Sunday Live Streaming ServiceSunday, September 6 at 10:15 a.m. PDT
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Through the GenerationsRev. Abigail Clauhs
This is a world we have never seen before. So much is so hard. And, generations before us also journeyed through unimaginably difficult times. What wisdom do these elders and ancestors--spiritual and biological--have for us, and in this moment? How does their wisdom call us to change?
Rev. Abigail Clauhs, is an affiliated community minister of First Unitarian Portland and works as a palliative care chaplain.
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Bill's BlogOur Path Forward
It is not news that much is changing...for us and for the world. We are living through such losses. At the same time, we are discovering resilience in ourselves and new possibilities for our path forward at First Unitarian.
Since we closed our campus, we have worked hard to sustain community. Committed congregants have called every individual and family in the church, not once, but on three separate occasions. We’ve hosted virtual social hours and “Coffee with the Ministers” and increased our online programming significantly...continued.
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Send Us Your Selfies!
Help us celebrate Homecoming Sunday in a virtual way!
We’ll gather via our usual live stream service at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, September 13, to signal the beginning of our new church year.
We can’t be here in person … but we can we can “attend” via selfies!
Please email us selfies of you and your family (we WON’T attach names to your pics), and enjoy the unfolding of this special cyber-service.
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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After Service Virtual Social Hours
Every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. PDT
Join fellow congregants for a virtual social hour each Sunday after the worship service.
There are two social hours from which to choose:
- one for the congregation at large and
- another specifically for families in our Learning Community
When you follow the link to your chosen social hour, you’ll be assigned to a “Zoom Room” with 6-8 fellow congregants. You’ll be invited to introduce yourselves and to share something that moved you in the worship service. And we hope that conversation will follow. Please be courteous and "share the floor." And if you're ready to make new friends, know that you can leave your meeting and sign back in to join a new group.
Use your QR code reader or Apple camera app to scan the QR Code on our Sunday slides OR click on the links below after the service OR type the tinyurl shown on Sunday's screen into your browser.
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Engage with First Unitarian's Social Justice Activism
Community. Connection. Covenant.
Sunday, September 6 at 11:45 a.m. PDT
Virtual Zoom Event
Interested in plugging into First Unitarian's vibrant Social Justice Community? Join our Social Justice Action groups in our all-church open table to learn ways you can connect through advocacy, learning and activism.
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Mindful Baking
Virtual Classes on Wednesdays
5-6 p.m. PDT
There is still time left to register. You may just watch or bake along with us!
Cultivating mindfulness has the potential for self-transformation and greater depth in our lives. Intern Minister, Stacey Mitchell, invites you to explore this practice through baking.
Details: September 9 we will be making gluten free chocolate cake.
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Courage for Today, Preparing for Tomorrow
Saturday, September 12, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
All are invited to join the Oregon Memorial Association for a virtual presentation with compassionate grief expert, Asher Wallis. No charge.
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Liberation and Belonging
A Call to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
Saturday, September 19 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. PDT
As we face a world on fire and the dehumanizing impact of racism, we need one another more than ever for our own healing and liberation. DRUMM (Diverse Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries) is hosting member-led BIPOC spaces with the intention of deepening our connections with one another, being present to one another’s stories and truth, and fostering systems of care.
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Welcome to First Unitarian with Rev. Thomas Disrud
Sunday, September 20, 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. PDT
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. If you are ready to become a member, please click here to complete our enrollment form.
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Taking a Collective Breath:
Deepening Our Alignment with the Movement for Black Lives
Free Webinar Series:
September 22, October 13
Starting at 4:00 p.m. PDT
The Unitarian Universalist Association and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee have collaborated to assist in deepening our collective activism and participation in the Movement for Black Lives.
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Police Violence Against the People of Portland
Wednesday, September 23 from 4-5 p.m. PDT
A Virtual Zoom Comprehensive Forum Event
Are you concerned about the protests? Do you want to learn more about policing in the streets? Are you seeking the truth?
Hear from targets of kinetic munitions, tear gas, long-range acoustic devices, bullrushes, beatings, threats and intimidation, as well as from legal, medical, psychological, and human rights experts describing the long-term health consequences and threats to our first amendment rights.
