Sunday Live Streaming Service
Sunday, April 12: 10:15 a.m.
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Allow Yourself to Rise
Rev. Bill Sinkford
What reason is there to sing Halleluiah this year? What proof do we require to justify hope? The path to the mountaintop begins in the valley floor. The Easter call to rebirth is a call for change. Accepting that call is more than reason enough to sing Halleluiah. Those Halleluiahs can open the door to renewal.
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Bill's BlogA Different Easter and a Different Spring
Easter at First Unitarian is usually such a celebratory time. Big music. All the choirs. The Halleluiah hymns. Every seat filled. Some years, Standing Room Only.
Every year, I ponder the power that Easter has for liberal religious folks…for us…and for me. The rejection of the Christian miracles was a central part of the creation of our Unitarian faith. Yet, in a normal year, more folks gather in our sanctuary on Easter morning than any other morning in the year. More than any other time…except Christmas Eve, of course.
Every year, I conclude that there is simply a human need to celebrate the spring, the rebirth in the earth, and our own human yearning to begin again. To be “reborn”… one more time. A reading we sometimes use on Easter speaks of our need “to crack our own hard … December husks and push life out of inner tombs and outer pain.”...Continued
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Updates From First Unitarian Response to COVID-19
We are doing all we can to stay connected as a community and to provide resources both within the church and in the larger community. Here are a few important updates that affect our life together:
Staying Connected
Church communications: Are you signed up to receive messages from the church including this weekly enews and other messages to keep us connected? To receive church communication send message to etafuri@firstunitarianportland.org.
Sunday Worship
We will be offering virtual worship at 10:15 a.m. until further notice. More than 800 computers were signed on at 10:15 a.m. last Sunday. The language of Governor Brown's recent stay-at-home order allows us to continue broadcasting from the sanctuary, with no more than 10 participants and appropriate precautions.
Coffee Hour with the Ministers
For other ways to connect through classes and small groups, see offerings in this enews.
Community Justice and Service Action Items
Workplace Safety Policy
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Sunday Service Livestream
There are several ways to watch our on-line Sunday service. Interestingly enough, our church website is not the best way! Clicking on any of these links will get you there once the service starts:
· BoxCast (this link changes every week!)
SAVE THESE LINKS! If there is a delay getting into the church website when the service starts, you won't be able to access the links unless you've saved them. If you have a YouTube account, you may want to "Subscribe" to First Unitarian Portland's channel to receive livestream notices. If you have a Facebook account, you may want to "Like" us and follow us to receive our livestream notifications.
To avoid logjams while everyone is trying to open the service at the same time, it’s helpful if viewers slightly stagger the times they click through. For example, if you tend to arrive early for appointments, feel free to tune in starting at 10:05 a.m. when our pre-service pictures are displayed. Click on one of the links above, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and then sit down to watch the service at 10:15 a.m.
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Welcome to First Unitarian with Rev. Thomas Disrud
Sunday, April 19, 2–3:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual Class
Are you new to First Unitarian Church? We are so glad you are here. This 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.
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We Need Your Auction Donations
New Auction Dates: Aug. 16 and 23
Donation Deadline: May 1
It is our greatest hope that our community and country recover quickly and that we can see all your smiling faces again soon. In the meantime we are asking for your help. It is as important as ever that we build community and create connections through our August auction and we need your help to make this effort a success. Currently we are taking donations for future services and events that take place after September 1, 2020.
Offered something last year and don’t want to have to submit a donation form? Contact Evie or Sharon for assistance with this process.
*For sponsorship information please contact Ron Yoder
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Over Our Heads: Listening to and Reflecting on Our Worship Music
Friday, April 10, 2–4 p.m.
In this virtual class, we will use hymnal music as prompts to guide us into reflective writing. Participants can respond to the music we watch by writing prose, memoir, creative nonfiction, songs, lists, or poetry.
Facilitator: Jennifer Springsteen is a writer, editor, and writing teacher in Oregon. Her first novel—a finalist of the Tuscon Festival of Books Literary Award— is out on submission. She is currently a seminarian at Starr King School for the Ministry.
