Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Care for nursery & toddlers is available during worship. Ages 3 through 6-ish are invited to play games and do crafts. Older children welcome in the service.
Social Hour:Â Fuller Hall after the service.
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This annual Question Box Service is a time for members, friends, and visitors to ask questions of Rev. Alison about faith in general, Unitarian Universalism in particular, our congregation, or whatever question is on your heart and mind.
Have a burning question? There's still time to email it to QandA@firstunitarianportland.org. Volunteers will go through them, make selections, and provide them to Rev. Alison Sunday morning. (The ones that aren’t selected will offer fodder over the year for future columns and sermons.)
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Shower Project Open House
Sunday, August 24, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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Curious about our 13 Salmon Shower Project that our congregation runs weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the lower level of the Buchan Building? Come to the Open House after church on Sunday, August 24, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Meet us in the Buchan Reception Hall for snacks and a brief movie about the Shower Project. We’ll then head downstairs to tour our shower, day room, and clothing closet, and experience the welcome our unhoused guests receive. The Open House is open to all - with stickers for the kids! The space is ADA accessible.
If you’d like to contribute items to the Shower Project, feel free to bring NEW men’s or women’s underwear (size M boxer briefs, sports bras, etc.) or USED clothes, shoes, and belts for the clothing closet.Â
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Summer Community Choir
Sundays through August 31, 8:45 a.m.
Location: Main Sanctuary
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Our summer choir is “come one, come all!”
If you’d like to sing, show up in the Main Sanctuary at 8:45 a.m. before the service on the Sunday/s of your choice to learn that day’s music.
No commitment required! Sing once, or every week, or anything in between — whatever fits for you.
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Share Your Garden Bounty
Sundays during social hour
Location: Fuller Hall
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Do you have a flourishing garden brimming with fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers? Share your garden’s bounty with our community on any Sunday by bringing it to the First Share table in Fuller Hall during social hour. All are welcome to enjoy the offerings—let's celebrate the season's abundance together.
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NEW! — Join Our Summer Read!
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There is still time to take part in our Summer Read:Â Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and their Families. Pick up a copy in our Bookstore located in Fuller Hall during social hour.
Join us for a discussion about the book on Sunday, September 7, following the service. The discussion will be led by Dr. Amy O and Aileen M. from our congregation.
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NEW! — Picnic Thank You!
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A big thank you to the Good Times committee for carrying out a stupendously successful picnic last Sunday at Peninsula Park! Over 120 folks showed up, and it was great to see people together sharing and playing and enjoying the afternoon. Please stop by the Good Times table during Social Hour to thank them for their organization and to see what other great things they are planning.
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NEW! — Thank You to the First U Cleaning Crew!
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We had a wonderful wedding in Eliot Chapel on August 16. Prior to that, a group of volunteers led by Marti Y. came to fine-tune and spruce up the Eliot Chapel. Thanks to the team that beautifies and helps to maintain our campus.
Left to right: Dave K., Barbara M., Ron Y., Eric T., Marti Y., Laurie L., and Bob B. Not pictured: Mary W. and Steve N.
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Community Circles (also known as Chalice Circles) are small, supportive groups where participants gather in a safe space to share, reflect, and build deeper connections. Circles provide a welcoming environment for meaningful conversation and spiritual growth, helping foster connection and a sense of belonging.
If you enjoy organizing groups and supporting others’ growth, we would love to hear from you! Facilitators play a vital role in maintaining a safe, inclusive atmosphere where participants can truly connect.
Are you interested in being a facilitator for Community Circles at First U PDX? Please email Jen Thomas and help strengthen our community, one circle at a time!
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NEW! — Join Us in Solidarity: Workers Over Billionaires!
Monday, September 1, noon - 4 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel steps (12th & Main)
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Join fellow congregants on Labor Day as we unite with communities all across the country to speak out against rising authoritarianism and the billionaire takeover. The Portland rally & march will be noon - 4 p.m. at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. For other Labor Day events around the Portland Metro area, visit maydaystrong.org.
When and where? We’ll meet at the church at noon and then we’ll walk and roll to the rally together to Waterfront Park. For details about the event, what to bring, and how to stay safe, see this guide.
And, visit the Democracy in Action Corner during Social Hour for information on other All-Church activities and simple actions you can take in support of our democracy. For details, see our flyer.
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Speaking of Democracy Series
Tuesday, August 26, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
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Meet with other UUs via Zoom to discuss actions we can take to defend democracy. This, our final session, focuses on Advocacy, and offers space to share experiences and dive into a timely topic.
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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! — The Alliance Presents "Weaving Together Through Storytelling"
Wednesday, September 3, 10:30 a.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
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Kelly Clendenon will show and discuss "Helpers," a new documentary that weaves his story of recovering from addiction and incarceration with the inspiring work of the 13 Salmon Shower Project. His film addresses the twin crises of fentanyl addiction and homelessness. Told through the lens of Kelly's personal journey and people working on the front lines in Portland.
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NEW! — In the Bookstore
Location: Fuller Hall
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Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families is the UUA "Everybody Reads" book for 2025. Peggy Gillespie’s interviews with 35 families are based on an exhibit of photos and stories originally created for Family Diversity Project. Published in 2023 by the UUA’s own Skinner House Press, it was created in collaboration with PFLAG National, The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund, and Family Diversity Project. Our Beacon Bookstore has sold this book throughout the summer and still has a number of copies. It will be used as the basis for an upcoming First U PDX program. In these very difficult times for our trans children and siblings, we owe it to them and to ourselves to be as educated as possible. The Bookstore stocks a number of LGBTQIA+ focused books – for children, youth, and adults.
