UU Knitting GroupThe knitting circle meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month during the church year. Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.
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| UU Men's Community
Third Saturday, 9 a.m., Channing Room. An open group where men of all ages can share life experiences, learn from each other, develop friendships, support one another, and have fun. Questions? Richard Turner at 503-734-5854; more info here.
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| UU Movie Group
Meets on the fourth Sunday of the month over a potluck meal at members’ homes. For more information, contact Nancy Panitch, 503-318-0776, or Ellie Kirkham, 971-544-7003. More info at the Good Times table in Margaret Fuller Hall.
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| UU Poetry Group
Twice monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Rodger Blackburn, 503-519-3494.
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| UUA Outreach GroupMonthly on the last Wednesday at 7 p.m., usually in B310, but check the sign board when entering.
If your interest lies in the larger picture of UU ministry, join us! Questions? Bill Pryor, 503-894-9945. We'd love to hear from you.
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Women’s CirclesI: First and third Mondays at 7 p.m. Questions? Tess Beistel, 503-257-2042.
II: Second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. We are currently welcoming new members. Questions? Kim, 503-869-1486. III: First and third Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. Not accepting new members at this time. IV: Twice a month on Wednesday evenings. We are looking for participants of all ages for supportive sharing and discussion about such topics as parenting and spirituality. Questions? Amy, 503-241-5451.
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Update Your Records with UsHave you moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail address? Anything else you'd like to let First Unitarian know?
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Do You Have an Item for E-news and/or the Sunday Bulletin?If you have an item you’d like published in our weekly Front Steps (eNews) or the Sunday Bulletin, please submit it to:
Communications@firstunitarianportland.org and include in the subject line “For eNews” –or– “For Sunday Bulletin” –or– “For eNews and Sunday Bulletin.”
This will get to all the right people. Deadline for submissions is noon on Wednesday. Because space is limited in our Sunday Bulletin, we’re unable to run articles for more than a week or two in advance, depending on the number of submissions. Articles may need to be shortened if space is tight.
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| Sunday Livestream
Join us LIVE from your computer or smartphone on Sunday at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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Family Forward Oregon fights for economic and reproductive justice for families, with a particular focus on improving the economic security of mothers and other caregivers, breaking the link between motherhood and poverty in Oregon. Central to their work is the belief that the lack of value for care and caregiving in our society–the work that makes all other work possible–is devastating to women and their families, and is rooted in a complex system of racism, sexism, classism, and heterosexism. Family Forward develops and fights for bold policies that value caregiving–things like paid family and medical leave, affordable child care, reproductive health equity, equal pay, retirement security, and more. As a grassroots advocacy organization, they also work to empower moms to advocate for themselves and become community leaders, creating change for all of Oregon's families. Together we can create a culture that values caregiving in all its forms, transforming the lives of hundreds of thousands of Oregonians for decades to come. To learn more about Family Forward Oregon,
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SNOW? ICE? FREEZING RAIN?To learn if an event, class, or rehearsal has been canceled due to inclement weather, check the church website, Facebook page, or call the church office at 503-228-6389. During the week, evening closure decisions are made by 3:45 p.m. Decisions to cancel Sunday worship or to reduce the number of services are made by 7 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Remember, your good judgment is your best guide!
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