Details: No charge. This is a virtual class via Zoom (video or telephone participation). Spaces are limited.
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Nourishing the Spirit: Practice for the Long Haul
Saturday, April 11, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: Virtual Class
In community we reawaken the hope, imagination, and passion that sustains us as we work to build the world we see in our dreams. Join us for a rejuvenating virtual class with Rev. Katherine Jesch.
Details: This is a virtual class held via Zoom. Spaces are limited. For log-in information and to RSVP, email Katherine here.
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How to Participate in a First Unitarian Zoom Gathering for Beginners
Saturday, April 11, 2–3 p.m.
Are you intimidated by technology? You have probably heard that most of our church gatherings and classes are now being held virtually through Zoom. If you have felt nervous about joining due to technological barriers, this information session is for you. We’ll compassionately guide you through Zoom basics so you can participate in upcoming church events.
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Younger Adult EventsEaster Brunch
Sunday April 12, 1–3 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Your challenge (for those who choose to accept it) is to create an Easter Bonnet, put together some kind of festive head-wear from things you find around the house. Bright colors and symbolism highly encouraged. To receive log-in info, email.
Dinner
Tuesday April 14, 6–8 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Leadership Meeting
Sunday April 19 12–1:45 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Our leadership meetings are loosely structured and focused around planning out our next couple events, but mostly it’s an excuse to hang out and see each other. Newcomers are welcome! To receive log-in info, email.
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Uncovering our Resilience, Gratitude and Connections During COVID-19
Wednesday, April 22, 10 a.m.
Location: Virtual Class
Together, we will share our challenges and through storytelling, discover how we might create a path of healing for both ourselves and our loved ones.
Facilitator: Paul Iarrobino is the founder of Our Bold Voices. Paul helps individuals harness their inner strengths to remove barriers, improve key areas of their life, and rediscover their drive and purpose.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Please Note:
We are in the process of creating novel virtual classes. Virtual classes and events will be posted in this e-newsletter as they become available.
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Social Justice and Service
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April 2020 Social Justice Service, Action and Learning
Our Social Justice Action Groups have long-standing community partnerships. Through these partnerships they are learning about specific and urgent requests for material help, advocacy actions, as well as resources to deepen our understanding of how the Covid-19 crisis is affecting our communities. Please look below for how you can help, take action and learn.
Urgent Community Resource Needs:
From Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO)
Clay Street Table needs people to help bag non-perishable goods and to deliver them Volunteers bag goods at First Christian Church 1314 SW Park Ave., April 16, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Contact Lois here. Go to claystreettable.org to donate.
The Northeast Emergency Food Pantry (NE 72 & NE Wygant) needs people to transfer food boxes into cars from 12:15–3:30pm on Tues, Thurs and Sats. Dress for the weather and wear a mask and gloves. Call John Elizalde for information: 503.740.9810.
Portland Homeless Family Solutions needs financial contributions and donations of non-perishable food items, disposable masks, gloves, disinfectant spray and wipes, toilet paper, paper towels and single use thermometers. Contact us here.
Street Roots is raising funds to support vendors since they have temporarily halted the print edition of their newspaper. This fund will support every vendor with direct financial assistance and provide stipends for their Coronavirus Prevention and Action Team and for new vendor mentorship and leadership roles.
Lunch Bunch in Southeast picks up the 20 sack lunches you prepare at home. A neighbor from BeaconPDX picks them up and delivers them. Instructions for what and how to pack the lunches at this link. Direct questions to John.
From Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) Please donate to organizations that serve immigrants and farm workers:
Bienestar COVID-19 emergency relief fund for families
Western Farm Workers Association: checks to WFWA. Indicate emergency relief fund for members in the memo line and mail to 725 SE 7th, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Contribute to VOZ day laborers fund. VOZ is also accepting donations of needed supplies - support our temporary workers
PCUN COVID-19 emergency fund - (Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste / Northwest Tree Planters and Farmworkers Union)
From Animal Ministry (UUAM)
Portland Animal Welfare Team provides free veterinary care for people experiencing poverty or houselessness. You can contribute to PawTeam.org but please hold any food or supplies for them until after the Covid19 crisis is passed.
