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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How Do We Hold Ourselves in Struggle?
Rev. Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe, UUA Pacific Western Regional Lead & Rev. Sarah Gibb Millspaugh, UUA Pacific Western Regional Staff
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These are painful times: times where fear, grief, and trauma get stirred in us daily. And First Unitarian has had its own pain, too. So much of our hurting of other people comes from our attempts to not get more hurt, ourselves. What can we learn, from spiritual traditions and from real-life situations like bee stings, about how to hold our pain, and to move through it with compassion and communal care?
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Minister's Blog
Chaplains to the Great Turning
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This past weekend, my wife and I packed up a campervan and hit the road for a three-day music festival near Bend. I was there under the high desert sun, covered in dust and sunscreen, with thousands of others as we read about wildfires spreading across Oregon and as we learned that Joe Biden was dropping out of the presidential race. In all likelihood, we probably digested the news of some other unprecedented world event that I’ve already forgotten about amidst so many unprecedented...continued reading.
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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 Lea and Rev. Sarah Gibb Millspaugh, UUA Pacific Western Regional Staff
Feel free to bring a snack or sack lunch.Â
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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.Â
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Young Adult Weekly Meetups All Summer!
Next Meeting: Sunday, July 28, immediately after the service
Location:Â Buchan Reception, B101
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Expect fun social events, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities to connect.Â
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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.Â
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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NEW! — Want to Be in a Choir Next Year?
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The Music Ministry Transition Team (Theo Harper, Ameena Amdahl-Mason, Holly Stern, Michael Murray, Henriët Fourie Thompson, and Rich Scher) needs your help. We want to gauge the level of interest in choirs for next year.
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. Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey!
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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:
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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.Â
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KUDOBOARD! — Wishing Nikki All the Best!
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Next Friday, August 2, is Nikki Beezley's last day with First Unitarian. During her 6+ years with the church, Nikki has served in several positions and is currently our Communications Coordinator. We send her every good wish as she moves on to her next great adventure. Thank you, Nikki, for all your good work. You'll be missed!
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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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Building a New Way with UU The Vote
Tuesday, July 30, 5-6 p.m.Â
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Our work ahead is to build a multiracial democracy while supporting rights on so many important things, including voting rights, reproductive rights, and the right to protest. We are preparing for deeper collaboration with local and national partners, massive direct voter contact and registration, election defense, poll working, and building the leadership this moment demands. This moment requires our effort, our courage, and our flexibility. What we do now will define our collective futures for generations to come.
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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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TONIGHT — Poetry Night
Tuesday, July 25 // from 7 - 9 p.m.Â
Location: Buchan Reception HallÂ
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.
- 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.Â
Summer Vespers Schedule
Join our contemplative Vespers services on Zoom at 5 p.m. every Friday. This summer, services are on July 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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SAVE THE DATE - All-church PicnicÂ
Saturday, September 14, Noon to 4 p.m.
Wilshire Park:Â 4116 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97212
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Bring your picnic lunch and a dessert to share, and let’s enjoy a day together in one of Portland’s beautiful parks.
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Seeking New High School Backpacks for Western Farm Workers School Supplies Drive
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First Unitarian’s Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) is collecting high school backpacks for the Western Farm Workers’ School Supplies Collection in Hillsboro, now set for August 17, 2024. Families have requested durable, high-quality backpacks. The New York Times “Wirecutter” has excellent recommendations: Wirecutter Best School Backpacks
Collection Dates: Sundays: July 28, August 4, and August 11 during Fellowship Hour. Look for the box with rocket ship wrapping paper near the UU the Vote table.
Direct Shipment:
Address: Western Farm Workers, Attn: Karyna Graham, 725 SE 7th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97123.
Drop-Off: Laurie will deliver the collected backpacks on August 14, or you can drop them off at her home in SW Portland until August 13. Email Laurie with the subject line BACKPACKS.
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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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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
A celebration of Life will be held for Arthur Hugh Ellis on July 27 at 2 p.m. in the Eliot Chapel. Hugh died on December 26 at the age of 82. Hugh, his wife Marcia, and their family have called this church home through the years. We hold them these days as they remember Hugh and his life.
Perry Wagle, who used to be an active participant in our congregation, died this month at the age of 66 after living with prostate cancer. Perry grew up in Indianapolis and attended the UU congregation there. He had a passion for computers and worked in computer science. We hold Perry’s family and friends, including his brother Daniel, in our prayers at this time.
Claire Bacon-Brenes and Daniel Park were married on July 20 in a small family ceremony at the home of Claire’s parents. Claire is the granddaughter of Lynne and Warren Bacon. Rev. Tom officiated at the ceremony.Â
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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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It’s a beautiful spring morning, and I am sitting here writing this letter. The sky is bright blue and the slight breeze sends soft pink petals down on my walk way. But spring is not on my mind today. I recently returned from a trip to Southeast Asia with my longtime traveling companion, Alma. We have traveled extensively for over 40 years and this last trip was one of our best. However on the longest leg of our trip home the plane had electrical issues  and we had no movies or reading lights. So for 10 hours I stared into the darkness and thought about our trips. Because I knew I would be writing the June moderator’s letter, I thought about how I could connect the two; church and traveling. I thought about our eight principles and how they guide me through my travels. Although I always enjoy the physical beauty we see at our destinations-Angkor Wat- this trip, I often think about the people we meet. Even though they are often just brief meetings and names are not always exchanged, they leave an imprint on me that is hard to define. But I sense their inherent worth and value in their part of the world...continue reading.
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KUDOS! — Thank John Boelling for his Service to Our CommunityÂ
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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:Â
- 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.Â
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 WritingÂ
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:Â 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)Â (Summer Dates: August 2, 9)
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As we focus our summer offerings on organizations within and in support of Unitarian Universalism, this week, we share our plate with Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU). BLUU is committed to expanding the power and capacity of Black UUs within Unitarian Universalism, providing support, information, and resources for Black Unitarian Universalists, and justice-making and liberation for Black people through our faith.
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