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: Buchan Reception Hall after the service
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The Beloved Community Beckons
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Our Unitarian Universalist heritage calls us to remember that we come from one source and share the same destiny. Today, the destiny we say we are aiming for is the Beloved Community. This is part of our congregation's vision. It is also the language lifted up under the value of Justice – one of the six values in the proposed covenant for the wider Unitarian Universalist Association, of which we are a part. Let us respond to the call with our faith and our lives.
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NEWCOMERS WELCOME! — First Steps Orientation
Sunday, February 4 at Noon til 1:30 p.m.
Location:Â Channing Room A101
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| Get ready for a cozy gathering with bagels, coffee, and tea – our treat! Just a heads up, no formal tour this time around, but we'll kick off with a quick mingle with church leaders before diving into the class at 12:15 p.m.
Explore all things First Unitarian, and find your path to feeling right at home. Can't wait to meet you!Â
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EVERY FIRST SUNDAY! — Men's Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, February 4, from 9 - 10:15 a.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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| The Men's Community will host another pancake breakfast (back by popular demand!) This will be a regular monthly event on the first Sunday of each month.
We will have blueberry and plain pancakes (gluten and gluten-free) fresh off our griddle in the courtyard and dining tables in the Buchan.
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NEW! — Interested in Serving as a Lay Minister?
IN-PERSON: Sunday, February 11, Noon till 1 p.m. //
Location: B101
ONLINE: Tuesday, February 13, from 7 - 8 pm via Zoom
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Lay ministers play an important role in the pastoral care offered in our congregation. They work in partnership with the called ministers of the church to companion congregants through difficult times including transitions, illnesses, and spiritual challenges. That support happens through one-on-one support as well as through small groups that lay ministers help to facilitate.
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GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE SEWELL LECTURE — Steve Phillips: Securing a Multiracial Democracy
Explore the vital mission of securing a multiracial democracy and ending white supremacy for good.
Tuesday, February 27
Doors 6 p.m. || Event 6:30 p.m. || Reception 8 p.m.
Location:Â First Unitarian Portland, Sanctuary (1211 SW Main St.)
From The Sewell Social Justice Lecture
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Following his talk, Steve will be joined by Oregon organizers Reyna Lopez of PCUN and Elona J. Wilson of Next UP to explore how liberation is being won in Oregon. Meet the speakers and join us for the reception after the event!
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NEW! — Successful Narcan Training Recap
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We are thrilled to report the success of our recent training session, led by Ellen Wirshup from Project Red on Sunday, January 28. The turnout was fantastic, and the feedback received was overwhelmingly positive. We plan to organize additional training sessions for the congregation as needed.
As promised, we are sharing a valuable resource mentioned by Ellen. You can access Narcan at no cost through Next Distro. While Ellen currently doesn't have any public training sessions scheduled, you can stay connected with her through Project RED.
By learning together, we strengthen our community's knowledge and become more inclusive and welcoming to neighbors in all their diverse forms.
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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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RESCHEDULED — Beyond Ceasefire: The Current Landscape and Future Horizon for Palestine and Israel
Monday, February 12, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location:Â First Unitarian Portland, Eliot Chapel
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| Dr. Mark Braverman is an author, speaker, and activist for Palestinian rights. Braverman is an American Jew raised with a strong attachment to Israel. He has come to understand the terrible costs of the Zionist project for the Palestinians and for the Jewish people.
Learn about:
- The context for October 7th: Jewish history, Zionism, and Palestinian resistance
- The furor over antisemitism
- The history of church struggles and why the churches matter today
- What’s next? Return to the status quo or a new future from the river to the sea?
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ONLINE WEBINAR — Palestine Teach-In for Health Equity
Tuesday, February 13, at 6 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom
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| Arab Healthcare Workers and Friends, in collaboration with First Unitarian Portland, invite you to a unique and insightful webinar focusing on health equity in Palestine.
SPEAKERS
This engaging event will shed light on the healthcare challenges faced by the Palestinian community and discuss ways to promote health equity.Â
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FILM — Advancing Racial Justice Action Group Presents…Stranger At The Gate: A Story Of Grace, Transformation, and HopeÂ
IN PERSON: Sunday, February 18, 12:15 p.m. (Snack and Social Time) || Film & Discussion 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland, Buchan Reception Hall
ONLINE: Tuesday, February 20 || Film & Discussion 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom (RSVP for the link)
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| A 2023 Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary Short Film, “Stranger at the Gate” is based on a true story. An Afghan refugee named Bibi Bahrami – and the members of her little Indiana mosque – come face to face with a U.S. Marine who has secret plans to bomb their community center. But Mac McKinney's plan takes an unexpected turn. This film, directed by Joshua Seftel, is a story of grace, transformation, and hope.
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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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ALLIANCE PRESENTS...Mary Flower: Stories from a Professional Touring Musician
Wednesday, February 7, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon
Location:Â Eliot Chapel and via Livestream
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Mary will present a captivating session, delving into songs and stories accumulated over her six-plus decades as a seasoned touring musician and educator. The discussion will revolve around the nuances of style and technique, specifically focusing on her expertise in finger-picked guitar and lap slide guitar.
