Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Learning Community Classes 10:30 a.m.
Childcare is available during our worship service for children six months to 3 years old (in the nursery.)
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service
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Lent reminds us we cannot rush past the season of dormancy and the cycle of death. There are fruits that come from experiences of emptiness, barren landscapes of the spirit, and despair. We may even discover that it is in moving through the desert that our thirst for the holy is quenched.
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Take a Campus Tour!
This Sunday, February 25 at Noon ‘til 12:45 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
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Ever try to find a meeting on the church campus and you don’t know where the room is located? Ever wonder where the breezeway is? Wonder why there are seven stops on the elevator of a three-story building?
Then join our tour! You'll also learn about some of the beautiful art pieces we find along the way!
Need help getting to the Eliot Chapel? Look for guides in the narthex (lobby of the main sanctuary) and in Fuller Hall (where we serve coffee) to lead you to Eliot Chapel.
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COP28: End of the Beginning or Beginning of the End?
This Sunday, February 25, Food and tabling after the service || Talk begins at 12:30 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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| Cutting through the media hype, what did the COP28 Global Climate Summit actually accomplish? What work remains? What can people of faith do to accelerate climate action and justice?
Community for Earth is excited to welcome Michael Jung, founding executive director of the ICF Climate Center and Portland resident. He attended COP28 and will share his observations. Nora Apter from the Oregon Environmental Council will engage him in lively conversation. Come to participate in an insightful discussion and explore challenging questions, including your own, about climate challenges and opportunities.
Light lunch – cash donations appreciated. Childcare provided.
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GET TICKETS NOW! — Steve Phillips: Securing a Multiracial Democracy
Explore the vital mission of securing a multiracial democracy and ending white supremacy for good.
THIS COMING TUESDAY, February 27
Doors 6 p.m. || Event 6:30 p.m. || Reception 8 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland, Sanctuary (1211 SW Main St.)
From The Sewell Social Justice Lecture
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Following his talk, Steve will be joined by Oregon organizers Reyna Lopez of PCUN and Elona J. Wilson of Next Up to explore how liberation is being won in Oregon. Meet the speakers and join us for the reception after the event!
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Online tickets $15 || At the door $20 || Youth and Children enter for free (19 and under)
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Matins for Lent
March 4, 11, 18 and 25, from 8:30 - 9 a.m. via Zoom
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| You are invited to embark on an inward journey this Lenten season from a unique Unitarian Universalist perspective. We will celebrate the season of Lent from a UU perspective in four quiet Zoom services: music, poetry, prayer, meditation, and reflection.
If you would like a reminder and link each week, email Karen.
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SAVE THE DATE! – First Unitarian ALL-CHURCH Democracy Fair Engaging our UU Values to Deepen Democracy
Sunday, March 17, from Noon 'til 3 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland, Buchan Reception Hall (1226 SW Salmon St.)
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| An important part of living our UU values is learning to share our beliefs and convictions and make them public. Deepen our connections to one another and learn essential skills to strengthen our democracy at this critical time. We’ll have skills workshops on Witness, Advocacy, & Community Organizing and an education session on American Militarism.
As Unitarian Universalists, we believe that “Love is what calls us to the sacred work of seeking justice.” Let us learn and act together.
Need childcare? Please check in at the Info Desk by Noon.
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NEW! – Join Our Team as a Wednesday Volunteer!
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| We're seeking a friendly individual with basic computer skills for our Wednesday volunteer slot from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Duties include typing, answering phones, and greeting congregants and other visitors who come to the office. Feel free to use our computer and desk for your own projects.
Join our welcoming team!
Interested? Email John or call our office (503) 228-6389.
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Upcoming Classes, Events & Gatherings
Enjoyed coming to gatherings at First Unitarian Portland? Consider contributing to sustaining our community. Your support goes a long way in fostering meaningful connections. Thank you!
