Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Time for All Ages: Families begin in worship service; then, children and youth leave to attend their classes.
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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Open-Minded, Open-Hearted, Open-Handed
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Deciding how to give of our time, talents, and gifts requires us to remain open to the needs around us and imaginative about how those needs can be met. How can cultivating an open mind and an open heart help us discern how we can be of service to our community?
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Minister's BlogA Port and A Beacon in the Storm
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I hope that all of you are safe, warm, and dry. If you aren’t in that situation, please reach out to let us know so we can be of assistance. A storm is a reminder that we all have need of one another at one point or another.
Our church community is a place where we have opportunities to practice asking for help when we need it and offering help when we are able. This practice of mutuality, of self-care, and care for others matters a great deal.
Relationships of giving and receiving are the basis of human existence. They are what makes life meaningful. They are what makes life possible at all. Contrary to the myth of individualism, we could never go it alone...continue reading.
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Rev. Alison's Q&A and Financial Update
Sunday, January 21, at noon
Location: Eliot Chapel
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| Please join Rev. Alison Miller in Eliot Chapel for another in a regular series of Q&A sessions with your senior minister. After a brief update on developments at the church, she will respond to the questions you bring about the church or about our faith.
Immediately following the Q&A, members of our Finance Committee will bring a financial update.
Childcare available.
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MEETING — Deepening Democracy: Care & Action for Reproductive Dignity
Sunday, January 21, from 12:15 - 1:45 p.m.
Location: Fireside Room
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| All are welcome, including children. Dress warmly, bring a snack, and be part of our electoral activism campaign focusing on "Deepening Democracy" in this crucial election year.
Learn about our plans and visit our table during the social hour for insightful articles on the impact of the Supreme Court Dobbs decision on reproductive health access.
Contact Marni for more information or to add your name to our Google group email list to stay updated.
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| Support fieldworkers this winter by placing an order or volunteering to make tamales!
During winter, rising utility costs pose a dilemma for low-income members of Western Farm Workers. They must choose between heating their homes, feeding their children, seeing a doctor, or paying rent. Western Farm Workers Association (WFWA), a self-help membership organization, assists members in meeting survival needs while advocating for dignity for agricultural workers.
With support from First Unitarian, members contribute to fundraising by making tamales, and the proceeds provide essential supplies like food, blankets, heaters, and winter clothes during lean months without fieldwork.
How to Order Tamales
STEP ONE: Order Tamales after these Sunday Services
- THIS SUNDAY, January 21, Fuller Hall
- Sunday, January 28, Fuller Hall
STEP TWO: Choose your Tamales/Pre-Orders Only
You can purchase by the dozen/$20 or half dozen/$10. There will be chicken, pork and vegan options.
STEP THREE: Pick Up Your Tamales!
- When: Sunday, February 11
- Where: At the IJAG TABLE in Fuller Hall (Just in time for your Super Bowl Party!)
Interested in volunteering to make the Tamales?
Join us for tamale-making! Sign up at the Pre-Orders Table for two kitchen helper days (dates TBA). Folks had a blast making tamales last year, and we hope you'll enjoy it too!
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CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER — Beyond Ceasefire: The Current Landscape and Future Horizon for Palestine and Israel
Thursday, January 18
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Community Circles Are Rolling Out As We Speak! Here Are Some Upcoming Options, And More To Come Soon…
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| Community Circles are an opportunity to get to know other members of the congregation as we explore the spiritual theme of Love at the Center of our church.
Wednesday Evening, January 24, we will be launching LGBTQ+ Community Circles at 6:30 p.m. (Optional: You’re invited to bring your own dinner and gather at 6 p.m.) REGISTER HERE
Thursday Morning, January 25, we will begin one of the Open to All Community Circles at 10 a.m. (Optional: You’re invited to bring your breakfast and gather for fellowship at 9:30 a.m.) REGISTER HERE
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Antiracism Learning Circles - Winter/Spring 2024 Registration Are Open
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Learning Circles provide a transformative experience through small, intimate discussion cohorts centered around a chosen book or podcast. Participants gain crucial insights into white supremacy, racism, and our nation's history, cultivating trust and engaging in profound group discussions over an extended period. This setting fosters a safe space for tackling challenging topics and navigating discomfort while also offering a unique opportunity to forge and fortify meaningful relationships with fellow participants. Learning Circles offer connection, focus, and purpose in a virtual setting, creating a dynamic environment for shared learning and growth.
