Join us for Worship
Live Stream Only //Â Sunday, February 27, 2022
Family Service 10 a.m. // Sanctuary Service 11 a.m.
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Disagree in Love
Live Stream Only
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To “disagree in love,” as Universalist Hosea Ballou preached, is not a contradiction in terms, but a description of one of the challenges of accountability. Love holds us in relationships where presence and honesty are the goals, relationships strong enough to allow us to both witness and grow.
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Family WorshipÂ
Kindness is My Superpower
Live Stream Only
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Tom will share a story by Alicia Ortego entitled “Kindness is My Superpower,” Dustin will lead our music, and Carter will offer a meditation.
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Staying Connected Blog
Re-Gathering, One More Time
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Like most of you, we have been tracking the sharp reduction in the number of Covid infections, hoping that trend continues and that soon First Unitarian could welcome folx back into the sanctuary and classrooms again.
The Exec. Team met with our Public Health Advisory Team late last week to review the data and determine if we could look ahead and set a date for re-opening.
The Advisory Team agreed that it was safe to set a date.
First Unitarian will open, once again, for in person worship and RE classes on March 13..continued.
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NEW! - Introducing Third Act
Sunday, February 27, 9 - 10 a.m.
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All are welcome to join the CFE’s fourth Sunday program. This week’s offering is an introduction to Third Act, a new non-profit advocacy group focused on climate justice and democracy advocacy with a strong alignment with many UU activities.
Join us for reflection and discussion as we take up these big picture questions and the particular roles for wisdom carrier seniors in concert with younger generations.
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How to Support Refugees in Oregon
THIS SUNDAY - February 27, 2 - 3 p.m.
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Guest Speaker Anthony Pinchuk, Refugee Resettlement Program Supervisor of Lutheran Community Services NW (LCSNW), will talk about the history of LCSNW and its current services, the current situation for refugees in Oregon, and what types of support refugees in Oregon currently need.
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NEW! - Reflection, Social Justice & FamilyWednesday, March 2, 10:30 a.m.
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The upcoming Alliance program speaker, Ethan Thrower, School Social Worker, Parent, Author, and someone once incarcerated has strong ties to First Unitarian.
This program offers us all a chance to benefit from the meaning he takes from his life experience.
If you are not a member, email us for a link.
 Â
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NEW! - Matins for Lent:Â An Uplifting Start to Your Week
Mondays, March 7 - April 11, 8 - 8:30 a.m.Â
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The season of Lent is traditionally a time for renewal and self-reflection. The Lenten metaphors are universal and can speak to UUs, just as Easter might.Â
Join us on Monday mornings for thirty minutes filled with music, inspirational readings, and prayer. Together, we will provide comfort and peace in worshipful community that will serve as an uplifting start to the week.
An ongoing commitment is not required.Â
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NEW! - Survival Lessons: Reclaiming Your Life After Loss
Starts Saturday, April 2, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.Â
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When we’ve lost someone we love through death or divorce, we are changed.
This four-session class will focus on telling our stories and identifying ways to experience healing and transformation. Using group discussion and educational support, participants will explore attitudes toward grief, understanding the grief process, coping and expectations, identifying resources, and finding a spiritual path to healing. Registration is limited to 8 people.
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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Social Justice Monthly Community Gather-In
SAVE THE DATE! - Sunday, March 6, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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This monthly gathering is for ALL community members concerned and or engaged with issues of justice, whether or not you are part of a church action group. Join us for readings, music, reflection and time to get to know one another.
From the Social Justice Leadership Team:Â Â Rev. Abigail, Caitlynn Hill , Intern Minister Carter Smith, Dana Buhl, Leslie Pohl-Kosbau, Nikki Beezley and Sue Palmiter.
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Liz &Â Bobby Fouther in Central Albina: Then &Â NowÂ
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REGISTER! - Soulwork: Beyond the Typical Report
A Living Family’s Story from the Emanuel Hospital Displacement
Monday, March 7, 6:30 p.m.
