Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
🥣 Souper Sunday after the service 🥣
Learning Community (RE) classes are at 10:15 a.m. Nursery and toddler care is always available during our worship service. Learn about our program here. Current news here.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
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A Liberation Theology without God
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Can you have religion without God? Our answer is yes as a religiously diverse movement, which includes humanists (atheists, agnostics, skeptics) and theists of all stripes. This feels especially relevant as the numbers of people who identify as nontheists and as religiously unaffiliated are on the rise. In honor of Black History Month, let us honor the contributions Black humanists have made to meaning-making, including about suffering, in ways that lead to liberation.
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| Previous Front Steps contained incorrect link:
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NEW! — Congregational Survey
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Share your opinions, experiences, and hopes for our shared ministry in our Congregational Survey, now underway.
This online survey takes just 3-5 minutes to complete and helps your Board of Trustees understand what you value in our congregational life.
If you’d prefer to use a printed survey, come to the Board table after service this week for a copy.
Thank you!
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Join Our Match 2025 Campaign
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| We are incredibly fortunate to have $60,000 in matching gifts to challenge us to rise up and meet our Annual Fund goal. The amount you give will be matched dollar for dollar up to $60,000. Your gift goes twice as far! Thank you!
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Souper Sunday
This Sunday, February 9, after the service
Location: Fuller Hall
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This Sunday is sure to be Souper!
On the menu: a vegan/gluten-free tomato soup and a taco soup.
Please add to this deliciousness by bringing the following to share with our soups:
- Cornbread
- Tortilla chips
- Muffins
- Gluten-free offerings
If you are able, a $5 addition to our "soup fund" wouldn't be amiss. This will help cover the cost of ingredients and supplements
It takes a lot of folks to put on Souper Sunday every month—the organizers, cooks, servers, shoppers, and clean up team to name a few. We are appreciative of all who volunteer. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Barbara M.
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Drop-In Parenting Circle
Sunday, February 9, 11:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Daisy Bingham
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Join the community of parents at First Unitarian and share stories, wisdom, and explore spiritual reflection. These circles are great for long-time families and newcomers alike to build community with those who share a parenting journey. Meets every 2nd Sunday of most months from October to May. Childcare provided.
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Drop-In Community Circle: "Grief"
Sunday, February 9, 11:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Daisy Bingham
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Drop in for discussion on this month's theme: Grief.
All are welcome to join for discussion and engagement! Great opportunity to meet folks and enjoy time together. You are welcome to bring your Souper Sunday soup or other lunch. Class time is about 90 minutes.
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Visit our Beacon Bookstore in Fuller Hall
Every Sunday during Social Hour
Location: Fuller Hall
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Books make wonderful gifts! Visit our own Bookstore in the southwest corner of Fuller Hall during coffee hour.
We have a wide range available, including picture books for children, youth, and adults; books for the classes and discussion groups offered at First Unitarian; and a variety of topics.
Visitors tell us they wish their church had a shop like ours!
About 35% of the sale price goes to First Unitarian’s general fund.
And since you’ve asked: We have Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s 2023 book, How We Learn to Be Brave, on backorder and will announce when it comes in. It’s a HOT book all over the country!
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NEW! REGISTER NOW — Journey to Articulating Your Faith: A Spiritual Development Opportunity for People in Their 20s and 30s
Second and fourth Thursdays beginning February 27, 7 - 9 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland (in person)
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Join Rev. Alison and Danielle Garrett for an 8-session course of theological exploration and discovery for young adults. Together, we will trace our spiritual paths, explore our understandings of the sacred, human nature, and religious practice, and develop our personal credos: an expression of our most sacred beliefs and fundamental values that guide our lives. We will also get a chance to learn a little more about Unitarian Universalist history and build community with one another!
Dates: February 27, March 13, March 27, April 10, April 24, May 8, May 22, June 12.
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Connect & Reflect!
Every Tuesday from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Location: Zoom
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Every Tuesday, come share in conversation centered on the topic of the most recent sermon. Look for the discussion question on our Sunday morning preservice slides and Order of Service.
Join here. Save the Zoom link—it'll work every week!
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GET TICKETS NOW — The 2025 Sewell Lecture
Saturday, March 1, 3 - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Main Sanctuary (1211 SW Main St)
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NEXT SUNDAY — Climate Teach-in: Acting to Address Climate Change
Sunday, February 16, 11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception
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Learn the latest on climate related legislation in Oregon from 350PDX. This teach-in is open to anyone who wants to learn how to talk to their legislator!
A light lunch will be served.
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Are We a Sanctuary Congregation?
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The first two weeks of the second Trump presidency have been distressing, at best, as we learn about the rollback of human and civil rights protections in the U.S. Many congregants have been asking if we are a "Sanctuary Church", and if not, what would we need to do to become one...MORE
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First, many thanks to the 80+ congregants who attended the All Church Forum on January 26!
