Please Join Our Live Stream
Sunday, January 17, 2021Family Worship Service at 9:15 a.m.
Worship Service at 10:15 a.m.
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I Pledge
Rev. Thomas Disrud
Inauguration Day arrives at a time of unprecedented strife in our country. These days are full of fear and anger and anticipation. In the midst of all this, what are the pledges that we as citizens are asked to make–to ourselves, to each other, to our country? What is our call to action? What is our part in healing the divisions we face? How is it that we move forward?
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Bill's Blog The Ghosts Will Not Leave Us Alone
Weary. That is how many of you have described yourselves to me in recent days. Not tired. We know how to deal with being tired. Rest is recommended, and respite. Recovery is predictable and expected. Weary is a feeling of being worn down. Over time. Resources depleted. Spent. Rest may be recommended, but the weariness that has been described to me has more to do with demands on our strength that we have carried successfully, but not without effort, for just too long.
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Yet we are approaching an inauguration, a time “to begin” or “mark a new beginning” … those are two of the dictionary definitions of the term.Â
I am not exempt from either the weariness, or the question of where to find the energy for yet another “beginning.”...continued.
(Photo of James Baldwin)
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Family WorshipGetting into "Good Trouble"
When we choose to be present, in a particular place and time, our presence, in body and mind, can have a tremendous impact.
Join Rev. Bill to learn more about civil rights activist and Congressman John Lewis and his tendency to get into "good trouble." Dustin will share a traditional freedom song and Stacey will lead us in meditation.
Disclosure: We will be sharing a video featuring John Lewis that is intended for children. However, it includes some violent imagery from the civil rights era that may not be appropriate for Pre-Elementary children. If you have questions please contact Cassandra.
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| Featured NewsTimestamps are Pacific Standard Time (PST) unless stated otherwise.Â
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| Gmail Users: You may have to scroll down to the bottom of this message and click on "View Entire Message" to see the complete FrontSteps.
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First Unitarian has been experienceing problems with our email system as of 4 p.m. Thursday, January 14.Â
If you sent us an email after this time period, please try again later as we might be still experienceing this issue. Thank you.
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REGISTER TODAY - Seminary for a DaySuccess, Failure, & Everything In Between.
Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 9:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Are you yearning for greater depth in your spiritual life?Join us virtually and delve deeper with Rev. Meg Riley, Co-Moderator of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).
At Seminary for a Day she is eager to share what she has learned and reflect on how our faith's past weaknesses, successes and failures can help us now in our on-going pursuits of equality and justice. She will explore the topic through the lens of our work in welcoming LGBTQ+ people and the lessons that have come from that work.
Bio: Rev. Meg Riley is co-moderator of the UUA, the highest volunteer office of the movement. Rev. Riley spent 37 years as a UU religious professional, including stints as the UUA’s Director of (then) LBG Concerns, Director of the UUA Washington Office, and Head of the Advocacy and Witness Staff Group.
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NEW GATHERING - Anti-Racist Book Club
Read one book or several! Join other congregants and folks in this new winter session of the Anti-Racist Book Club!
To join a cohort, read a synopsis, or if you would like further details, click on a book title you are interested in listed below:
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Filling Up Fast - Anti-Racist Podcast Club
10 Sessions - Every other Tuesday Starting January 26
"Seeing White” is an acclaimed documentary series that turns the lens on our true history. Join a learning circle cohort as we listen to this podcast series and share our reactions in a small group setting.  Space is limited, so register today!
- Seeing White Afternoon Cohort [3-4:30 p.m.]
- Seeing White Evening Cohort [7:30-9 p.m.]
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NEW GATHERING - Friendship & Fun Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, starting February 3, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
We are learning on how to be together in new ways during the pandemic.  Do you want to simply have fun and interesting conversations with new folks or folks you haven’t seen for a while at First Unitarian?
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The facilitator will lead with an ice-breaker topic/question each week. Come with your favorite beverage or treat and be together through conversation
For our first week feel free to bring your pet or a favorite item from nature to share with others. (An on-going commitment is not required).
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Subscribe to the First U PDX YouTube Channel!
Never Miss a Sunday Live StreamÂ
Get linked to upcoming family, main, special services & events.Â
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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Younger Adult Gathering
Wednesday, January 20
7:30 p.m.Â
First U PDX and the UU Church in Eugene are joining together to offer a younger adult gathering so we can get to know each other.Â
No age restrictions! We are less interested in how many years you’ve been on earth and more interested in your experiences. If you identify as being on the younger end of adults in this congregation, this community and events are for you!
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Join us at the Oregon People’s Inauguration
January 21, 2021 at 6 p.m.
All are welcome!
First Unitarian Portland partners with the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice for this powerful evening event. This will be an opportunity to see our music video that Darrell Grant composed and recorded, with vocal accompaniment by Bethany Small, and hear our First Unitarian People's Oath developed and read by many congregants. After the People's Inauguration ceremony, please stay on the call to learn more about how you can be a part of our people's movement here in Oregon.
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The People’s Inauguration Kick-off Event
This event is the national event and different from the local event seen above.
January 21, 2021 at 6 p.m.
Our statewide event on January 21 is one of many events happening around the country as part of the national People's Inauguration, hosted by national Sikh activist Valarie Kaur.
Register to attend the national event and participate in the free online offering "10 Days to Activate Revolutionary Love" January 22-31. Register below.
