Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
🎄 K-1 Christmas Pageant after the service 🎄
Children & youth start in the Sanctuary at 10:15 a.m. then head to RE classes. Nursery and toddler care available during worship.
Social Hour:Â Fuller Hall after the service.
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Music and Worship Service: A Christmas Story
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For this December, the combined music program will present a worship service celebrating the joys and wonder of the holiday season. Our program will feature some traditional holiday songs and selections that focus on the wonder and magic of the Christmas story. This purposeful programming is done as a way of analyzing and reflecting on the story of virgin birth and what that has meant to the world over the last two thousand years. What does this time of holiday mean for us? What do we hold dear, and what do we wish to leave behind? The holiday season can be one filled with light and joy for some—but perhaps not for all. During this time, let us remember all of what (and who) we hold dear to us, and what we can continue to do—both as individual and as a community—to make our world a better place. We hope you will join us.
Offerings given to this service's plate will go to our music ministry program.
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Ministerial Blog
The Joys of Advent
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We give thanks for the simple joys that find us in December. They beckon to us like the doors of an advent calendar waiting to be opened.
- For special days that help us mark the passing of time
- For old traditions we enjoy and anticipateÂ
- For new traditions that feel right
- For a reason to reach out to friends and family
- For memories of beloveds who are gone
- For the gift of people’s timeÂ
- For love that softens our jagged edges
- For love that sharpens our call to be just
- For challenges that lead us to grow
- For a sense of humor to defray disappointment
- For music which helps our spirits soar
- For the taste of chocolate gelt on the tongue
- For Fraser fir’s strong scent and branches
- For twinkling lights that sparkle in the night
- For warm coats and chunky sweaters
- For a crackling fire and hot cider
- For gifts of presence and serviceÂ
- For work that is meaningful
- For days of rest and renewalÂ
- For our earth’s season of dormancy
- For what waits to bloom next
- For prophetic stories which point us towards peace
- For communities which orient us towards healing
- For the child in each of us who hasn’t forgotten to hope
Amen. May it be so. And Blessed Be.
Rev. Alison
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| Click the image below to view in full, then click each event title for more details:
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NEW! — Annual Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 21, during the service
Location: Main Sanctuary
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All are warmly invited to our joyous Annual Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 21, at our regular 10:15 a.m. service!
Originally presented in 1924, celebrating the first Christmas in our then-new church on the corner of SW 12th Ave. and Salmon, it has been a beloved annual tradition here at First Unitarian since then. Come revisit this old story of mystery, love, and connection—made anew each year by our care and attention. Immediately following the service, indulge your sweet tooth at our cookie potluck in Fuller Hall!
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Alliance Treasures & Cookie Sale
Sunday, December 14, after the service
Location: Buchan Hall
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Come one, come all to the Alliance Treasures & Cookie Sale in Buchan Hall after the service.
You’ll find lots of jewelry, beautiful scarves, Christmas treasures, and unique handmade items, as well as homemade cookies galore!
(You could even buy some cookies to freeze and save for the Christmas Cookie Potluck on December 21!)
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NEW! — Find Perfect Holiday Gifts in our Beacon Bookstore!
Location: Fuller Hall
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Check out our Beacon Bookstore at the southwest corner of Fuller Hall this Sunday! We have a wide selection of books to make perfect gifts for every age. Does your family read The Night Before Christmas or A Child’s Christmas in Wales on Christmas Eve? We have both, along with The New Testament in Modern English. Â
Do you remember the beginning of Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas? “One Christmas was so much like another, in those years around the sea-town corner now and out of all sound except the distant speaking of the voices I sometimes hear a moment before sleep, that I can never remember whether it snowed for six days and six nights when I was twelve or whether it snowed for twelve days and twelve nights when I was six. All the Christmases roll down toward the two-tongued sea, like a cold and headlong moon bundling down the sky that was our street; and they stop at the rim of the ice-edged fish-freezing waves, and I plunge my hands in the snow and bring out whatever I can find. In goes my hand into that wool-white bell-tongued ball of holidays resting at the rim of the carol-singing sea, and out come Mrs. Prothero and the firemen.” For me, the long poem always brings back children fading toward bed after listening to Grandpa read and watching Christmas lights on the tree.
Maybe your sister would enjoy a book of Rainer Maria Rilke’s poems, or a meditative essays, or a Unitarian hymnal? Perhaps it’s a stocking stuffer mug with a “Love” chalice on the front? We have a number of Thich Nhat Hanh books arriving this week, and a number of other thoughtful books that might be perfect for friends. The 15- or 16-year-olds on your list might enjoy the Heartstopper graphic novels (multi-award-winning British series on Netflix).Â
We are still able to order many things to arrive before Sunday, December 21, so you can pick them up before Christmas. It doesn’t need to be a title we would normally carry – maybe a special cookbook or novel or the new book out about the history of the Girl Scouts (Intrepid Girls) – we can probably get it for you. Remember that we are one of your little local independent bookstores! Â
Thank you for being our loyal customers!
