Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Learning Community Classes at 10:30 a.m
Childcare is available during our worship service for children two and under (in the nursery).
Social Hour: Buchan Receprtion Hall after the service.
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The Spiritual Practice of Generosity
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Our annual spiritual theme is “Love Is at the Center.” This theme comes from the collective effort throughout the Unitarian Universalist Association to share a fresh articulation of our values and covenant. One of the six core values lifted up for us to reflect on is generosity, which can be an anchoring principle as we ground our intentions for the New Year.
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First Steps Class, Bagels, and Campus Tour
Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Noon
Grab coffee or tea in the Buchan Reception Atrium then meet us down the hall in Channing Room A-101
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Embark on an exciting journey by joining First Unitarian Portland and exploring Unitarian Universalism. Kickstart your experience by signing up for this class!
This orientation is designed for newcomers, offering insights into our values and traditions and an engaging campus tour. Led by Rev. Thomas Disrud and Jen Thomas, our Membership Engagement Coordinator, this class will guide you through your initial steps toward becoming a part of our community.
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LAST CHANCE! — Spread the Love! Nut Butter Drive
Drop your jars (preferably plastic jars) in our bins in Fuller Hall outside the kitchen area by this Sunday, January 7.
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Did you know that a humble jar of nut butter is a powerhouse of nutrition? Not only is it delicious, but it also has a long shelf life and is easy to consume. Join us as we collect jars of nut butter for Lift UP's food drive and help us spread the love and nourishment in our community.
So far, you've donated 47+ pounds of various kinds of nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew). Thank you so much! Let's keep up the good work during this holiday season!
🥜 The goal: collect 5,000 jars! Help stock the pantries of neighbors in NW and downtown Portland with no or low income. All nut butter varieties, creamy or crunchy, are welcome for their long shelf life, easy storage, and super nutritional value.
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NEW! — Board Forum: Proposed UUA Bylaws Changes for General Assembly Delegates
Sunday, January 28, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland, Buchan Reception Hall (1226 SW Salmon St.)
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| Explore the proposed UUA Bylaws changes alongside the First Unitarian Portland Board. Engage in discussions with potential delegates. For additional details, visit uua.org and the Board page. Ensure you're part of this important conversation.
The vote will be in June 2024.
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NEW! — Rev. Alison's Q&A and Financial Update
Sunday, January 21, at noon
Location: Eliot Chapel
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| Please join Rev. Alison Miller in Eliot Chapel for another in a regular series of Q&A sessions with your senior minister. After a very brief update on developments at the church, she will respond to the questions you bring about the church or about our faith.
Immediately following the Q&A, members of our Finance Committee will bring a financial update.
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Upcoming Classes & Gatherings
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"A Midsummer Night's Dream in Prison," a Film by Bushra Azzouz
Saturday, January 6, from 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Doors open at 2:30 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland, Buchan Reception Hall (1226 SW Salmon St.)
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| Celebrate with the directors, the actors, and many supporters. Free admission. Bring the whole family!
There will be a dialogue with the actors after the film, followed by a celebration of all the people who made this beautiful film possible.
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NEW! — Beyond Ceasefire: The Current Landscape and Future Horizon for Palestine and Israel
Thursday, January 18, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland, Eliot Chapel
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| Dr. Mark Braverman is an author, speaker, and activist for Palestinian rights. Braverman is an American Jew raised with a strong attachment to Israel. He has come to understand the terrible costs of the Zionist project for the Palestinians and for the Jewish people.
Learn about:
- The context for October 7th: Jewish history, Zionism, and Palestinian resistance
- The furor over antisemitism
- The history of church struggles and why the churches matter today
- What’s next? Return to the status quo or a new future from the river to the sea?
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Antiracism Learning Circles - Winter/Spring 2024 Registration Are Open
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Learning Circles provide a transformative experience through small, intimate discussion cohorts centered around a chosen book or podcast. Participants gain crucial insights into white supremacy, racism, and our nation's history, cultivating trust and engaging in profound group discussions over an extended period. This setting fosters a safe space for tackling challenging topics and navigating discomfort while also offering a unique opportunity to forge and fortify meaningful relationships with fellow participants. Learning Circles offer connection, focus, and purpose in a virtual setting, creating a dynamic environment for shared learning and growth.