Hectic, busy days – getting ready for the end of summer and the beginning of the new school year -- call for some quiet bits of time to read and think. The Bookstore carries many meditation and contemplation books. You’ll find several books of daily short readings – a great way to start or end the day.
Are you ready for a few new bedtime picture books to read to your little one? While they may want the same story over and over and over to the point where they (and you) have it memorized, it’s a nice time to find something fresh. We have dozens of great picture books. A new one in our store is Blue Boat Home, based on one of our favorite hymns. Many of our picture books are part of the Banned Books display in the store – for reasons that may (or may not) surprise you. A Note: I Am Jazz is one of the banned children’s books in our display. It’s about a real little girl who grows up to be one of the adults in Authentic Selves.
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MONTHLY UPDATES — August Newsletter
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and Family Ministries
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Our Learning Community Newsletter is published monthly in June, July, and August.
Dear Learning Community,
Forgive me for rudely busting into your summer but did you know it will soon be fall?!
Don’t let me rush you but please mosey on over to our website and check out our newly available program year information, including a general welcome, program descriptions, and registration. We kick everything off on September 7, so be sure to save that date.
In the meantime, relax. Fall is still just barely on the horizon. I hope you’ll join us for a picnic celebration of all things summer on August 17. Details on the picnic, upcoming year, summer RE, and more can be found below. Come September, this email will be weekly...MORE
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SAVE THE DATE — Labor Day Caravan to NW Detention Center in Tacoma
Monday, September 1
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IJAG (Immigrant Justice Action Group) will coordinate with other organizations to caravan to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, WA, to protest the policies of abduction and detention. We will need to carpool. If you are interested, email us to join the IJAG mailing list and receive more information. The Caravan is at the conclusion of the International Migrants Alliance Political Conference, for which registration is open here.
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THANK YOU, FIRST U!
Your generous donations enabled the delivery of 34 backpacks to Western Farmworkers on Sunday for their school supply drive on August 16–and we have the promise of two more backpacks!
These are good, sturdy backpacks that should last students for several years. IJAG and Western Farmworkers are most grateful to you all.
We’ve been able to identify all our donors except one! If you were the person who brought a celestially-patterned JanSport backpack, would you let us know? We’d like to thank you personally! Email Laurie L. here.
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Hunger Isn't On Vacation... Join Our Summer Food Drive!
Location: Fuller Hall
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The cost of housing, food and other living expenses continues to rise in the Portland area. Some people are forced to choose between paying rent and buying food. So they skimp on meals and go hungry, but at least have a place to live.
How can we help? By continuing to shop for them as well as for ourselves when we're at the grocery store. Please purchase whole grain pasta; brown rice; low-sodium broths, veggies and sauces; canned tuna, salmon or meat; nut butters, and/or shelf-stable milks. Then drop off the items in the COHHO bins located in Fuller Hall by the kitchen. Every two weeks we will gather your donations and deliver them to Lift UP’s warehouse. Or, you can make a financial donation directly to Lift UP. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated. 💖
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In the Community
We have a joyful milestone to share: Last Saturday (Aug. 16), Steve Chamberlin and Lucy Allison were married in our Eliot Chapel. We wish them a hearty congratulations. It was a blessing to celebrate their union.Â
A milestone connected to health: Milena Weller is recovering from surgery last week. Let us all hold her in our prayers for lessening pain and continued healing.
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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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July/August Church Member Art Wall Exhibition
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Leslie P.K. is showing etchings, Sam M. is showing photographs, and Connie C. is showing watercolors this month. Come down to Fuller Hall and see what the committee members have been working on this year.
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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| During the summer, some groups and activities have paused, returning when the new church program year begins in September. Check out our Summer Program Guide on our website to learn more.
For information about which groups are meeting over the summer, please visit our Community Groups & Activities page and contact the specific group in which you are interested.
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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 email us 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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| Livestream Schedule
Monday Loving Kindness Meditation – 8 - 8:30 p.m. via Zoom (resumes Sept. 8)
Friday Vespers – 5 - 5:40 p.m. via Zoom (resumes Sept. 5)
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| This Week's Shower Project Requests
Each week we offer unhoused neighbors a secure space to shower, enjoy a meal, get clean clothing, and experience refuge from conditions on the street. We are always looking for more volunteers to make this possible. Volunteers sign up for 2-hour shifts that work for their schedule - and enjoy meeting other congregants this way. If you're interested, please click here.Â
Your donations make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. We are in special need of the following items:
- Men's jeans/pants/sweats (32 - 36)
- Hoodies, sweatshirts
- Boxer briefs - NEW (M, L)
- Women's underwear - NEW (S, M)
- Flashlights
- Camping gear
- Backpacks
- Direct monetary donations
Drop off your items in the marked cabinet in Fuller Hall during church hours or during Shower Project hours (Wednesdays and Thursdays between noon and 4 p.m.)
Thank you for your support!
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| August 24's
Shared Plate
This week, we share our plate with Transgender Religious Professional UUs Together (TRUUsT). TRUUsT is an organization of trans Unitarian Universalists who are living out a call to ministry within Unitarian Universalism. Its mission is to advocate for trans religious professionals' gifts, safety, liberation, and leadership in Unitarian Universalist ministries and institutions. We encompass many genders, races, ethnicities, abilities, classes, ages, and sexualities. We are diverse in terms of spiritual belief, practice, and ministry, and we understand our work for liberation as intimately tied to all efforts to dismantle oppression within Unitarian Universalism and our wider world.
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| Want to know what this church has to offer? Visit our Calendar by clicking above to see our list of events/classes/socials!
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