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Message from the Music Ministry Transition Team
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During this time of year, we are grateful for many things. Friends and family, of course, and also our church family and the ministry we all share with each other and the world. Part of our shared experience is music. It lifts our spirits and unites our hearts.
We are grateful for Interim Music Director Garrett Bond and the joy he brings us each week. He has made a commitment to be with us until the end of the church year. Between now and then, your Music Ministry Transition Team will be busy finding his successor. We will be looking for someone to fill the position of Music Director who will be with us for the long term.
We are now advertising for the position on job boards, at the UUA, and at several musical organizations. We expect to evaluate resumes in January and February. The intent is to identify the successful candidate by April. Â
If you have knowledge of individuals or organizations where we should send our job announcement, please let us know and send them our job description found on the website here. We are hoping for a large candidate pool from which to choose the best fit for First Church. We can be reached by email here. Thanks.
Music Ministry Transition Team:
- Theo Harper
- Ameena Amdahl-Mason
- Rich Scher
- Michael Murray
- Holly Stern
- Reverend Tom Disrud
- Reverend Alison Miller
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Around the Church
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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THIS WEEKEND — In-Person Migra Watch Training
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Migra Watch is a community-based effort to monitor Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. In this in person training, you will learn to identify ICE agents, document potential violations, report sightings, & provide support to affected families.
Migra Watch trainings are organized by Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC), a statewide organization that supports immigrant rights through direct assistance, education, legal support, and advocacy. Location is SW Portland, details to be sent out to those who register. Space is limited so please register soon! Register here.
First Unitarian is proud to support the great work that PIRC is doing by providing funds to expand their Zoom capacity. To date, PIRC has trained over 4,000 Oregonians for MigraWatch. It is one way that our congregation is in solidary with the movement for human rights and immigrant justice.
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Cookie Potluck!
Sunday, December 21, after the service
Location: Fuller Hall
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Join us after the Christmas Pageant on December 21 for a festive cookie potluck! Home-baked or store-bought, all cookies (and all people!) are welcome.  Bring a plate (ONLY ONE DOZEN, PLEASE) of your favorite cookies to share if you’d like—or just bring yourself and enjoy.
Bring your offerings to Fuller Hall before service where folks will be available to help you place your cookies. We are also asking folks to not leave your containers.
During the social hour, we will also be celebrating the retirement of Kamal, one of our long-serving sextons. The Soske family is bringing special beverages to enjoy in celebration of Kamal and all he has done for our community.
See you for a fun-filled day!
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Eliot Institute Winter Camp
December 28 - January 1
Location: Hood Canal
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Did you know that Eliot Institute has a winter camp? It's a great way to welcome in the new year.
Over 30 First U-ers regularly attend the intergenerational UU summer camps. They are held at the Seabeck Conference Center on Washington’s Hood Canal, only a 3-1/2 hour drive from Portland. It’s magical. Fantastic for all ages.
Learn more:
Come see us at our table after the service to learn more.
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CHECK WEEKLY — December 14 Newsletter
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and Family Ministries
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Dear Learning Community,
Everyone is invited to attend the K-1 pageant directly after the service in Eliot Chapel. Please join us for this fun tradition.
For our 2nd-12th graders, rehearsals will continue for the all-church Christmas Pageant on December 21 under the able leadership of director Rhionne Morris. Preschool-1st grade children will be included too during the actual pageant! Families should attend the pageant and listen during the service for some no-rehearse ways to participate.
P.S. No Parenting Circle this month; save the date for January 11th!...MORE
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NEW! — Don't Attack Venezuela
This Sunday, December 14, during social hour
Location:Â Fuller Hall
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As the US moves closer and closer to taking miliary action against Venezuela, we need to voice opposition to such military action. Visit the Peace Action Group table during Social Hour and pick up a Peace button with the word Venezuela on it. Remember "Don't Attack Venezuela."
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Potluck and Learning Opportunity
Saturday, December 13, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location:Â SW Portland
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Join us for an informative potluck on Saturday, December 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Sue H.’s house in SW Portland. We’ll enjoy a cozy, social gathering and hear first-hand accounts from volunteers for Northwest Abortion Access Fund (NWAAF). Our in-home potlucks are replacing the after church meetings.
Make sure to visit our CARD table during the social hour on Sunday, December 21, to learn more about our social justice group. Pitch in and help us write more thank you cards to abortion providers.
