Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Learning Community Game Day 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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Embracing Pluralism, Deepening Democracy
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Religious scholar Diana Eck differentiates between diversity and pluralism, noting that “pluralism is the engagement that creates a common society” out of diversity. Yet, in recent years, it feels like the fabric of our shared society has begun to tear. As people who embrace pluralism as part of our religious tradition, how can we harness this value to deepen and strengthen our nation’s democratic institutions?
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Minister's Column
Slowing Down and Pay Attention
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One of the most basic Lenten practices is to slow down and pay attention. This is a natural orientation when we are awakened to the fact that our lives are finite, and we might proceed differently if we were present to a limited number of tomorrows. The Lenten Season of Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday is an invitation to encounter the fragility of human nature, “from dust we have come and to dust we shall return,” which it turns out is also a doorway to experience the holiness...continue reading.
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NEW! – Congregant Budget Meeting
Sunday, March 24, from 12:15 p.m. 'til 1:45 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel, and via Livestream
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Join other congregants to learn about the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on July 1. Church Finance Committee and Executive Team members will walk folks through the numbers and the basis for decisions made. This budget will be presented for the Board's approval at their April 4 meeting and then on to our Voting Members at our May election.
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First U Website Redesign and Creative Roundtable
THIS SUNDAY, March 24, from Noon ‘til 1:15 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall 102
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| First Unitarian has maintained the same website design for nearly a decade. It's time for a major refresh.
This roundtable discussion is open to creatives, collaborators, and researchers interested in proposing and implementing ideas to help us achieve our goal of reimagining our digital presence.
Please RSVP. Lunch provided.
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NEW! – UU the Vote: Join Us For Community and Letter Writing Starting this Sunday!
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Stop worrying and start writing! Make a positive difference in this year's elections by transforming your anxiety into action in this issues-oriented, non-partisan campaign.
We have letters you can take home, or you can sit at the table and write in good company. We encourage everyone to write letters even if they cannot bring their own #10 envelopes and first-class stamps.
Monetary donations towards stamps will also be appreciated.
Look for the blue tablecloth EVERY SUNDAY.
Letter Writing Schedule
- Every Sunday, March 24 - June 30 / Social Hour / B101
- Every Tuesday, March 26 - June 25 / 10 - 11:30 a.m. / B101
- Plus, an upcoming summer schedule!
QUESTIONS? Email uuthevote@firstunitarianportland.org
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Consider Including First Unitarian in Your Estate Plan
Be a part of growing our endowment.
Be part of the Church’s financial future.
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| March is Foundation Month at First Unitarian Portland. There will be opportunities to learn how you can join our current Foundation Legacy Society members to ensure our church remains a strong and active part of the lives of future generations through a planned gift.
If you have questions or want more information, stop by our table in the lobby this Sunday or email us at stewardship@firstunitarianportland.org.
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Featured News
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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Matins for Lent
Monday, March 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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Considering Membership
Sunday, April 7, 2024 - 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Channing Room A101
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| Have you been thinking about taking the next step of commitment to First Unitarian Portland and becoming a member? Come and learn what it means to take that step.
Membership paperwork can be completed at the class.
IMPORTANT NOTE! This will be the last day to submit membership paperwork allowing you to be a voting member for our annual ballot coming in May.
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New Member Recognition Sunday is Coming!
Sunday, April 21
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| It has been four years since the pandemic hit and four years since we recognized, in person, those who have committed to join in membership of First Unitarian Portland!
We will celebrate all new members in a special recognition service with delicious treats following the service in Fuller Hall.
Let us know if you can be there on April 21 during the service!
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SUBMIT AN AUCTION ITEM! – Zap The Gap Too Auction
Events and services are accepted until Monday, April 8.
Online bidding starts Sunday, April 21, and ends Sunday, May 5.
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| The 2024 auction is ready to go! Thanks to all who made last year’s auction so successful. If you want to donate an event or service and need ideas, go here for ideas and start planning. Donations will be accepted from Sunday, March 17, until Monday, April 8.
Need help submitting your donation? Come to Fuller Hall after service on March 24, 31, or April 7 to get help. Look for the Creating Connections table.
This year’s auction will again be online. If you registered for last year’s auction, there’s no need to register again.
Let’s have another amazing auction to build our community and help support our church!