We heard a check-in from Rev. Alison on congregational life, an update on the Annual Fund Drive, priorities for the 2025-2026 budget, and introductory information on two proposed changes to the church bylaws. Also – you may have heard about the $60,000 matching gift available to the church now. Make a new pledge, increase your existing pledge, or make a one-time gift... and it will be doubled dollar-for-dollar up to $60,000! Learn more here.
See the presentation and additional information on the bylaws changes here.
Second, look for our annual Congregational Survey. Complete the survey online (see the article above for the link) or pick up a printed copy at church on Sunday. This survey is part of the Board’s evaluation of our church’s ministry. Make your voice heard: how are we living into our mission and long range goals? Read more about them in the Board Governing Policies here.
Finally, read an update on the Board’s activities this year and a look ahead to the future here.
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Floaters Wanted for Front Office Team
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We are looking for floaters who can occasionally fill in for our regular front office volunteers who need a day off from time to time. Regular shifts are Monday-Thursday from either 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 1 - 4 p.m. Basic computer and telephone skills required.
Volunteering in the office is a great way to get to know our ministers and staff, and to learn all about what's happening at the church. If any of these shifts are possible for you on a "now and then" basis, please email John Rosette, or call him at 503-228-6389 x102.
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Around the Church
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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NEW! — An Exciting Shower Project Update!
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Our Shower Project is excited to announce we are opening an additional day each week. The new hours of operation are:
- Wednesdays from 12 - 4 p.m.
- Thursdays from 12 - 3 p.m.
Thank you to all who are volunteering time and energy, donating clothing, providing lunches, and otherwise helping to keep this ministry going.
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NEW! — Auction 2025 is Coming Up!
Donations start March 23, bidding starts April 20
Location: Online
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A special thanks to all donors and participants of Auction 2024, Zap the Gap, Too. Last year's auction raised over $60,000, our best year ever! It was because of your generosity and we're so grateful.
Now... mark your calendar for the latest edition of Creating Connections: Auction 2025! Donations start March 23 so start thinking of how you want to contribute. Online bidding starts April 20 and continues through May 4. Join us! Look for more information in Front Steps to come.
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CHECK WEEKLY — February 9 Newsletter
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Any parent (or person in similar role) is welcome at our drop-in Parenting Circle. Meet in Fuller Hall after the service for lunch on 2/9 and most second Sundays.
Kids and youth hang out in childcare. Grownups listen, reflect, and share about parenting and everything else. Co-led by me, Rev. Alison, and assistant minister Danielle...MORE
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Notes of Appreciation to Rev. Marianne Edgar Budde
Sunday, February 9, during Social Hour
Location: Buchan Reception
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You are invited to write a brief personal note to Marianne Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of the National Cathedral, in response to her remarks at the inaugural prayer service held in Washington DC on January 21. View her full 15-minute sermon here. Her reflections touched powerfully on the deep values of mercy, compassion and diversity. We began collecting your notes/reflections last Sunday and will compete that outreach this coming Sunday, February 9, at the Peace Action table in Fuller Hall. Click here or the image above to read some of the messages from last week.
We plan to assemble all your notes and send a packet with a handmade cover card to her in mid-February. Your participation is a priceless element in our communication of gratitude for her spiritual leadership during challenging times in our nation.
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NEW! — Tamale Orders Ready for Pickup
Sunday, February 9, during Social Hour
Location: Fuller Hall
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Thank you, First Unitarian!
Through your generous support of the Western Farm Workers Association tamale drive, as well as your outright donations, we have provided more than $1,600 to the organization!
These funds help support the daily operations of the all-volunteer office that works with a membership of farm workers, seasonal and other low-paid workers uniting to end their poverty conditions.
For the second year in a row, First Unitarian’s order was the largest placed and some fifteen members of the church worked one shift this past week in the multi-step operation of making tamales. Your generosity is most appreciated. Enjoy your tamales!
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Ongoing Need for Food Donations to Lift UP
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Sadly, the need for food in the Portland area continues to be ongoing. So next time you're ready to leave your house for Sunday service or a meeting at church, bring a can, jar, or carton of nut butter, jelly, soup, beans, salmon, or tuna with you. As long as it's non-perishable and without an expired date, please consider donating it to Lift UP. They do an excellent job of helping people facing food insecurity feel a tad more secure.
Drop off your donations to the COHHO cabinet in Fuller Hall (by the kitchen) and we will deliver them to Lift UP. Every action—big or small—is one step closer to a Portland where no one is hungry. You can also donate directly to them on their website. Thank you!
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CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel G., Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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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.
