Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Nursery and toddler care is available during our worship service for children 6 months to 3 years old.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
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Poet Maya Stein asks, “What if we could let ourselves rest for a little while in this halo of I don’t know, feel its soft touch against our urgent skin?” We live in times that crave certainty. But is the spiritual task to live in that place of not knowing and for that to be OK?
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Ministry ColumnJoin the Journey: Getting Proximate with Our Unhoused Neighbors
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When we situate ourselves next to people who are excluded and marginalized and disfavored and left out, at a very minimum we can find collective and institutional and meaningful ways to embrace these communities. And sometimes, it is that witness that can be transformative.
When you attend First Unitarian, you have no doubt noticed the tents around our campus. You may have wondered how we can offer support to these neighbors facing hard circumstances. We wondered that too...MORE
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UPDATE — Music Ministry Transition
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We have narrowed down the candidates for the Acting/Interim Music Director position and held Zoom interviews, and now we are looking forward to in-person interviews with our finalists later this month.
Looking for the Board's "Frequently Asked Questions" document about the music transition? Just email "Please send FAQ doc" to FAQ@firstunitarianportland.org.
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Learning Community Registration is Still Open!
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Registration is still open for the Learning Community's 2024-25 church year! To register your child or youth, fill out this form.
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SAVE THE DATE — The 100th Anniversary of Eliot Chapel: Decades of Remembrance Panel
Sunday, September 29, 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Location:Â Eliot Chapel
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Did you know that the Eliot Chapel was built 100 years ago? In 1924—100 years ago—on November 16, what we now call Eliot Chapel was finished and dedicated with much ceremony and celebration. Until 1993, this was the sanctuary where our congregation worshipped every Sunday. By the 1990s, three services were offered every Sunday, two in the Eliot Chapel and one in the Sanctuary.
This fall we will have a series of events to mark this important anniversary, including a rededication ceremony in November.
Our anniversary will kick off on September 29 with a program featuring stories from this chapter in the congregation’s life with voices from members of our community. Join us as we learn and celebrate this history together.
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NEW! — First Steps Orientation and Campus Tour
Sunday, October 6, 11:45 a.m.
Location:Â Channing, A101
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First Steps Orientation and Campus Tour is a welcoming monthly event held on the first Sunday, designed for new and returning members of First Unitarian Portland (First U PDX). This session offers an overview of the church's history, core values, and vibrant community, encouraging participants to explore their connection and discover ways to engage.
Our next class is October 6 at 11:45 a.m. in the Channing Room A101. For assistance in finding your way, please check in with the Welcome Desk in the main sanctuary narthex/lobby.
Attendees will meet church leaders, learn about various activities and programs, ask questions about Unitarian Universalism, and tour the campus. This informal setting fosters connections among newcomers and long-time members, enhancing the sense of belonging.
For those interested in deepening their commitment, the orientation covers membership requirements, including signing the Membership Record Book and making an annual financial pledge. Participants can also submit their membership application during the session, taking a significant step in their spiritual journey with First U PDX.
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NEW! — New Time for the New Church Year
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CARD is now meeting on the 4th Sunday of each month from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room, starting this Sunday, September 22. Jump into the home stretch of our efforts to DO SOMETHING prior to the November election in support of freedom for reproductive healthcare choices for all of us. Hear of plans for the coming year and join our work!
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Stop by First Connections for a "Cup of Hospitality"
Every Sunday after the service
Location: Fuller Hall
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The First Connections table is open during Social Hour to welcome folks and to share information about First U PDX. You’ll know the table by the turquoise tablecloths and the friendly faces. If you are new to the church or you are interested in meeting new folks, please stop by!
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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! — Listening Circles Update
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Thanks to everyone who took part in Listening Circles in recent weeks—the participants, the facilitators, the notetakers, the planners. About 135 people took part in person and online.
The goal was to get summaries of the comments as well as answers to questions people posed out within three weeks. That process is taking a little more time than planned but those notes will be available as soon as possible.
And if you missed attending a Listening Circle, another round of circles is planned soon. Details will follow. Â
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POSTPONED — Music Department Talent Show Auction Item
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We are postponing the "Music Department Talent Show" Auction Item that was scheduled for this Saturday. There has been a recent wave of Covid this week affecting multiple choir members, including the emcee and multiple people doing acts for this Saturday. We don't want to be a superspreader event, so we'll postpone this auction item to a date yet to be determined.  If you purchased a spot, you will be contacted by email regarding rescheduling. For questions, contact Scott.