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ALLIANCE PRESENTS...Gleaning for Good
Wednesday, March 6, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon
Location: Eliot Chapel and via Livestream
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Join Robin Lindsley and become a Gleaning Team Leader! Drawing from her Forest Grove experience, Robin will guide you on organizing a local volunteer group to collect surplus food for distribution to food pantries. Your efforts will provide fresh, nutritious vegetables and baked goods sourced from collection points throughout your neighborhood to hundreds of chronically hungry individuals.
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NEW — Understanding the Climate Crisis through En-ROADS: Helping Us Connect What We Care About to Ensure a Resilient Future
Tuesday, March 12, at 7 p.m. via Zoom
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Please join William Heerdt, En-ROADS Climate Ambassador and Community for Earth (CFE) to learn more about climate solutions by attending an online En-ROADS climate interactive solutions simulator presentation. The En-ROADS solution simulator allows users to quickly see the long-term effects of global climate policies and actions, such as electrifying transport, pricing carbon, and improving agricultural practices, on factors like energy prices, temperature, air quality, and sea level rise.
The goal is to break through the noise and equip us with the knowledge to implement equitable climate solutions. The presentation will educate us about options to reduce climate change and CFE’s local actions.
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NEW — Early Registration for the 2024 UUA General Assembly
Friday, March 15
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Register by March 15 for $280 to attend an all-online meeting and workshops scheduled for June 20-23, 2024.
Delegates approved by First Unitarian may register for business-only sessions. To request a Delegate application, please email the First Unitarian Board at board@firstunitarianportland.org.
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Learning Community E-News
K-1 Cardboard Community Open House!
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation & Family Ministries
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Here is a gentle note that RE classes run until noon. Your RE staff (ahem, that’s me, and this is a reminder to myself) will keep the door to the RE stairs closed until noon to help teachers and students focus during their classroom time. Thank you for waiting in the Buchan Atrium until noon. (Exceptions always apply if your family ever needs to leave a little early.)
After the service, visit the K-1st grade class to check out the cardboard community they created by constructing houses...continue reading.
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NEW! — Nut Butter Drive Success and Appreciation
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Many thanks to all who donated to our recent Nut Butter Drive. We collected 120 jars of high-protein nut butter for LiftUp's neighborhood food program. And we thank COHHO member Lily for her outstanding coordinating and organizing work. Great job, Lily!
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NEW! — Participatory Budgeting! What is that?
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Explore Participatory Budgeting! With a stroke of luck and signatures, Portlanders may vote on introducing it on the November 2024 ballot.
Visit the Economic Justice Action Group table after Sunday service to discover more, and if you're a registered Portland voter, sign the initiative petition.
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FROM THE UUA — UUA Condemns Violence Against Gaza, Urges Immediate and Total Ceasefire
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There are crystallizing moments in the course of history when, in spite of the differences that exist among us, our common reverence for life demands that we speak with moral courage and clarity on the side of love. As people of faith and conviction, Unitarian Universalists share...continue reading — UUA.org
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First Unitarian Portland was honored to host the Palestine Teach-In for Health Equity, sponsored by Arab Healthcare Workers and Friends. Click below to check out the video.
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Donate Clothing for our Unhoused Guests
Drop-off: Fuller Hall (right of the kitchen door)
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The 13 Salmon Shower Project launched on Wednesday, January 24! Thank you to all who have helped us get off the ground by volunteering and donating to our efforts. We are now seeking clothing donations for our unhoused guests.
We are collecting new or gently used T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, jeans, coats, hats, socks, and packages of new men's large and medium boxer shorts.
Special requested item: Belts
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YOU'RE INVITED! — IJAG Community Building Schedule: Alternating Meetings and Lunch Gatherings
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In keeping with our eight principles and as social justice allies, our mission is to support and enhance the rights of refugees, migrants, and immigrants in our community. We provide information and promote understanding and engagement of our fellow UU congregants to these ends.
To build a community for the work we endeavor to do together, IJAG maintains an alternating schedule of meetings.
The schedule for the rest of the program year:
- Social Justice Democracy Fair
Sunday, March 17 || We'll be tabling after the service. Come by and see what we're about!