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This Winter and Spring 2024 Offerings
- My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Mending of our Bodies and Hearts - by Resmaa Menakem. Starting January 8
- The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story - edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones - a profoundly revealing vision of American past and present. Starting January 12
- Seeing White - the real history of the US, the one none of us were taught in school. This is where to start your journey! (podcast series). Starting January 16
- Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication - by Oren J. Sofer. Starting January 22
- The Sum Of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together - by Heather McGhee. Starting January 30
- The Conspiracy to End America: Five Ways My Old Party is Driving Our Democracy to Autocracy - by Stuart Stevens. Starting February 6
- Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law - by Leah Rothstein & Richard Rothstein. Starting February 6
- The Land That Has Never Been Yet - an examination of whether we have ever had a real democracy (podcast series). Starting March 12
- Shielded: How The Police Became Untouchable - by Joanna Schwartz. Starting tbd
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Board Forum: Proposed UUA Bylaws Changes
Sunday, January 28, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland, Buchan Reception Hall (1226 SW Salmon St.)
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| Explore the proposed UUA Bylaws changes alongside the First Unitarian Portland Board. Engage in discussions with potential delegates. For additional details, visit uua.org and the Board page. Ensure you're part of this important conversation.
The vote will be in June 2024.
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ALL CHURCH OPEN INVITATION — Narcan Training Session for Opioid Overdose Reversal
Sunday, January 28 at Noon til 1 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
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| Join us for an insightful training session on the use of Narcan, an essential tool for opioid overdose reversal. This session provides an opportunity to expand your understanding of Narcan and acquire valuable skills in harm reduction, potentially enabling you to save a life!
A representative from Project Red, an organization committed to health and safety will conduct the one-hour training.
Your presence and engagement in this training are crucial to building a safer, more informed community.
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VOLUNTEER — Join Our Team as a Tuesday Volunteer!
John Rosette, Executive Team Assistant / Receptionist
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We're seeking a friendly individual with basic computer skills for our Tuesday volunteer slot from 1-4 p.m. Duties include typing, answering phones, and welcoming visitors. Feel free to use our computer and desk for your own projects.
Join our welcoming team!
Interested? Questions? 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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FRIDAY VESPERS — Find a Space for Stillness
Offered each Friday from 5 - 5:40 p.m. via Zoom
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| End your week in a quiet online space of music, poetry, reflection, meditation, and prayer. If you would like a weekly reminder email, click here.
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SAVE THE DATE! — Steve Phillips: Securing a Multiracial Democracy (Annual Sewell Social Justice Lecture)
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m. || Event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland, Sanctuary (1211 SW Main St.)
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Steve Phillips, author of How We Win the Civil War and NYT Bestseller Brown is the New White, will share his Liberation Battle Plan for building a multiracial progressive majority and ending white supremacy for good. Following his talk, Steve will be joined by a panel of Oregon organizers to explore how liberation is being won in Oregon.
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INFORMATIONAL SESSION — Exploring Ways to Support Asylum Seekers in Portland
Sunday, January 28, from 2 - 5 p.m.
Location: Room A-108 (In the Buchan Building)
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Have you wondered how you might help asylum seekers or work with neighbors, folks from your workplaces, and folks in this church to sponsor people coming to Portland? Join our informational session to find out!
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Learning Community E-News — Keeping Cozy: Community Support and Sunday Stories
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation & Family Ministries
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I hope each of you and your people managed to stay safe–and hopefully warm and dry–during the recent bout of difficult weather and other conditions! Please remember that the church community is a resource for you, should you need a supportive listening presence, modest financial resources, or just to know that we care. You can always be in touch with me, Rev. Alison, Rev. Tom, or our Intern Minister Danielle (or anyone on staff).