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Fight for Climate Justice Virtually
Community for Earth (CFE) is continuing the fight for climate justice virtually. The Covid 19 crisis underscores how interconnected we are as a planet, and how essential it is to be proactive in creating a network of care to sustain life and well-being.
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The Intersectionality Issue of Speaking of Justice: Faith in Action E-Magazine
Our ninth issue was released Feb. 28
We are so glad you are joining us as together we explore intersectional organizing. What does it mean to strive for justice where we see and value the unique, lived experiences of those at the front lines of oppression, while also recognizing that our liberation is bound up in each other? We hope you will take time to read, reflect, and be changed by the many offerings in this e-magazine. Thank you for joining us here. Never miss an issue IG @speakingofjustice | More Info & Past Issues
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Please Note:
Learning Community classes have been cancelled while Oregon's "Stay Home-Save Lives" Executive Order is in place.
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All Ages Service Project - Get involved at home!
In March, we had planned to gather in the Learning Community to learn about and take part in The Butterfly Effect: Migration is Beautiful project. While we can no longer meet in body to share this experience together, here is a video which will include opportunities to engage with this important effort at home. When we are all together again, we’ll all be able to combine what we’ve created.
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Learning Community Zoom Sessions Begin!
We’re excited to announce opportunities for our children and youth to connect using Zoom. Sessions will be hosted periodically with our volunteer teachers for each grade level and will offer everyone an opportunity to stay connected and share with one another. Children 1st/2nd and younger should attend with a parent/caretaker. If you don't have a Zoom account, we recommend you set up a free account ahead of time. If you need help, please reach out to Aaron Peet here. We’ll be sending the details to each grade level, so keep an eye on your email for upcoming sessions.
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Don’t have a Chalice at Home?
Maybe you do! Here’s a creative opportunity with the kids—make a chalice from materials you may have lying around. Lighting a chalice together when watching worship, at the dinner table, or even as part of your bed time ritual can be meaningful and help keep your family grounded during these times. So without further ado, check out this video from Aaron!
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Please Send your Photos
We would love to share your photos in our pre-service opening slides to help our congregation stay connected while in-person events are canceled. Send us photos of what your family is doing together while you’re spending more time (or all your time) at home. Please send here.
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Summer Chalice Camp Registration Is NOW OPEN!
The priority registration window for First Unitarian and regional UU congregation affiliated participants ends March 31.
Remaining slots will be offered to the larger community.
After a successful first year, we are thrilled to announce the return of Chalice (Day) Camp this summer!
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Trans Inclusion in Congregations
Location: Virtual Class
"Welcoming is a spiritual practice." - Transforming Hearts Collective
First Unitarian is offering this virtual class free of charge. You may complete this course on your own time. This educational opportunity is for everyone from novices on trans identity to those with decades of life experience. Rather than simply offering a “trans 101,” this class pushes participants to the next level of congregational welcome, relationship-building, and skills-building. It counters mainstream narratives about who trans people are; supports understanding of non-binary identities (such as genderqueer, agender, and two spirit); and employs a deeply intersectional approach.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
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March 2020 Board of Trustees Moderator Letter
Greetings,
We are excited and pleased to have our Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) in place. They were presented to the congregation last Sunday and their names published in last week’s eNews. I want to acknowledge the work of the Nominating Committee in helping the board sort through all the many qualified applicants. The MSC is embarking on a year-long process to bring us a candidate for a congregational vote in the spring of 2021. Please support and contribute to their efforts. At this point, the MSC will drive the effort to bring a new senior minister to First Unitarian...Continued
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Ministerial Search Committee
Greetings from your Ministerial Search Committee! We will be hosting a forthcoming Zoom gathering – details announced next week – after the April 19 service to answer questions from the congregation. To help facilitate the gathering, you are invited to submit questions at msc@firstunitarianportland.org.
Please submit questions no later than Friday, April 17.
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Sunday, April 5 Attendance:
Livestream: 853
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Add to Our Media Collection
Taken any nice photos of First Unitarian Portland or its events? Send them our way to help build our media collection! Sending us your photos gives us permission to publish and/or use images for publications, website content, and social media. If you'd like to limit your permission, just let us know. Please email your photos to us here.