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This Winter and Spring 2024 Offerings
- My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Mending of our Bodies and Hearts - by Resmaa Menakem. Starting January 8
- The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story - edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones - a profoundly revealing vision of American past and present. Starting January 12
- Seeing White - the real history of the US, the one none of us were taught in school. This is where to start your journey! (podcast series). Starting January 16
- Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication - by Oren J. Sofer. Starting January 22
- The Sum Of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together - by Heather McGhee. Starting January 30
- The Conspiracy to End America: Five Ways My Old Party is Driving Our Democracy to Autocracy - by Stuart Stevens. Starting February 6
- Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law - by Leah Rothstein & Richard Rothstein. Starting February 6
- The Land That Has Never Been Yet - an examination of whether we have ever had a real democracy (podcast series). Starting March 12
- Shielded: How The Police Became Untouchable - by Joanna Schwartz. Starting tbd
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SAVE THE DATE! — Steve Phillips: Securing a Multiracial Democracy (Annual Sewell Social Justice Lecture)
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m. || Event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland, Sanctuary (1211 SW Main St.)
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Steve Phillips, author of How We Win the Civil War and NYT Bestseller Brown is the New White, will share his Liberation Battle Plan for building a multiracial progressive majority and ending white supremacy for good. Following his talk, Steve will be joined by a panel of Oregon organizers to explore how liberation is being won in Oregon.
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Learning Community E-News — A Year of Generosity: Reflections, Acts, and Heartfelt Connections
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation & Family Ministries
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Waaay back last year (ok, late November) I created my first Learning Community e-newsletter with the trepidation I often bring to something brand new. By way of introduction, I shared a snapshot of Diana Barry, one of my tuxedo cats. A child greeted me the following Sunday with a handmade cat figure, modeled after my pet. This generous act filled my heart and soothed my jitters, as did kind words of welcome from many. Shout out to the K-1 class, who gifted me a lovely chalice they made from bark and other nature items...continue to see the whole e-newsletter.
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13 Salmon Shower Project Opening January 17 and Spotlight on Our Project Intern
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We are thrilled to share that the 13 Salmon Shower Project was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Fund for Unitarian Universalist Social Responsibility! The timing is wonderful as we will open our doors to shower guests on Wednesdays starting January 17.
Much of the grant has allowed us to hire intern Kelly Clendenon as the Shower Project Coordinator. In addition to his work to get the Shower Project off the ground, Kelly just completed his first semester of graduate school at the University of Oregon as a mixed media journalism student. His focus is sharing stories of people living on the fringes of society. He just released Episode 1 of a podcast that tells the story of a local author who has repeatedly attempted to get his homeless friend off the streets and into housing, to no avail.
Here are a few ways you can help:
- Volunteer with the Shower Project. All folks who would like to volunteer, either as an onsite volunteer or in other ways (e.g., doing laundry or collecting supplies), please fill out our volunteer interest form.
- Sign up for onsite training and lunch on January 10: We will hold a required operations training for onsite volunteers on January 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided. RSVP here. Please note that for now, onsite volunteering requires availability during the day on Wednesdays.
- Supplies: We still need some important supplies before opening day. You can order directly from our Amazon Wishlist. If you'd like to bring items to the church, please look at our Holiday Giving at First Unitarian list for specific needs.
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In the Community
Member Erik Bergman fell and fractured his ankle in December. He was doing something he loved–birding in Southern Oregon. We send our healing thoughts his way.
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Check Out the Beacon Bookstore off Fuller Hall During Social Hour!
Rolling book cart in Buchan Reception Hall this Sunday!
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We have many new books, old favorites, and classics from which to choose...not to mention a wonderful assortment of greeting cards.
Your Bookstore is a perfect place to find gifts that will last a lifetime. Our selection of books for children and youth is top-notch! Some even become family heirlooms! Your coffee or tea cup is always welcome.
About 35% of our sales (100% of our proceeds) go to the general church fund.
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Are You Going Through a Tough Time?
Would it help to talk with someone?
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| Our Lay Ministry team offers caring listening for people going through grief, illness, isolation, depression, job loss, relationship issues, or other life challenges. Meetings are confidential and can be one-time or ongoing, depending on the person's needs.
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| Attend a Board Meeting or Write the Board
TODAY Thursday, January 7, at 7 p.m.
Location: Room A-108
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The opportunity for congregant comment is usually scheduled in the first half hour of the meeting’s agenda. Please see the Board Packet posted on Monday before the meeting for the latest time and location.
Board meetings are being held both in-person and virtually via Zoom. Congregants are invited to watch the meetings. The link and phone numbers below will connect you to virtual Board meetings. You can find them on the Boards webpage.
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Important: Beware of Email Scams
Be alert! We've noticed a surge in email scams posing as ministers, asking for purchases. Some even claim to be from Rev. Alison via voicemail. Remember, always check the FULL EMAIL ADDRESS and be cautious. Stay safe online!
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Empowering Change: Alliance Grants Recommendation Requests
From the Alliance
Only Alliance members are eligible to submit nominations.
The deadline for submissions is January 22.