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Welcome to First Unitarian with Rev. Thomas Disrud
Sunday, January 24, 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Are you new to First Unitarian Portland? We are so glad you are here. This virtual class will offer an orientation to the church, to Unitarian Universalism and what it means to be a member. This will be a chance to meet other newcomers and to have your questions about the church answered.Â
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Caregivers Support Group
Now Open to Newcomers
Every 4th Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Â
If you are caring for a partner or other family member with an ongoing health condition, you may benefit from the support of others in the same situation. Our Caregivers Support Group is facilitated by lay ministers and the format is confidential and informal.
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Vesper Prayer Service
Every Friday at 5 p.m.
End your week with a brief quiet time of prayer, reflection, meditation and music offered by our Lay Ministers. Let this be a pause at the end of the week, to receive and to be held in love, without the need to converse. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. (An ongoing commitment is not required).Â
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Loving Kindness Meditation
Mondays, from 8-8:30 p.m.
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. (An ongoing commitment is not required).Â
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Caring Circle for Parents
Mondays, January 25, February 8 and 22
From 7-8 p.m.
In these challenging times for families, our lay ministers invite you to join a Caring Circle for parents. This small group will meet every other week to provide listening and support to one another. (An ongoing commitment is not required).Â
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Send Us Your Photos & Be Part of Family WorshipÂ
We invite you to submit photos of your family members for inclusion in our weekly worship. Seeing each other in this way helps us stay connected. Send pictures of your family tuning in at home, of activities we do during worship, projects worked on from our monthly mailers, or any other photos you want to share. Thank you to those of you who have sent pictures! Please send photos to this email.Â
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Monthly Mailers & Zoom Gatherings
Registered families should have received their November mailer packets for the theme of Prayer. Watch your Learning Community news for details about a zoom session for our younger age groups as we round out the month.
Please share your feedback about the mailer packets and zoom sessions which will help us in planning future months.Â
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Art For Social Justice
The Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and building the Beloved Community.
Still We Rise I - The Portland State Chamber Choir
"Due to Covid-19 gathering restrictions, the 40 members of the PSU Chamber Choir could not meet as a full ensemble. Nonetheless, we persevered making music wearing masks and rehearsing mostly outdoors.
Still We Rise: Part I features a variety of smaller groups made up of members of the Portland State Chamber Choir performing music by Black, Brown and Indigenous composers including Shireen Abu-Khader, Marques Garrett, Matthew Lyon-Hazard, Frank Duarte, Samuel Taylor-Coleridge, Daphine Chibinga, Jason Harris and Remel Derick. You will also hear from many of the composers themselves. The performances were recorded in the exquisite acoustics of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church."
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Opportunities to Join Community Partners in JusticeÂ
January 18 and January 20
Please join our community partners for these important events to gather for racial justice and for democracy. These are outdoor rallies/marches.Â
- Reclaim Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Meet at Peninsula Park on January 18 at 1 p.m. - Rally to Inaugurate Justice
Meet at Irving Park on January 20 at 4 p.m.
As with any demonstration, please follow these guidelines for safety. Wear a mask; be dressed for the weather; have a buddy and have a plan for how long you'll stay; if you leave, be sure your buddy is either with you or has another buddy; stay aware of your surroundings; take note of the rally security team; listen to the guidance of the organizers.
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Anti-Racism Resources from ARJAG
The Advancing Racial Justice Action Group webpage includes links to a wide variety of print, audio, and video resources related to antiracism, Oregon history, and the proposed eighth principle of Unitarian Universalism.
These include a link to the Multnomah County Library’s collection of digital books, audio books, and videos about race and racism for kids; Walida Imarisha’s “Oregon Black History Timeline” video; and Ibram X. Kendi’s “Antiracist Reading List.”
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In the Community
Joel Jones, father and father-in-law of members Laura Jones and David Livermore, died at home in Rome, Georgia on January 5. He was quiet, funny, smart, and inspiring during his 85 years and his loss leaves a deep void in the lives of his family and community. Â
Helen Jones, grandmother of member Ryan Deibert, and great grandmother of Aili and William Deibert died on January 6 in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 99. She was born, raised, and lived nearly her full life in the small town of Gooding, Idaho. Her three daughters, many grandchildren and great grandchildren look forward to holding a celebration of her life when it’s safe to travel and gather together in Gooding again.Â
Please pray for healing for Sophia Douglas as she recovers from thoracic surgery.
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Message from our Board Moderator
Though we are physically away from our church, our holiday traditions are carrying on. The Alliance Greens Sale was successful and our social action groups gathered donations to support several of our community partners.Â
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The Board is continuing its discernment around adopting the 8th Principle. A group of leaders of our social action groups participated in a workshop using Paula Cole Jones’ presentation in early December. Additional workshops for the congregation are planned for January.
We hope that you will participate in one of the workshops to learn about the Principle and what it would mean for our church to become a more actively antiracist congregation. The Board welcomes your thoughts and comments...continued.
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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.
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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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Having trouble viewing our services through the website?
Find our Live Streams on Boxcast, Youtube or on Facebook.
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Have a Submission for E-News?If you have a church-related 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.Â
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Sunday Live StreamÂ
& Social Schedule
Join us LIVE from your computer or smart device by clicking on the links below.Â
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January Shared PlateStarted in response to the unjust murder of George Floyd, the Black Resilience Fund is dedicated to healing and resilience by providing immediate resources to Black Portlanders. The Fund works with hundreds of Portlanders from all backgrounds to make an immediate difference in the lives of Black Portlanders and to advocate for systemic change.Â
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Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and  stay engaged!
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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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Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
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