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Why Pronouns Matter
At church and elsewhere, it’s becoming more common for people to introduce themselves with the pronouns they use, and to ask, “What pronouns do you use?” Though this may be an unfamiliar question for you, becoming comfortable with it is a way to live our UU principles.
Here’s why:
Gender is a primary way our creative identities interact with the world. Many people feel comfortable with the gender assigned to them at birth based on their genitals, assigned male or female, and are called cisgender. (Cis means “on the same side of,” so for these people, gender and sex-at-birth align.) For many others, their assigned gender is not a true or comfortable identity. Read more here.
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Ongoing Groups
Please Note: Most of these groups are cancelled until further notice, although some may be meeting virtually. For information on a specific group please contact the leader.
The following church groups meet on a regular schedule during our program year (approximately September through May or June). Many groups meet on an irregular basis or take the summer months off, so if you are unsure about a particular group's schedule, please contact the individual listed.
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| Africa Connections
This church social justice group supports advocacy and outreach work in communities in Kenya and Zimbabwe that have been deeply impacted by HIV AIDS. We do this through support of the IMANI Project, Zimbabwe Artists Project, and Quilts for Empowerment. Questions? Email Annie Bennett.
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Aging Together Learning Group
We use books, movies, poems, and various art forms to catalyze group dialogue about our personal experience of aging. Meetings are held monthly on the first Monday from 1–3 p.m. For more information or to register, please contact Lucy Garrick.
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The Alliance
The Alliance meets September through May, usually on the first Wednesday of the month, for a luncheon, business meeting, and program. Visit the Alliance web page. Questions? Email Alliance.
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BIPOC (Black, Indigenious, Persons of Color) Social Caucus
Congregants who identify as Black, Indigenious, Persons of Color or Bi-Multiracial gather for monthly gatherings. Email Lia Nagase for more information.
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Caregiver Support Group
We usually meet on the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May.
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| Children's Mosaic Restoration Group
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Committee on Hunger & Homelessness (COHHO)
We meet monthly September through May on the fourth Sunday from 12:30–2 p.m. in the Fireside room in A303. Visit our table in Margaret Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays.
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Contemplative Practice
We meet the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, 6:30–8 p.m. We begin by meditating for 20 minutes, in any style you are comfortable with. Then we discuss a spiritual check-in topic. We finish by sharing a poem related to the topic. We read it aloud twice with a pause in between, giving people time to reflect on a word or phrase that struck them. Afterward we discuss our reaction to it. We usually meet in the Channing Room, but check the schedule in the Buchan building to be sure. All are welcome.
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| Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG)
The Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG) educates and advocates on issues of economic justice. Watch for our speaker, book, and movie events. Stop by our table for the latest information on fair trade, health care, democracy, and inequality and its dimensions. We meet the third Sunday of every month, September to June, at 9 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Questions? Michael Wade || Website
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Ending Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial Justice (EMI/ARJ)We provide special events and sponsor community events at the church. These are announced in our e-newsletter, which includes other upcoming community events and reading/viewing recommendations. For more information, to sign up for the newsletter, or for answers to questions, contact Kathryn Scotten. || Website
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Good Times Committee
Join with fellow congregants for social gatherings, from happy hour to hikes, from dinners to plays. Learn more and sign up with Good Times during social hour on Sundays. Questions? Laura Gadley, 847-525-8700.
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Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG)
The Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) meets on the fourth Sunday of the months of September–May, from 1–2:30 p.m. in room A108.
Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. Our meetings include time for reflection, sharing, and information about the many dimensions of the immigration challenge. We also share opportunities for engagement and collaboration with our partners in the community and develop strategies and arrangements for our participation.
Through the IJAG Google group, we disseminate recommended actions. Join us for the important work of immigrant justice!
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LGBTQIA+ Pride
Find out the latest social events by picking up a flyer at our Pride Table in Margaret Fuller Hall for our monthly movie game night, monthly PDX roller skating, potlucks, and any projects being planned. Visit our Facebook page for all of our events and the LGBTQIA+ events we are supporting in the Portland area.
