Join us for Sunday WorshipSunday, May 15, 2022
| |
Family Service 10 a.m. // In-Person & Livestreamed
Sanctuary Service 11 a.m. // In-Person & Livestreamed
Learning Community Classes // In-Person K-12
Note: Please join us at Rev. Alison's Q&A after the service. There will be no Virtual Social Hour this week.
| |
Called to Co-Create
In-Person & Livestream
| |
Our communities were already in need of healing even before the pandemic arrived. May the challenges we have experienced re-awaken us to the call to be courageous, creative, and compassionate builders of the beloved community.
| |
Family Worship
Learning to Fly
| |
Our families have learned a lot about navigating change and challenge. We will explore sources of inspiration and imagination we can turn to in order to move forward with hope and strength through difficult times.
Rev. Alison Miller, Senior Minister Candidate will share a story and reflection. Dustin will lead our music, and Cassandra will offer a meditation.
| |
Rev. Alison Miller, candidate for new Senior Minister, will be in our pulpit at First Unitarian in person and virtually for all to hear, on Sundays May 15 and 22 at 11 a.m.
Please vote and return your ballot to the Church by 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 22. The result will be announced after the count that day.
| |
LAST GATHERING! - COHHO: Discussing Perfectionism Sunday, May 15, 1 p.m.
| |
You're invited to attend COHHO's last meeting for this church year. We will hear updates on the "Seeing White" Discussion Group, the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty, the Queer Affinity Safe Rest Village (2300 Naito), and the Leaven Land and Housing Cooperative.
We will also participate in a group discussion on Perfectionism (one of the 15 characteristics of white supremacy culture as described by Tema Okun).
| |
| Gmail Users: You may have to scroll down to the bottom of this message and click on "View Entire Message" to see the complete Front Steps.
| |
TAKE ACTION! - Bans Off Our Bodies Protest
This Saturday, May 14, 2-5 p.m.
Downtown Portland
| |
Join a contingent of First Unitarian congregants who are heading down to the Bans Off Our Bodies Protest in downtown Portland.
- When: 1:30 p.m. (protest starts at 2pm a few blocks away. We'll head down together at 1:45)
- Where: Oregon Historical Society, 1200 SW Park Ave
- Wear: You are invited to wear any UU paraphernalia you have and carry a sign.
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon and other local community partners in solidarity with reproductive rights activists throughout the US to respond to the Supreme Court's intentions to overturn Roe v. Wade. In this moment of crisis, it is necessary to act, to not only demonstrate that people support abortion access but to show that we won't back down. Please read this info sheet on Preparing for the Bans Off Our Bodies Protest.
| |
NEW! - Rev. Alison Miller: Beloved Community of Color Meet & Greet
Monday, May 16, 7 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall or Zoom
From the Beloved Community of Color
| |
People of color in our community! Please join the Beloved Community of Color for a meet-and-greet with our new Senior Minister Candidate, Rev. Alison Miller.
All people of color are welcome, even if you haven't attended any other BCC events. We look forward to seeing you!
Details: You must be vaccinated and boosted (proof provided) and masked if you plan to attend in person.
| |
RALLY & MARCH! - Portland Youth Climate Strike
Friday, May 20 at 10:45 a.m.
Flow: Eliot Chapel > Portland City Hall > Revolution Hall
| |
Join fellow congregants and the CFE team to join the Portland Youth Climate Strike! Gather on the steps of Eliot Chapel at 10:45am to head to Portland City Hall to demand a green future for ourselves and future generations. We will hear the demands of the Youth Climate Leaders at City Hall, march together and end up at Revolution Hall where there will be a festival with arts, information, and community building. All are welcome and encouraged to march in solidarity!
- Meet up: Eliot Chapel Steps, SW 12th Ave & SW Salmon St.
- Wear: Wear yellow Side with Love t-shirts if you like or come as you are! Masks are encouraged, but not required.
| |
Reproductive Dignity Action Meeting (Virtual)
Monday, May 23, 6:30-8:30pm
| |
The leak from SCOTUS about the near certain reversal of Roe vs. Wade and all of the implications for the most personal choices we make about our lives, has many of us fired up.
If you are interested in joining others at First Unitarian in taking faithful and collective action for Reproductive Dignity please join us for this organizing meeting.