- Lunch Gathering at Elephants
Monday, April 15 at 12:30 p.m. || Location: Elephants Delicatessen on S. Corbett
- Sunday Gathering at Church
Sunday, May 19, at 9:30 a.m. || Location: Channing Room
- Lunch Gathering at Elephants
Monday, June 17 at 12:30 p.m. || Location: Elephants Delicatessen S. Corbett
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In the Community
The Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs died on February 14 at the age of 71. Janne and her late husband, Rob, joined our church in 2021 after retiring to Portland. Janne and Rob served congregations in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Oakland, California. Janne also served our denomination in many roles, including as a mentor for many ministers, including Reverends Alison and Tom. Janne leaves three children, Jonah, Jessie, and Hannah, who are part of our church. We hold them, their spouses, and Janne’s grandchildren at this time of loss.
A memorial service will be held for member Joanne Hagensick on March 3 at 2 p.m. in the Eliot Chapel. Joanne died on December 31 at the age of 70. Joanne was a longtime volunteer in our church office and our music program.
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Check Out our Beacon Bookstore in Fuller Hall During this Sunday's Social Hour!
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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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I am Marilyn Mays (she/her), and I have the privilege to serve on your Board of Trustees. I joined the Board at the beginning of the Pandemic. When I woke up this morning, I had a song running in my mind. I could hear David Bowie singing “Ch-Ch-Ch Changes”. I have to say that when I agreed to be on the board, none of us knew what was in store in the near future. For me, the last few years have been an incredible learning opportunity, and I have my Board service and connection with the Choir and Social Justice Programs to thank for much of that. I also understand that these years during and since the pandemic have not been that for all...continue reading.
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Beyond Boundaries: The Artistry of Sandra Rowe 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.
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 | Mt. Hood: Oil on paper, 16” x 24” by Carole Romm
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What We Have to Lose: Carole Romm — Like many, I am anxious about climate change and its existential threat. As an antidote to the hopelessness that can feel overwhelming, I have made it my practice to cherish the beauty of nature as it is right now, at this very moment.
I take refuge in my studio, where I express both the despair of climate chaos and the fragile beauty of our Northwest landscape.
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Kay Myers — My love affair with clouds began early as I flopped beside my best friend on the grass and watched the clouds float by. I spent three days camping alone in the Alford Desert many years ago.
The canvas of the sky began with brilliant blue skies followed by fluffy clouds and morphed into dark rain clouds. I watched with awe as the canvas of the sky connected me to the earth and the vast emptiness.
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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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Name tags will soon be available for pick-up at the First Connections Table in Fuller Hall during coffee hour. Watch for announcements that name tags are ready for pickup.
Your patience and understanding are much appreciated as we roll out this new system!
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NEW — PWR Regional Assembly
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| Connect with other UUs in the Pacific Western Region. Our 4th Regional Assembly will be held in Denver on April 19 and 20 at the beautiful First Universalist Church. You can attend either in person or online. The keynote address will feature a conversation between our UUA President, Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, and the new United Church of Christ President, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson. There will be inspirational worship, workshops, and a craft room. There will be a reception on Friday evening. We will also host a continental breakfast and catered lunch on Saturday. This is a family-friendly event with childcare.
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Courtyard Marriot Hotel Cherry Creek. Sign up for no-host dinner groups Saturday evening to continue the conversations. We hope to connect with you at RA! Register Today!
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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, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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Salome Agbaroji, the 2023 National Youth Poet Laureate of the US, performed at the United Nations' SDG Pavilion for their HALFTIME event. September 18, 2023 during UN Climate Week. Introduction by Forest Whitaker, actor and producer and UN Secretary General's SDG Advocate and UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation.
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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 fourth 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.
Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD): We meet on the third Sunday of each month. From 12:15 – 1:45 in Fireside.
First Connections: We meet once a month on the third Sunday for all new and returning folks! And it is a terrific way to meet new folks that are just coming into the community. Bring a brown bag lunch. 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.
THIS SUNDAY — "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. (We are currently on pause from accepting new members.)
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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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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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