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NEW! — Community Circle Drop-In Groups Beginning in October!
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Mark your calendars and drop in for discussion on our monthly themes:
- October 13 – Trust. Room B101 at 11:45 a.m.
- November 10 – Story. Room B101 at 11:45 a.m.
- December 8 – Mystery. Room B304 at 11:45 a.m.
All are welcome to join for discussion and engagement! You are welcome to bring a snack and beverage. Class time is about 90 minutes. Please note that room assignments are subject to change. Check our kiosk screens on the specific meeting day to confirm which room will be used.
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NEW! — Community Covenant Groups
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We had a successful year of bringing Community Circles to congregants. Several have decided to continue as a covenant group and several disbanded feeling that their mission had been met.
Two groups are seeking new members. They are offered in homes. One is located in SE Portland and the other in NE Portland.
What would it mean to join? Groups meet monthly with a capped number of 10 folks so deeper relationships can form. Groups will determine topics of conversation and many will follow our monthly themes.
If you have an interest, please contact Jen Thomas with which geographic location works for you.
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NEW! — The Alliance Presents "Getting Ready for Portland's New Government and Voting System"
Wednesday, October 2, 10:30 a.m.
Location:Â Eliot Chapel
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Wynne Furth and Melanie Billings-Yun from the Portland League of Women Voters will introduce the big changes lying ahead for Portland's government. They will also discuss how to vote under the new ranked choice voting system to ensure that your vote counts to the greatest extent possible. This will be a strictly non-partisan, interactive workshop, including live voting in a mock ranked choice election.
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Join the Journey on the Labyrinth
Most first Sundays starting October 6, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location:Â Fuller Hall
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This year, as we explore the church theme “Join the Journey,” we will have monthly opportunities to deepen our spiritual practices and focus on our inner journeys through the Labyrinth. Starting October 6, the Labyrinth will be set up in Fuller Hall on the first Sunday of most months from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
We’re always looking for more volunteers to help us set up our sacred space and plan other labyrinth related activities throughout the year. If you’d like to volunteer, reach out to Teri.
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The Art Wall Committee is Looking for New Members
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You don’t have to be an artist to join, just be interested in art. Members commit about one day a month to attending a meeting or helping install the new show, usually the last Thursday of the month. Committee members recommend artists who might be a good fit for Fuller Hall and the committee juries the artists. If you are interested, contact Connie.
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Thank You to the First U Gardening Crew
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Thank you to Bob, Laurie, Joe, Dori, Phil, Lee, Robin, Eloise, Arliss, Art, Michael, Tony, Carolyn, and Kathy for all that you do!
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Check Out Our New Narthex Banners
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Thank you to Kathleen, Marti, and the Quilts of Love members who made these lovely banners located in the narthex/lobby of the main sanctuary. Look for color changes with the seasons!
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Join Our Support Network: Lotsa Helping Hands
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Do you enjoy helping others? Are you looking for concrete ways to strengthen our beloved community? Consider joining our church’s Lotsa Helping Hands support network!
Coordinated by Lay Ministry, Lotsa Helping Hands is a care calendar similar to Meal Train that enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times.
And if you or someone you know could use the support of meals or visits—or if you have any questions—please contact one of our coordinators, Leslie or Susan.
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NEW! — September 22 Newsletter
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Thank you to Ellen Summers, who completed a long and wonderful term of service on the RE Committee.
Thank you to members Mark Barham and Caitlin McKee and brand new childcare provider Aiyana Fox, for helping launch our Toddler Time RE class.
Lastly and definitely not least of all, thank you to each and every
teacher, childcare provider, advisor, committee member, child, and
youth who showed up to kick off our program year. Thank you to the many folks I observed extending a friendly welcome to new families.
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UU The Vote: Time to Return Your Letters!
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Please finish your letters to voters and return them to the UU the Vote Table during social hour or to the church office before the end of September. The letters will be blessed at an upcoming worship service and we will send them all in early October, in time to make an impact on this election.
Over 4,000 of the letters we've distributed have not yet been returned. If you took letters but have not finished them, bring what you've done and return the rest to the UU the Vote Table ASAP. We'll find folks to finish them.