Some of those in attendance will have just finished a curriculum offered by SACReD, the Spiritual Alliance of Communities for Reproductive Dignity, which is building a multi-racial, multi-faith, movement of congregations across the country that publicly proclaim their support for reproductive dignity. Some also attended an initial meeting we had in February to tee up our organizing efforts. Whether or not you were able to attend either of those earlier efforts, and you are ready to take action for reproductive dignity, please join us to get organized!
| |
LAST CHANCE! - General Assembly Delegates Sought
The UUA General Assembly is in Portland, June 22-26
Application Deadline: Tuesday, May 17
| |
The church is seeking 19 delegates to represent First Unitarian Portland at this year's General Assembly. Participation is possible both in-person and virtually.
This is a great opportunity to become engaged in the larger work of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. And, it is not all work; there will be the Ware Lecture, on-line worship, speakers, and workshops. As GA draws nearer much more information will become available here.
There are limited funds available to support delegate registration. Please inquire if you would like financial assistance.
Interested? Questions? Contact Bill for an application.
| |
| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
| |
Men's Retreat Summer 2022
Friday, June 10, through Sunday, June 12
Join us for the annual retreat of the First Unitarian Men's Community. It will be a weekend of fellowship, spiritual growth, and community. You do not need to be a member of the group to participate. All Men and Non-Binary individuals are welcome.
| |
|
Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
| |
REMINDER! - Vesper Prayer Service
Fridays 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.
| |
REMINDER! - Loving Kindness Mediation
Mondays at 8 p.m.
| |
Join us for a moment each week to extend Loving Kindness to yourself, to those around you and to the world. Surround yourself in the blessings from those who have loved you and those who love you now. With this Meditation, over time, one can cultivate feelings of happiness and dispel loneliness, while letting go of fear and anxiety. No previous meditation experience necessary. An ongoing commitment is not required.
| |
Rev. Alison Miller: Learning Community Meet & Greet
Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m. (Zoom or In-Person)
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
| |
Members of our Learning Community, including families, prospective families, and volunteers are invited to join us in the Buchan Reception Hall and courtyard or Zoom for an opportunity to meet senior minister candidate, Rev. Alison Miller.
The theme for Candidating Week is shared ministry. What does shared ministry mean to you? Please bring proof of vaccination (including booster) for all those eligible and wear masks for those age two and older. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Saranna (MSC Candidating Week lead).
| |
JOB OPPORTUNITY! - Childcare Staff Position
| |
Our Learning Community is seeking an experienced childcare provider for a paid position on Sunday mornings in our nursery with children ages 0-2. We require at least six months of childcare experience, including with infants.
Our nursery is a gentle and loving space where we support infants and toddlers in free play and building trust during time apart from their primary caregivers attending the sanctuary worship service. Hours are 10:30am-12:30pm with a co-provider every Sunday with provisions for occasional Sundays off.
| |
SPIRITUAL CONNECTION - Art for Social JusticeThe Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and building the Beloved Community.
Curated by Ethel Gullette, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
| |
"Is It For Freedom?" by Sara Thomsen
Singer-songwriter Sara Thomsen hails from northern Minnesota. Increasing wonder and awareness, deepening spiritual connection, and widening social engagement through song is at the heart of her work.
| |
Come down to Fuller Hall to enjoy Judy Buffo’s fused glass exhibit in May. She balances art and technology, drawing inspiration from everything from cathedral tiles to Navajo weavings. You’ve never seen geometry and algebra look so good!
| |
Do you have a reason to celebrate? Say it with flowers!
| |
Do you have a birth in the family, a graduation, an anniversary, a memorial, or other reason to celebrate? You can acknowledge it to the entire congregation by sponsoring a floral bouquet. As we reconnect with friends, say it with flowers on the Chancel.
| |
Having trouble viewing our services through the website?
Find our Livestreams on Boxcast, Youtube or on Facebook.
| |
We are all so excited to meet our candidate for Senior Minister, Rev. Alison Miller. She will be joining us for Candidating Week May 15-22. More details about her visit will be forthcoming from the Ministerial Search Committee (MSC)...continued.
| |
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.
| |
|
| Sunday Livestream
& Social Schedule
*Note: Please join us at Rev. Alison's Q&A. There will be no Virtual Social Hour this week.
In-Person Social Hour – in Fuller Hall after the service
| |
May Shared Plate
East County Rising Community Projects develops and harnesses the community’s power through civic engagement, organizing, and leadership training to create an equitable and livable community centered on the needs of the most underrepresented and marginalized residents. It has been the hub for successful coalition work to preserve and expand the tree canopy and green spaces for climate resilience and human health. Their work to build grassroots leadership utilizes an intersectional framework of race, gender, disability, sexuality, immigration status, age, and class, to advance policies that are good for the wellbeing of all community members.
| |
Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and stay engaged!
| |
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.
| |
Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
| |
|