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Meditation Group
Group meets in the Eliot Chapel, 7–8:30 p.m on Wednesdays. Silent meditation for 30 minutes, followed by reading and discussing a book by a Buddhist author. Questions? Contact Robert Schroeder or Mary Ann Harman.
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Mental Health Action Group (MHAG)
MHAG exists to educate the congregation about mental health issues and to support those in the congregation living with mental illness or whose relatives live with mental illness. We meet every fourth Sunday at 1 p.m. in the B310.
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Quilts of Love Group
Third Thursday meeting is 10–11:30 a.m., B310. Sew-in is on the first Thursday at Modern Domestic, 1408 NE Alberta St., from 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. This group creates quilts for families served by Portland Homeless Family Solutions as they transition from the shelter to a permanent home. Questions? Contact Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
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| Peace Action Group (PAG) Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Contact Tess Beistel || Website
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| Sunday Morning T'ai Chi Chih
Sunday morning T'ai Chi Chih, 8:30–9 a.m.; check the sign board in the Buchan building for meeting locations. Questions? Email Adult Programs.
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| UU Animal Ministry (UUAM)
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| UU Men's Community
Third Saturday, 9 a.m., Channing Room. This is an open group where men of all ages can share life experiences, learn from each other, develop friendships, support one another, and have fun. Questions? Richard Turner, 503-734-5854; more info here.
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| UU Movie Group
Meets on the fourth Sunday of the month over a potluck meal at members’ homes. For more information, contact Nancy Panitch, 503-318-0776, or Ellie Kirkham, 971-544-7003. More info at the Good Times table in Margaret Fuller Hall.
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| UU Poetry Group
Twice monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Rodger Blackburn, 503-519-3494.
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UU Yarn Crafters
Second and fourth Thursdays each month, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
The Yarn Crafters are wanting to expand to include crocheters. Yarn provided. All levels welcome.
Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.
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| UUA Outreach Group
Monthly on the last Wednesday at 7 p.m., usually in B310, but check the sign board when entering.
If your interest lies in the larger picture of UU ministry, join us! Questions? Bill Pryor, 503-894-9945. We'd love to hear from you.
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Women’s Circles
I: First and third Mondays at 7 p.m. Questions? Tess Beistel, 503-257-2042.
II: Second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. Now welcoming new members. Questions? Kim, 503-869-1486.
III: First and third Wednesdays at 10–11:30 a.m. Now welcoming new members. Questions? Dorothy, 503-292-1337.
IV: Twice a month on Wednesday evenings. We are looking for participants of all ages for supportive sharing and discussion about such topics as parenting and spirituality. Questions? Amy, 503-241-5451.
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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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Update Your Records with Us
Have you moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail address?
Anything else you'd like to let First Unitarian know?
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Do You Have an Item for E-news and/or the Sunday Bulletin?
If you have an item you’d like published in our weekly Front Steps (eNews) or the Sunday Bulletin, please submit it here and include in the subject line “For eNews” –or– “For Sunday Bulletin” –or– “For eNews and Sunday Bulletin.”
Deadline for submissions is noon on Wednesday.
Because space is limited in our Sunday Bulletin, we’re unable to run articles for more than a week or two in advance, depending on the number of submissions. Articles may need to be shortened if space is tight.
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| Sunday Livestream
Join us LIVE from your computer or smartphone on Sunday at 10:15 a.m.
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April Shared Plate
Farmworkers are now, and have always been, the foundation of our food systems. In this health crisis, the conditions under which they, and other essential service providers, work and live put them at high risk. Many farmworkers may also be undocumented which places them at even more risk since they are being excluded from public systems of emergency support.
For the month of April, we share our plate with the Emergency Relief Fund of our community partner, Bienestar that provides quality low-income rental housing and programs for farmworkers and their families. Approximately 1000 adults and 1000 children are currently served by Bienestar. Most of these families are undocumented and therefore ineligible for unemployment and other benefits. It is with gratitude to our siblings in the Bienestar community and with our prayers for their good health and wellbeing that we share our offering.
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