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UPDATED — Last Chance to Donate to Avalon Village
Sundays, December 14 and 21, during social hour
Location:Â COHHO table
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We thank those of you who have already signed up to participate in our holiday gift drive for WeShine's Avalon Village residents.
There are still requested items for several villagers and the village community itself that need to be purchased. If you would like to help fulfill their wishes, please email Cynthia S. by December 13.
COHHO elves will collect the gifts after the services on December 14 and 21. Please join us in helping to make this holiday season special for the residents at Avalon Village!
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As we reflect on two years of the 13 Salmon Shower Project, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the compassion of this congregation. Together, we've provided a safe space for showers, clean clothes, and connection for more than 2,000 of our unhoused neighbors.
Winter is here, bringing a harsh reality for those without housing. These three essentials can help protect our guests from the cold:
- Beanies / knitted hats (black or gray preferred)
- Warm gloves
- Men's sweatpants (small & med)
Drop off your items in the marked cabinet in Fuller Hall during church hours or during Shower Project hours (Wednesdays and Thursdays between noon and 4 p.m. at 13th and Salmon). Thank you for your support! Starting on Sunday, November 30, these gifts can be delivered to the Giving Trees located in the Sanctuary lobby and Buchan atrium.
If you’d like to offer a financial contribution directly to the Shower Project, please donate here.
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UPDATED — Food Insecurity During the Holidays
Location:Â COHHO bins in Fuller Hall
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Even before the recent government shutdown, our systems were straining. When SNAP payments halted, thousands of neighbors suddenly lost the support they were told they could rely on. It was a stark reminder: federal systems can falter, but our community continues to care for one another. Each month brings new challenges for neighbors simply trying to keep food on the table.
At this year-end giving season, we invite you to consider the following... your generosity keeps food at the center for food-insecure neighbors. When you give, you're doing much more than filling a pantry shelf. You're helping to strengthen someone's health, to stabilize someone's housing, and to build someone's sense of community.
What and how can you give? First things first - go gleaning in your kitchen cupboards! You might have some shelf-stable jars, cartons or boxes that you forgot you had or don’t intend to consume. Donate them to Lift UP. Just put them in the COHHO cabinets under the clock in Fuller Hall; we’ll deliver them to Lift UP. Secondly, when you shop for groceries, buy extra pasta, nut butter, almond milk, or soup cartons to put in those COHHO cabinets. Lastly, consider making a financial donation to Lift UP (or the Oregon Food Bank). They can purchase in bulk and make your money go farther than you can.
However you can contribute during this especially challenging holiday season, we thank you. Every small act strengthens the foundation beneath us all.
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CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel G., Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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The Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and to build the Beloved Community.
Kings Return is a four-piece a cappella group known for their diverse sound, blending R&B, jazz, gospel, and pop. They aim to give back to their communities. To listen to their performance of Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come," click the video:
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In the Community
Member Julie Grice is hoping to move to a rehab facility after several weeks in the hospital to treat an infection. Once again we hold Julie as she takes this next step on her healing journey.
We hold member Theo Harper who had a hip replacement surgery scheduled today.
Member Lynne Bacon is making good recovery after knee replacement surgery last week.Â
Member Don Liedel is recovering from successful hip replacement surgery and is currently in a rehab facility. Don’s spirits are good.
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- Contact a Minister: Our ministers are available for pastoral support to congregants in need and to officiate at rites of passages including memorial services and weddings. Call the church office at 503-228-6389, or send an email.
- Contact a Lay Minister: Lay Ministers support the pastoral work of the ministerial staff. They are church members who offer one-to-one caring and support for folks in times of need. Call the church office at 503-228-6389, or send an email. You can learn more here.
- Friend to Friend Outreach Program: This program provides connection to seniors and individuals who may be homebound and unable to attend church regularly. It offers members up to four in-person visits per year from a Lay Minister. Send an email to Lay Minister Steve K.
- Lotsa Helping Hands Support Network: This care calendar enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times. For support or questions, email coordinator Leslie C. To volunteer, send a request here.
- Join an Affinity or Support Group:Â Build community through our identity-based affinity groups and experience-specific support groups. Learn about them here.
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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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November & December Art Wall Exhibition
Biennial Congregant Art Show
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Come down to Fuller Hall to see the talented artists we have in the congregation during November and December!
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Got something for Front Steps? Send in your church-related submission for our weekly publication. Submit it here (preferred) or email us here with "Front Steps" as the subject line.
Deadline: Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
If your submission is urgent and couldn’t be sent before the deadline, please include “URGENT” in the subject line.
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| Want to know what this church has to offer? Visit our Calendar by clicking above to see our list of events/classes/socials!
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