In 2017, the Loft presented linked programming around the theme of Vigilance. Through this theme, the Loft explores how poems and stories can bear witness, and how words can help us to hold light in the darkness. Here, Danez Smith performs Langston Hughes' "Let America Be America Again." To listen, watch the video below:
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In the Community
Member Jody Feldman’s mother Lois Feldman died on January 27. Lois was 93; she had been in memory care for 4 years and in hospice care for one year. She is survived by her three children, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Among her accomplishments, Lois taught tailoring and textiles at the college level. She served as a member of the City Council in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, for 12 years, and as its president for 2 of those years. She was an amazing role model.
Leslie Pohl-Kosbau's older brother Robert died at home in Siletz Oregon of natural causes in late January, at age 82. He was a physicist/engineer who graduated from Cal State Northridge and worked for Hughes Aircraft and Raytheon before retiring to Siletz, Oregon, in 2006.
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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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January/February Art Wall Exhibitions
Artwork by Paula Bullwinkel
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Paula Bullwinkel is a narrative and figurative painter. Her female characters and beast-familiars are often in a doppelgänger tableau, suggesting an unsettling and boisterous multiverse. She has exhibited widely, including Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Oakland, Switzerland, and Portland. Born in Northern California, she spent her childhood making miniature clay animals and figures in her mom's ceramic studio, reading classic fairytales, and playing for hours in the woods with imaginary characters. After earning a bachelor's degree in literature from UC Berkeley (and later a master's in art education), Bullwinkel spent years in New York and London as an editorial fashion photographer. Now she paints and lives in Portland.
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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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 fourth Sunday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Fireside and via Zoom. Contact Marni T.
Connect & Reflect: Join Rev. Alison Miller and Jen Thomas every Tuesday from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. on Zoom. Come share in conversation centered on the topic of the most recent sermon. Look for the discussion question during preservice slides and order of service.
Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO): We meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month after services. Contact Cynthia S for details or to be added to our email list.
Community for Earth (CFE): We meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month before worship services (hybrid) and on the 4th week of the month at rotating times. Contact our group or visit our calendar for details.
Contemplative Practices: First Thursdays (in Channing, A101) and third Thursdays (in Buchan Reception, B101) from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. This is a drop-in group. Any silent sitting practice is welcomed and no prior meditation experience is needed. Contact Patty C and Ron or visit the event page for more information.
Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG): Check the IJAG page on the church website for ways to get involved and groups that need our energy and gifts. For meeting info, contact Laurie L.
Lotsa Helping Hands: A care calendar that enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times. To join, send a request here. For questions or to receive support, contact Leslie C or Susan P.
Mental Health Caregivers Group: Second Wednesday every month via Zoom 7 - 8:30 p.m. Email Ellen Z for more information.
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: Sojourners and Sojourners 2 are two groups that meet for two hours at First Unitarian. Members support each other through aging with facilitated discussions, activities, personal stories, and social events, fostering growth and friendship. All are welcome, but both groups are limited in size; no drop-ins, please. Email Lucy G with questions.
Souper Sunday Committee: Once a month, we offer two different soups as part of our Social Hour. It takes a lot of folks to put on Souper Sunday every month: organizers, cooks, servers, shoppers and clean up team to name a few. We are appreciative of all that volunteer. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Barbara M.
"T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Eclusive Gathering: A group for anyone that identifies along the transgender spectrum. There are no requirements for medical transition status or gender presentation to attend. People who are questioning their gender and parents of trans kids (and their kids, too!) are welcome. We meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room, shortly after the service until around 1:00 PM. Questions? Email Aileen.
Wednesday Night Meditation: Every week from 7 - 8:30 p.m. All mindfulness and Buddhist-based meditations. Beginners welcome. A thirty-five-minute meditation followed by a member-led discussion to increase understanding and integration of Buddhist principles into our daily lives. For the link, contact Robert S.
Women's Circle II: Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim S.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month. Email Anne M.
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Got something for Front Steps? Send in your church-related submission for our weekly publication. Use "Front Steps" as the subject line and submit here.
Deadline: Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
If your submission is urgent and couldn’t be sent before the deadline, please include “URGENT” in the subject line.
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| February's
Shared Plate
In response to the devastating wildfires, and the impact of other climate change disasters such as Hurricane Helene, for the month of February we share our plate with the UUA Disaster Relief Fund. The Fund is part of a covenant—a covenant between the UUA and congregations, between congregations who give generously and those in need, and with community partners. Through aiding our congregations, their members, and their community partners, we embody our faith and values. The UUA shares that the Disaster Relief Fund is currently at its lowest level since it was started in 2017. Our commitment to this shared plate will help sustain this fund going forward.
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| This Week's Shower Project Requests
Your donations make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. All donations are greatly appreciated. At this time, we are in special need of the following items:
- Men's pants (30-35)
- Leggings
- Belts (all sizes)
- Sports bras (S)
- Plastic bags with handles
- Coffee creamer
Our page includes a list of our most frequently-needed items.
Please bring your items to donate to the cabinet in Fuller Hall, next to the kitchen. Thank you for your support!
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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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