Also, join us Tuesdays in September from 10 - 11:30 a.m. in Room B101 in Buchan to write letters. Bring a friend, bring your letters, and make it a party! Thank you for helping with this collective effort to put our UU values into action. Let's get out the vote!
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SAVE THE DATE — Call Voters This Fall!
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UU the Vote is hosting weekly phonebanks leading up to the election - join us!
We offer training at the start of every session (and of course, experienced phonebankers can just jump right in!)
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Antiracism Learning Circles 2024 Registration
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You are invited to join an Antiracism Learning Circle this fall. It’s on Zoom, so you can join from anywhere! Circles start next week. Registration is still open HERE.
We have added two new sections of "Seeing White" on Wednesday afternoons and Wednesday evenings, starting September 25.
We still have several seats available for "How We Win the Civil War" by Steve Phillips on Wednesday evenings, starting September 25.
Visit the group page for full descriptions of the group mission, media we will dive into, schedules, and registration information. For questions, contact Jody.
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CHECK WEEKLY — Donate Supplies to the Shower Project!
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The Shower Project is going well, and our guests appreciate the service. To continue to care for our unhoused neighbors, we request donations of the following items:
- 1 gallon of Ginger Lilly Farms body wash
- Sleeping bags
- Mens long pants/jeans
- Sweatshirts and sweatpants (all sizes)
- Mens sneakers (all sizes)
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. Your donations make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your support!
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NEW! — Be a Climate Voter!
Sunday, October 6, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Location:Â Buchan Hall
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If you are concerned about our climate and want to encourage people to vote for sensible solutions, come to this interactive workshop and practice your climate communication skills. We’ll explore emotions, storytelling and communication around the climate crisis, while centering faith-based values. This is a chance to deepen your own capacity to engage in climate justice work while building community with like-minded people in the church.
Light lunch items available 11:30 to noon, or bring your own favorite snacks. Workshop facilitation provided by Community for Earth members including Stephanie Kaza and Roberta Richards.
Please register here to provide us with a headcount and to receive a resource list in advance of the workshop.
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Spread the Love: Support Lift UP's 2nd Annual Nut Butter Drive
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September is Hunger Action Month. AÂ simple jar of nut butter can provide a nourishing meal for someone who may be facing food insecurity.
Drop off one or more jars of peanut (or other nut) butter to the COHHO cabinet in Fuller Hall (by the kitchen) and we will deliver them to Lift UP for distribution. Every action—big or small—is one step closer to a Portland where no one is hungry. You can also donate directly to them at lifturbanportland.org. Thank you!
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CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel, 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.
 American DREAMers brings to light the stories of immigrants in the wake of anti-immigrant rhetoric during and after the 2016 election. Five texts from five young Americans who were brought to America as children were chosen and those texts were woven into a multi-movement work that honors their story and inspires hope, empathy, and action. To listen, watch the video below:
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In the Community
Member Ted Okrasinski died on September 10 at the age of 84. He contracted COVID in early August and struggled since. Ted was a kind and thoughtful man. He and his wife Lois joined the church in 1998. We hold Lois and their family. A memorial service for Ted is planned at some future date.
Member Marlene Anderson is nearing the end of her life. We hold her and her family at this time. Marlene founded the Imani project that was part of our social justice program. It worked to support people living with AIDS in Kenya.
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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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September/October Art Wall Exhibitions Art Wall
Photographs by Sam Muller
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Sam's images capture the essence of the raw Elements of Japanese Garden design, such as rock, water, plant, sand, bamboo, cedar, and the seasons. Enjoy Sam's photographs in Fuller Hall in the months of September and October.
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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.
Community for Earth (CFE):Â 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.
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.
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 or Susan.
Mental Health Caregivers Group: Second Wednesday every month via Zoom 7 - 8:30 p.m. Email Ellen for more.
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 with questions.
"T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: Meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room at 12 - 1 p.m.
Women's Circle II:Â Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month. Email Anne.
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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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For the month of September, we share our Sunday offering with our church's 13 Salmon Shower Project, whose doors opened this past January. We aim to provide access to basic hygiene and respite needs, including a shower, restroom, clean clothes and a lunch in a safe and non-judgmental environment while building relationships with our unhoused neighbors. We are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, housing status, or ability, feels welcome and secure.
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