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NEW! — Comprehensive Mental Health First Aid Workshops: Building a Supportive Community
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This two-part workshop aims to equip individuals with valuable skills to assist those going through challenging times. Open to ushers, greeters, hospitality volunteers, and all congregants interested in making a positive impact.
Part One – Building Foundations (via Zoom)
Wednesday, February 21, at 7 - 9:30 p.m.
- Explore often-overlooked factors influencing mental health.
- Enhance your ability to identify and support individuals facing mental health challenges within the congregation and beyond.
- Delve into the impacts of trauma and toxic stress on the brain.
- Discover how each person can make a meaningful difference.
Part Two – Mental Health Matters (In-person)
Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Engage in discussions about culture and mental health.
- Learn effective approaches for working with unhoused individuals experiencing chronic conditions and practicing harm reduction.
- Gain insights into working with those who have experienced trauma.
- Participate in group practice time to reinforce learning.
Attendance is required for both sessions. These workshops benefit church volunteers and impart skills that can be applied in personal lives and interactions with friends and family. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to the well-being of our community!
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Learning Community E-News — Exploring Justice Through Art & Wonder
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation & Family Ministries
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Our church theme this month is Justice, one of those sprawling topics that shows up for each of us in different ways every moment of life, not only but absolutely in our relationships with our young people.
Seattle artist and illustrator Madeleine Jubilee Saito is known for her poetic comics about climate change and the sacred. She publishes a free monthly comic from which I often draw much personal inspiration. I showed this recent piece of hers to my friend’s daughter, which led to a conversation about how beauty and noticing are ways we can honor the fair and true in an unjust world. Maybe it will spark some meaning for you and your family...continue reading.
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DONATION OPPORTUNITY — Donate Clothing for our Unhoused Guests
Drop-off: Fuller Hall (right of the kitchen door)
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The 13 Salmon Shower Project launched on Wednesday, January 24! Thank you to all who have helped us get off the ground by volunteering and donating to our efforts. We are now seeking clothing donations for our unhoused guests.
We are collecting new or gently used T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, jeans, coats, hats, socks, and packages of new men's large and medium boxer shorts. Â
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Support of Palestinian Human Rights
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For many years, I have been concerned that the social justice concerns of UUs have been largely limited to domestic issues. These issues are of great importance, but so are issues outside our borders, such as war and peace and the US drive for hegemony. Over half of the discretionary budget that we pay for with our taxes goes for war, leaving relatively little for social goods here at home.
Recently, however, and particularly since the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, the UUA and many UU organizations have spoken out against the near-genocidal war that Israel has waged against the people of Gaza. Below is a list of these actions that different UU groups have taken...continue reading.
To highlight a few:
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Antiracism Learning Circles - Winter/Spring 2024 Registration Are Open
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Learning Circles offer a transformative experience in small, intimate cohorts discussing a selected book or podcast. Participants gain crucial insights into white supremacy, racism, and our nation's history, fostering trust and engaging in profound group discussions. This safe space encourages tackling challenging topics and building meaningful relationships, providing connection, focus, and purpose in a dynamic virtual environment for shared learning and growth.
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This Winter and Spring 2024 Offerings
- 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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In the Community
Robert Peter Fasulo, father of member Jim Fasulo, died peacefully on January 10 at the age of 94. Jim says he was a dedicated husband, father, longtime public servant, and devoted Catholic. Robert lived a full and vibrant life, consistently serving others. Jim and his wife, Nancy, welcome your thoughts and prayers.
Member Steve Kelley, along with his sisters Ann and Debbie, are mourning the loss of their mother, Hazel, who died on January 22, three weeks shy of her 98th birthday. Hazel lived in the family home in Bellevue, Washington, for 75 years before moving into a group home last April. She will be remembered for her many paintings, love of clams and watermelon, humor towards the end of her life, her strength and perseverance.
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Check Out our "Mini" Beacon Bookstore in Buchan Reception Hall During this Sunday's 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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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...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
Sunday, February 4 || Artist Talk after the service
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.Â
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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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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.
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! 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:Â 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:Â 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 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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February Shared PlateÂ
This church year, First Unitarian shares our plate offering with organizations dedicated to uplifting the care and dignity of people experiencing homelessness.
Founded in 1999, Street Roots publishes a weekly social justice newspaper sold by people experiencing homelessness and poverty to earn an income. Each week, about 200 Street Roots vendors purchase copies of the newspaper for 25 cents each, then sell them on the streets of Portland for $1, keeping the profits. More than 800 vendors sell the newspaper during the course of a year. Some Street Roots vendors become ambassadors who are paid to do additional work, including public health outreach, surveys, and training. Based on these work experiences, Street Roots links ambassadors with community partners for new jobs.
Streets Roots advocates for systemic change by drawing on the expertise of vendors who experience homelessness and poverty and the editorial department's investigations.
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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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