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Keeping with our long-held tradition, the Alliance will again use holiday sales proceeds and individual contributions to make small grants to not-for-profit organizations supporting our mission.
Each year, the Alliance donates thousands to community groups serving women, children, and marginalized communities, and the proceeds from the Holiday Sale all go toward new grants in 2024! Thanks to all of you, we have $12,000 to allocate this year!
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During this time of year, I find myself feeling in the holiday mood. I love the decorations, smells, flavors, and holiday festivities. Often, this is a time to see people I haven’t seen for a while. Connecting with new people and reconnecting with old friends.
As a member of the Board of Trustees, this has been an interesting time. We are engaged with several challenging issues. Bill Sinkford used to say that we are in liminal times. This continues to be true. We no longer have the certainty of the church that was and is yet to define the church that is or what will be...continue reading.
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Sharing Our Hearts' Treasure
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There's still time to pledge! A heartfelt "THANK YOU!" to all who have already pledged for the 2024 calendar. And if you haven’t given yet, you can help us with these efforts by making your pledge before the holidays if at all possible. EVERYONE'S support is deeply appreciated.
Make an online pledge below or pick up a paper form at the Board's table at Fuller Hall during social hour.
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December Art Wall Exhibition: A Walk in the Woods
Gallery Location: Fuller Hall
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Marilynne Eichinger, former OMSI president, author, and artist, presents A Walk in the Woods. The thirty pieces in the collection were started during the COVID years while walking in the Arboretum and Tryon Creek State Park. Since the paths were narrow, looking up at the canopy above was dangerous, so she paid more attention to what she could see at eye height. She had never paid much attention to tree bark but now marveled at the variety that evolved. Eichinger includes actual bark in her acrylic paintings held in place with an acrylic coating.
The exhibit is a botany/art display designed to make viewers pay closer attention to the natural world.
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January/February Art Wall Exhibition — Beyond Boundaries: The Artistry of Sandra Rowe
Gallery Location: Fuller Hall
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Sandra Rowe is a visual artist, writer, consultant, curator, and educator. Born in Richmond, Indiana, Sandra Rowe received a Bachelor of Arts from CSU Fresno in 1977 and a Master of Fine Arts from UC Irvine in 1980. She has exhibited in Japan, Paris, Cuba, and Nigeria, as well as in many museums across the United States. Rowe has also produced various public art installations in Southern California.
Rowe’s art focuses on the experimentation, questioning, and overall integrity of ideas. She goes beyond the usual standards of artmaking and breaks down boundaries to develop and display her ideas, such as those of race, gender, relationships, and human nature.
“Underlying all of Sandra Rowe’s pieces is her love of the wonderment, beauty, and richness of the earth and its people. She feels the potential, power, and grace in each individual. But, she seems to say, breath and life can be overwhelmed by the evils of racism and sexism. Bullying, nasty and wasteful, is deadening to the individual’s heart and the social psyche. So, although Sandra Rowe confronts social evils, deadening routines, and structures that surround us, she also returns to that lovely earthen carpet upon which all life walks and that transcendent light at the end of the struggle.”
—Margaret Lazzari, 1994
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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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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.
Curated by Ethel Gullette, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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Climbing PoeTree is the combined force of Alixa Garcia and Naima Penniman, who have sharpened their art as a tool to expose injustice, channel hope into vision, and make a better future visible, immediate, and irresistible.
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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Alliance Presents… Every first Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in Eliot Chapel. More information.
Beloved Community of Color: Every second Thursday evening and second Saturday morning of the month. Email for more info.
Caregivers Support Group: Open to Newcomers. Fourth Sunday of each month at 9 a.m. via Zoom.
First Connections: Third Sunday of each month at noon in Daisy Bingham. For questions and to RSVP, email Pat.
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: Meets monthly on the second Thursday from 1 - 3 p.m. Email Lucy for questions.
"T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: Meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room at noon.
Women's Circle II: Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Questions? Contact Anne.
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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 Tuesdays.
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If you've participated in any events at First Unitarian Portland and found them enjoyable, we invite you to contribute to support the ongoing efforts of our church. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! If you have a specific project or initiative in mind, please feel free to include a note with your donation.
Thank you!
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January Shared Plate
This church year, First Unitarian dedicates our shared plate to organizations that uplift human dignity and mutual care for our unhoused community members.
For January, we share our plate with Project Red. It is an initiative from the Alano Club of Portland dedicated to raising awareness around overdose prevention and increasing the availability of overdose prevention supplies and training. Project Red focuses on equipping bars, restaurants, strip clubs, entertainment venues, and community-based organizations with skills and supplies. We are grateful to Project Red for offering two training sessions here at First Unitarian this month.
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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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