Please stay tuned for details about how the Learning Community will support the 13 Salmon Shower Project. Just because we had to cancel our MLK Service Activity doesn’t mean we’ve missed our chance!
This Sunday is Together Time. All classes (except 7th- 8th grade OWL) will begin in the sanctuary. Our YRUU high school youth group is offering the message, and you won’t want to miss their take on an old standard story about giving… with their very own updated ending...continue reading.
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Transformation Team Announcement
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The Transformation Team is pleased to introduce itself to the congregation. In May 2021, First Unitarian voted to include The 8th Principle in its bylaws. Approximately half of the church’s members voted (460 votes cast) with 93% approval to adopt it.
The Transformation Team is charged with supporting First Unitarian in living to the commitments of The 8th Principle. Its members are Cynthia Casas, Cindy Cumfer, Mai Fee, Jody Feldman, Julie Grice, Ethel Gullette, Cindy McEnroe, Kalissa Scopes, and Ellen Zacny, and it is staffed by Dana Buhl, Director of Social Justice.
In the spring of 2022, the Transformation Team was formed, and it began meeting in the fall of 2023. It explores how it can be helpful in the process of dismantling racism and other oppressions while moving our congregation ever closer to fully realizing the goal of being a multicultural, welcoming Beloved Community. The team will give periodic updates to the congregation as it continues to define how it can best be a resource to the whole congregation.
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Check Out the Beacon Bookstore in Fuller Hall During 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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LAST CHANCE — Empowering Change: Alliance Grants Recommendation Requests
From the Alliance
Only Alliance members are eligible to submit nominations.
The deadline for submissions is January 22.
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Keeping with our long-held tradition, the Alliance will again use holiday sales proceeds and individual contributions to make small grants to not-for-profit organizations supporting our mission.
Each year, the Alliance donates thousands to community groups serving women, children, and marginalized communities, and the proceeds from the Holiday Sale all go toward new grants in 2024! Thanks to all of you, we have $12,000 to allocate this year!
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I have the privilege of offering the first letter from the Board of Trustees in 2024. Happy New Year!
My name is John Bishop (he/him). As I start this new year, I am mid-way through my second year of service on the Board. With this Church year, I began serving as the Board’s Secretary. I joined the Board in 2022 in the midst of big changes in our Church. We had just called a new Senior Minister, and the congregation had just begun to emerge from the pandemic. Changes have continued ever since. Fortunately, I have spent my entire career advising labor unions and non-profit organizations in my free time. These experiences have taught me well that change in human organizations is a given. The challenge is not so much how to prevent change but how to turn it into something constructive when it happens...continue reading.
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Sharing Our Hearts' Treasure
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There's still time to pledge! A heartfelt "THANK YOU!" to all who have already pledged for the 2024 calendar. And if you haven’t given yet, you can help us with these efforts by making your pledge before the holidays if at all possible. EVERYONE'S support is deeply appreciated.
Make an online pledge below or pick up a paper form at the Board's table at Fuller Hall during social hour.
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Beyond Boundaries: The Artistry of Sandra Rowe
Gallery Location: Fuller Hall
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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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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 Gullette, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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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.
THIS SUNDAY — Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD): We meet on the third Sunday of each month. From 12:15 – 1:45 in the Fireside.
THIS SUNDAY — First Connections: We meet once a month on the third Sunday for all new and returning folks! This is set up as a brown bag lunch. And it is a terrific way to meet new folks that are just coming into the community. 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.
"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.
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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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January Shared Plate
For January, we share our plate with Project Red. It is an initiative from the Alano Club of Portland dedicated to raising awareness around overdose prevention and increasing the availability of overdose prevention supplies and training. Project Red focuses on equipping bars, restaurants, strip clubs, entertainment venues, and community-based organizations with skills and supplies. We are grateful to Project Red for offering two training sessions here at First Unitarian this month.
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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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