Please Join Our Live Stream
Sunday, October 11Worship Service at 10:15 a.m. PDT
Family Worship Service at 9:15 a.m. PDT
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Residing in the Spirit of Home
Stacey Mitchell, Intern Minister
Whether a physical location or otherwise, the homes we create can be reference points for nurture and grounding. Are there limits in the idea of extending our spirit of home outward -- the neighborhood, the city, the country, the world?
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Bill's BlogMore Than You May Want to Know
Pledges and gifts to the Our Path Forward campaign continued to come in after Celebration Sunday. But only a few now and it is time to report on how we did and how we will move forward...continued.
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We need to raise an additional $100,000 to fund our church
for the next year.
Help us by pledging a gift now!
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First Unitarian Social Justice
Voter Guide is Here!
Please note: The deadline to register to vote in Oregon is Tuesday, October 13.
Social Justice Action Groups recommendations for state and local ballot measures. Read those recommendations and get important information about registering, ballots and voter pamphlets by clicking the button below.
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UU the VOTE
- Phone banking is where the frontline communities tell us we are most needed!
- Tuesdays 3 PM PDT - Florida
- Wednesdays 4 PM PDT - Wisconsin
- 10 AM Pacific Time every Wednesday
Please contact Nancy if you’d like to join other First Unitarian Congregants for Get Out the Vote (GOTV) sessions.
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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Weekly Prayer Vigils
Fridays, Starting October 9
5:00 - 5:40 p.m. PDT
Lay ministers will offer virtual readings, guided meditation, and quiet music in a contemplative program at week’s end.
Congregants and visitors are invited to send in prayers. We look forward to sharing this time of quiet reflection with you when we are all holding so much in our hearts.
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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
LAST CHANCE!
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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March for Justice System Reform & Equity in Education
Saturday, October 10, at Columbia Park to McCoy Park
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Masks & Social Distancing Required
As Portland's movement for Black Lives continues with community events and protests, congregants are looking for ways to participate. Two First Unitarian Church action groups, Advancing Racial Justice Action Group and Immigrant Justice Action Group, join to share information about upcoming opportunities to be involved.
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Attend Oregon UU Voices for Justice Annual Meeting
"Bridging the Economic Divide" All Are Welcome!
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Local Stories and Music for National Coming Out Day!
Saturday, October 10, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Sunday, October 11, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Celebrate National Coming Out Day with Our Bold Voices! Local storytellers and musicians will share their experiences and participate in a live Q&A with the audience.
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Interfaith Conversations Before the Election
Mondays, Next Discussion October 12, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. PDT
Join Intern Minister Stacey Mitchell and notable female social justice leaders representing Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Islamic, and Unitarian Universalism traditions for weekly reflections on our current times and anxieties as we lead up to election day.
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Taking a Collective Breath:
Deepening Our Alignment with the Movement for Black Lives
Tuesday, October 13 | Free Webinar
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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Younger Adult Newcomer Welcoming
With Rev. Abigail Clauhs
Sunday, November 1
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. PDT
Younger adults who are new to the church are invited to join Rev. Abigail Clauhs, one of our affiliated community ministers, in a time to virtually gather, get to know each other, and share in some spiritual grounding.
**There are no age restrictions. We are less interested in how many years you’ve been on earth and more interested your experiences here. So, if you identify as being on the younger end of adults in THIS congregation this community is for you!
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Don’t Forget to Register for the 2020-2021 School Year
Families, Parents & Grandparents
Even though we won’t be meeting in person, it’s still important to register your child/youth so that we can keep you on our email and physical mailer list and be sure you don’t miss anything. We will keep your family on our email list through the end of September to give you time to register before updating our list for this church year. Thank you for registering!
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Videos for Voters Organized to Influence Critical Elections
Gain dialogue skills for intentional political conversations with people within your personal circle of connection such as family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and fellow congregants.
These are two videos in the track for Mobilizing Non-Voters:
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These are two videos for Dialogue Strategies Across Ideologies:
Developers: First Unitarian Portland and All Souls Church in Washington, DC, partnered with Dr. David Campt of the Dialogue Company.
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In the Community
Community milestones, joys, & sorrows
Member Judy Welles died on September 28 with her family at her side. Judy had been living with cancer for a couple years and had entered hospice care just a few days before she died. Judy was a UU minister who retired here to Portland with her husband Duane Fickeisen, also a minister. Judy and Duane served as summer ministers here about 10 years ago. A memorial will be held for Judy this Saturday, October 10, at 2 p.m. Just her immediate family will gather in person and the service will be live streamed for their extended family and friends. Here is a link for Judy’s service. Judy was one of the people featured in a New York Times piece about people nearing the end of their lives and the importance of voting.
We hold Duane, Judy’s daughters and their extended family at this time.
Maxine Wojnarowski, mother of long-time member Jerry Brickey, died on August 31 due to stage IV cancer. She was 86 years old. Jerry and his sister traveled to Zion, IL to be with their brother for their mother's final days. Maxine will be missed by her family; and although homebound, Maxine was a feisty Democrat whose scorching posts will also be missed by her many Facebook friends. May she rest in peace.
Grace Choir member and regular attender and contributor Lexie Frensley announces the birth of her son, Ari Alexander Gersten, born on September 26, weighing 7 lbs 9 oz and 20.5 in long. Blessings, Lexie and Ari.
Members Sarah Hardin and Maggie Starr are thrilled to announce the birth of their daughter, Toby Hardin Starr, born on September 30. The family is spending some days recovering but all in all everyone is happy and healthy.
Pam Fox and Brendon Fox welcomed the birth of Adrienne Allen Fox. Adrienne was born September 28 at the Legacy Good Sam hospital. Everyone is healthy and back at home together, and Jude is excited to be a big brother.
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Message from our Board Moderator
Our community has held up remarkably well through this time of physical separation. “Attendance” at our virtual church services over the summer was far higher than our typical in-person attendance has been in years past. Many groups are meeting through Zoom and in socially distanced gatherings...continued.
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Evaluation of the Ministry
The bylaws of First Unitarian Church, Article III, Section 5, require the Board, the Senior Minister, and the Executive Team to annually conduct a joint evaluation of the ministry of the church in reference to the church’s mission and the policies enacted by the Board. This year’s report revolves around the three core elements of the mission statement of the church—creating community, spiritual deepening, and bringing our values to the larger community.
The final report for the 2019-2020 church year can be viewed here.
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Footprints: Immigration/Migration Memory, Reality, ResponsibilitySeptember 12 - October 27, 2021
This art exhibition is scheduled in seven art galleries at seven churches in Portland, Oregon, including First Unitarian Church. Each gallery has curated in a unique way, a show which addresses historical and ongoing movements of people. A preview of this visual journey may be seen in a short video here.
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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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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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| Sunday Live Stream & Social ScheduleJoin us LIVE from your computer or smart device by clicking on the links below.
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October Shared PlateThe Western States Center strengthen community organizing with a particular emphasis on gender justice, racial justice, and tribal sovereignty. They also support communities and civil society to effectively respond to social movements that exploit bigotry and intolerance, such as the white nationalist movement.
First Unitarian recently joined Western States Center as a plaintiff in the 10th Amendment lawsuit against federal law enforcement agencies who sent agents to suppress protests against police violence in Portland.
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Speaking of Justice: Weekly Update 10/8In this period of physical distancing, the sacred work of justice continues. Engage with what our Social Justice Action Groups are diving into.
What you can find inside!
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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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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!
(By submitting your photos, you are giving us permission to publish and/or use images for First U publications.)
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Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
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