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Added Group! – Invitation to Sojourners 2: Navigating the Aging Journey (A Monthly Group)
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| We're pleased to announce the formation of a second Sojourners discussion group to meet the growing demand from our waiting list. Sojourners originated from member needs approximately eight years ago, providing a forum for facilitated conversations about the experiences and concerns encountered on the aging journey.
Our monthly meetings, held in person at First Unitarian, aim to foster connection, friendship, and collaboration among participants while nurturing common human bonds. Due to our discussion format, we can accommodate only a limited number of members, leading to an active waiting list.
We invite those on the waiting list and others who may be interested to join our newly formed second Sojourners group.
For more information or to get involved with Sojourners 2 meetings, contact Lucy.
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SOUP DRIVE! – Lift UP Soup-er Hero Food Drive
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| COHHO invites you to participate in Lift Up's newest food drive. A simple can of soup goes beyond a meal; it radiates warmth and care to those in need. Join the League of Souper-Heroes and be a part of this impactful mission.
You can be a Souper-Hero by donating the following items to our Hero's pantry bin in Fuller Hall:
- Canned Soups: Packed with nutrition and variety.
- Boxed Soups: Ideal for sharing and easy storage
- Low-Sodium Soups: Healthier options for those in need.
- Ramen Cups: Quick and comforting fixes.
Let's unite as Souper-Heroes and bring warmth to our community!
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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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Do You Love To Garden? Join Our Church Grounds Transformation Team!
Saturday, March 30, (day before Easter) from 10 a.m. ‘til noon
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Join our dedicated team of gardeners as we maintain our church grounds and nurture native plant life.
Please support us in upholding our Backyard Habitat Certification. We balance native species with resilient non-natives to combat neighborhood challenges. We meet twice a month, adjust for optimal gardening conditions, and are preparing for Easter.
For those separating native sword ferns, your donations are greatly appreciated! Please coordinate with Laurie Lester for drop-off arrangements at the church.
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ALLIANCE PRESENTS...WeShine: Providing an Alternative Model for Transitional Shelters
Wednesday, April 3, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon
Location: Eliot Chapel and via Livestream
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| Join us in welcoming Jan McManus, LMSW, MSM, Executive Director, and Chris Tanner, RN, PhD, Board Chair Emerita of WeShine.
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NEW! — Trans Day of Visibility Art Submissions
Please submit all artwork by Thursday, March 28
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| Calling all trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive artists! Trans Day of Visibility is coming up on March 31, and we’d love to share your stories and expressions of trans creativity with the First Unitarian Portland Community. We welcome art of all varieties and all levels, whether you are an accomplished artist or it’s your first time creating something!
Ways to send in submissions:
- You can send easily printable (poems, song lyrics, etc.) or projected submissions to Ember.
- You can drop off physical copies of your drawings, paintings, fiber arts, photographs, etc., at church.
- During the week, you can drop them at the office and ask for Danielle.
- On Sunday, March 24, you can bring them to T-Time in the Channing Room after service.
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NEW! — Spring Labyrinth Walk
Sunday, March 31, 9:30 'til Noon
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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A labyrinth spring renewal ritual is a mindful way to focus on our hopes for positive transformation in the coming seasons.
Traditionally, the spring equinox is a time of gratitude for renewed growth. Walking a labyrinth is an inspiring way to affirm the positives and possibilities for yourself and your communities.
Walk the labyrinth, use one of our finger labyrinths, journal, or sit in contemplation as we welcome spring and celebrate a season of renewal.
Interested in volunteering to help with future labyrinth events? Email Danielle.
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ADDED GROUP — Good Grief: Navigating Personal Loss
Sunday, April 7, 14, 28, and May 5 // from 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Please register by March 31.
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| This four-session group offers support for those grieving the loss of a partner or close family member. We provide a safe space for sharing emotions and stories and discussing how grief reflects our love for the departed. Resources and a remembrance ritual will be offered. Our approach acknowledges that grief isn't something to 'get over' but rather something to 'get used to,' integrating it as a part of our ongoing love.
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RETREAT — Day of Mindfulness: Practicing Peace, Keeping Our Hearts Open
Friday. April 12, from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall (Enter through Salmon St. door)
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Join us for a contemplative day, preparing to feel connected, practice kindness, and relax deeply. We can find inner peace through simple practices that create calm at the center and open our hearts as we go through life’s challenges.