Hosted by: First Unitarian Portland, Portland United Against Hate, UNITE Oregon, and the Portland Metro People’s Coalition
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How Strong is Our Faith With and Without the 8th Principle?
Embracing the 8th Principle and Building a Culture of Inclusion
Saturday, September 26 from 2-6 p.m. PDT
A Free Virtual Zoom Workshop
Covenants can change a culture. They hold the potential to transform relationships, communities and institutions. The 8th Principle is our proposal to be in covenant with the Beloved Community.
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Spiritual Direction 101
Sunday, October 3, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
If you are interested in deepening your spiritual life, developing a spiritual practice, or broadening your sense of the sacred, please come join us for this virtual introductory class about engaging in Spiritual Direction.
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We’re taking you behind the scenes of Family Village like you’ve never seen it before!
Friday, October 9 / 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Virtual Fundraising Event
Free to join and learn!
Hear intimate stories from PHFS families and staff, learn the impact of their work, and help raise critical funds to support homeless families.
From Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO): Thank you for your support for this great social service agency, that UUs have supported for many years. See how they've grown!
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Join the Anti-Racist Book Club
Our first group filled up fast, and we’re starting a second. Dates and times will be announced soon.
Details: Reserve your space in the the next group by clicking here. Contact Gilda for more information.
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Join Women's Circle 3: Welcoming New Members!
First and Third Wednesdays of the month at 10 a.m. PDT
Zoom Meetings
Circle 3 has continued to meet during the summer - on zoom. We are welcoming new members at this time. We meet the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 10 a.m., starting after Labor Day. So our first meeting will be on September 16. Interested? Contact Dorothy.
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PDX BLM Events Calendar
Discover Black Lives Matter Events Happening in Portland
This vibrant events calendar is moderated by a small group of Portland-area BIPOC folks and white allies. They publish any and all local events that are related to the Black Lives Matter Movement where organizers are not explicitly working with the cops.
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Speaking of Justice Weekly Newsletter
In this period of physical distancing, the sacred work of justice continues.
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UU the VOTE
As a church, we are committed to ensuring every voice is heard in the upcoming November election. We are partnering with UU the Vote to have regular GOTV sessions. First Unitarian congregants will support one another in this work of phone banking and letter writing until the election. Click the button below for how you can get involved!
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Demand Justice for Jake: Justice Can't Wait!
Add your name now: Demand the officer who shot Jacob "Jake" Blake in broad daylight is held accountable for attempting to take Jake's life.
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Support Campaign Finance Reform with Honest Elections
Honest Elections, the advocacy group which brought measures to limit campaign contributions to voters of Portland and Multnomah County (where both measures were approved by voters by margins approaching 90%), worked with the 2019 legislature to craft a constitutional amendment to allow laws and voter initiatives that:
- allow limits on political campaign contributions and expenditure;
- require the disclosure of political contributions and spending;
- require that political ads disclose who paid for them.
This will be on the Nov ‘20 ballot. BM107 needs your support now! Check out the campaign website. Endorse it/donate to the campaign. Then in November, vote Yes on BM 107.
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In the Community
Community milestones, joys, & sorrows
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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.
Community Justice and Service
Unsure how you can learn, contribute and serve the broader community? Find our "Speaking of Justice: Weekly Update" through our Linktree.
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Not Vandalism!
If you happen to drive or walk by SW Salmon Street and 13th Avenue, you’ll see a large boarded-up window on our Buchan Building. The broken window occurred as a result of a traffic accident Wednesday afternoon – thankfully, no injuries to report. We’re grateful that both drivers stayed at the scene, cooperated with police, and carry auto insurance -- so we can pass on the expense of repair.
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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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Have a Submission for E-News?If you have a 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.
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| Join us LIVE from your computer or smartphone on Sundays at 10:15 a.m.
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Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes, stay for connection!
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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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Share photos of you or your family watching our Sunday livestream or volunteering in our community!
You might see yourself in our pre-service slideshow!
(Your photos gives us permission to publish and/or use images for publications.)
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Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
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