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Please join us for this engaging interactive event, to witness and learn from the Fouther Family.Â
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NEW! - Heart Space: Spiritual Small Groups
Two Groups: Starting Sunday, March 13 & Thursday, March 17
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Join together in an intimate, small group setting where we will discuss spiritual themes like “resilience” and “generosity.”Â
Facilitated by Lay Ministers, this will be a time for connection, reflection, and grounding amidst the challenges of our world today.
Spaces are limited. Advance registration is required.Â
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Community Conscious Policing: My Bloodline & Life's Work
NEW EVENT! - Sunday, March 13, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
A virtual event with Brandon Lee, M.A.T.Â
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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REMINDER! -Â Vesper Prayer Service
Fridays at 5 p.m.
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End your week with a brief quiet time of prayer, reflection, meditation and music offered by our Lay Ministers. Let this be a pause at the end of the week, to receive and to be held in love, without the need to converse. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.Â
An ongoing commitment is not required.
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Loving Kindness MeditationMonday's at 8 p.m.
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Join us for a moment each week to extend Loving Kindness to yourself, to those around you and to the world. Surround yourself in the blessings from those who have loved you and those who love you now. With this Meditation, over time, one can cultivate feelings of happiness and dispel loneliness, while letting go of fear and anxiety. No previous meditation experience necessary. An ongoing commitment is not required.
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ACTION ITEM! - Protect Workers From Climate Crisis Â
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Rapidly accelerating changes in our climate are causing devastating and deadly wildfires, ice storms, and extreme heat across Oregon. As a result, Oregon workers are increasingly at risk of illness and death on the job.
This past summer, extreme heat killed at least three workers and increased the risk for countless others working in warehouses, restaurants, construction sites, and agricultural sites.
We must act now to provide more protection to Oregon’s frontline workers.Â
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NEW! - First Unitarian Should be a Blue Ribbon Congregation: Get involved with the UU@UN!Â
Join before March 31
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The Unitarian Universalist Association's Office at the United Nations is engaged in international advocacy work based on the UU value of promoting the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all, as reflected in the United Nations Charter. The UU@UN is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that has consultative status at the United Nations. It has a long history of providing strong leadership in all aspects of human rights.
Here at First Unitarian, the UU@UN works through the Peace Action Group. Our congregation has earned the UU@UN "Sixth Principle" Award (formerly known as the "Blue Ribbon Award") for several years in a row.
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NEW! - Art for Social JusticeThe Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and building the Beloved Community.Â
Curated by Ethel Gullette, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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Ella's Song: We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest | Resistance Revival Chorus | TEDxAsburyPark
The Resistance Revival Chorus perform "Ella’s Song: We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest Until it Comes," a tribute to Ella Josephine Baker, a community organizer and civil rights activist.  Written by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, and sung acapella, it is an anthem to the freedom fight and the bold commitment required to create a just world.
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In the Community
Member Lucille Beck died recently and we hold her family. Lucille was a part of our church for a number of years, especially involved in our Alliance. She was one of the people who led the effort to establish Tryon Creek State Park, a place that is now a refuge for many people.
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Although the days have remained cool and moist, they are getting noticeably longer. I’ve even felt a hint of warmth in a recent afternoon breeze. I and my fellow Board members are eager to restart meeting in person again. No firm date has been set for the restart of live Sunday services but, with the current decline in cases and the metrics used by our Executive Team and the church’s volunteer Public Health Team, it should be weeks, not months...continued.
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Naming First Unitarian Foundation in Your Will or Estate PlanHelp assure the long-term sustainability of this beloved congregation by including First Unitarian Portland in your will or estate plan.
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Having trouble viewing our services through the website?
Find our Live Streams on Boxcast, Youtube or on Facebook.
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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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| Sunday Live StreamÂ
& Social Schedule
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February Shared Plate For the month of February, we share our plate with the Black Food Sovereignty Coalition. BFSCÂ serves as a collaboration hub for Black and Brown communities to confront the systemic barriers to food, place and economic opportunities.Â
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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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