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SAVE THE DATE! — Passover Seder Dinner
Sunday, April 21 at 12:15 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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You are cordially invited to attend a Seder in celebration of Passover, the Jewish holiday that symbolizes the universal human quest for liberty. This special ceremonial UU interfaith event, beautifully structured for all ages, is a remembrance of the Jews’ flight from slavery in Egypt long ago. Our Seder is a worship service, a songfest, a banquet, and a blend of goodness, goodies, gravity, and joy. All are welcome.
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Learning Community E-NewsSpecial Activity Family Game Day with New Moon 🌑
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation & Family Ministries
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March 24th brings a Special Learning Community Activity: Family Game Day with New Moon in B302-303. Children of all ages and their families are welcome to join in for an enjoyable time filled with community-building group games led by Megan, our special guest from the non-profit children’s theater company, New Moon...continue reading.
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Shower Project New Volunteer Training
Wednesday, April 3, 9:30 - 10:30 am
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The 13 Salmon Shower Project is ready for more volunteers! Each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., First Unitarian welcomes unhoused neighbors to its 13 Salmon Shower Project. Guests can shower and get hygiene supplies, fresh clothes, coffee, and a light meal. If you have the time to volunteer on some Wednesdays (either 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. or 1:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.) and would enjoy working on a team of five to welcome our neighbors, we'd love to have you join us.
We'll hold a one-hour training session on Wednesday, April 3, in the Shower Project community room before the first shift. If you have already signed up to volunteer and have not yet received training, or if you are interested in volunteering and can join us on April 3, please fill out this 4/3 Volunteer Training RSVP.
If you've not completed a Volunteer Interest Form, please do so.
Questions: ShowerProject@firstunitarianportland.org
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NEW! — Help Refugee Families Start Their New Home!
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IJAG is partnering with RCC and looking for donations of new flatware sets for 6-8 people and drawer organizers, or monetary donations. You can drop off your donations at the IJAG table after services or contact Margot.
Physical and monetary (IJAG members will shop for you!) donations will be collected at the IJAG table during coffee hour from March 24 to April 14, except on Easter Sunday.
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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:
- Lunch Gathering at Elephants
Monday, April 22 at 12:30 p.m. || Location: Elephants Delicatessen on S. Corbett (NEW DATE)
- Sunday Gathering at Church
Sunday, May 19, at 9:30 a.m. || Location: Channing Room
- Lunch Gathering at Elephants
Monday, June 24 at 12:30 p.m. || Location: Elephants Delicatessen S. Corbett (NEW DATE)
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UPDATE! — Name Tag Pick-up
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| Starting this Sunday, pick them up at the First Connections table in Fuller Hall during coffee hour.
If you'd like a name tag, visit the Welcome Desk before services or the First Connections table during coffee hour. Name tags are usually available the following Sunday after request. Thanks for picking them up promptly!
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We’ve often talked about the “emerging church,” discovering ourselves as we emerge from the isolation of the pandemic. But have we emerged? To me (Julia Lee Griffiths, member of your Board or Trustees), it seems like we’re getting close.
So, who are we now? What’s our trajectory?
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THIS SUNDAY - Artist Talk March 24, 12:30 p.m., in Fuller Hall
Two artists - Carole Romm and Kay Myers - will talk about their spiritual connections to nature and its expression in their art in an era of climate change. Sue Palmiter will relate these themes to the work of Community for Earth and Divest Oregon.
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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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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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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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Beloved Community of Color: Every second Thursday evening and fourth Saturday morning of the month. Email for more info.
THIS SUNDAY — 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 just coming into the community. Bring a brown bag lunch. Questions? Email Pat.
First Steps: Every first Sunday of the month at Noon // Location: Channing Room. Discover additional insights into life at First Unitarian Portland, avenues for connection, and delve deeper into Unitarian Universalism. Questions? Email Jen Thomas.
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: This group meets monthly on the second Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. Email Lucy with 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 Front Steps?If you have a church-related submission you would like published in our weekly Front Steps, please submit it here with the subject line “Front Steps” or "Announcement."
Submission deadline is noon on Tuesdays.
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