Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Children & Youth Summer Session 10:15 a.m.
Childcare is available during our worship service for children 6 months to 3 years old, as well as RE from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
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Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, "In a relationship, we are nourishment for each other. So we have to select the kind of food we offer the other person, the kind of food that can help our relationships thrive." How we communicate with one another nurtures our relationships in the directions of understanding or misunderstanding, connection or disconnection, healing or harm. Communication impacts every aspect of our lives – family, school, work, neighborhood, church, country, and world. Let us reflect on moving towards greater restoration and healing through how we practice communication.
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Minister's ColumnSpiritual Practices for Self-Reflection
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This past Sunday, I preached about ways we can practice healthy self-reflection. On the surface it may seem like a simple concept, but I know many people, myself included, who struggle to find the right balance. How can I look back on my actions and decisions with both honesty and compassion? How can I take accountability for mistakes I’ve made without convincing myself I am an inherently bad person for making them? How can I keep from overthinking every decision?...continue reading
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SAVE THE DATE — Join a Listening Circle Led by Lay Ministry and the Board of Trustees
Sundays, August 25 or September 8, 11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
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| We are living in challenging times with recent changes in the leadership of our music program here at the church and with the range of emotions that have come with that change.
In the spirit of wanting to create spaces for us to come together as a community, you are invited to join a Listening Circle on August 25 or September 8 from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. To join, please assemble in Eliot Chapel by 11:45 a.m on either date. Space is limited on a first-come and first-serve basis.
These will be one-time gatherings and will be facilitated by members of our Lay Ministry Team and Board of Trustees.
The Listening groups will provide a safe space for people to reflect on the changes and the impact of those changes. Confidential notes will be made of general themes of the circle and any questions you have. You will receive responses to questions within 3 weeks. Â
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NEXT WEEK — Join Us to Boost UU the Vote!
Sunday, August 25, 12 - 2 p.m.
Hybrid: Buchan Reception Hall and online (from 12 - 1 p.m.)
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Join First Unitarian Portland on Sunday, August 25, at noon to boost our UU the Vote efforts into high gear. We’ll be joined online by leaders from the UU the Vote campaign and from the Arizona justice network. We'll hear about the Right to Abortion Initiative and what else is at stake in Arizona and practical ways to put our values into action to help turn out voters on November 5th.
We’ll give a boost to our letter-writing project (we’re well over halfway to our 10,000-letter goal), learn about phone banking (more fun than you think), and (drumroll please) sign up to head to Pheonix with our team to door-knock in October to turn out voters.Â
Whether you want to write letters with us in-person or learn how you can jump into election action, we would love to have your fellowship and help!
IN PERSON: Join us from 12 - 2 p.m. in First Unitarian's Buchan Reception Hall (1226 SW Salmon St.). After our program, we'll write letters to voters. Please bring a blue pen, 20 letter-sized envelopes and 20 first-class stamps. If you can't bring them, we gratefully accept donations to help us cover stamps and envelopes.
ONLINE: Our Zoom webinar will be from 12 - 1 p.m. Please register here.
Questions? Contact UU the Vote.
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NEW! — Change to Front Steps Submission Deadline
Communications Team
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The deadline for Front Steps submissions has been moved to Tuesdays at 5 p.m. This gives us time to edit and organize the newsletter effectively. Submissions received after the deadline will be included in the following week’s edition.
If your submission is urgent and couldn’t be sent before the deadline, please include "URGENT" in the subject line so we can address it promptly.
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NEW! — Music Ministry Transition Team Update
Music Ministry Transition Team
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The Music Ministry Transition Team continues its work. We have received a number of applications for the Acting/Interim Director of Music position. We are currently reviewing those applications and plan to begin initial interviews this month. Here is the job description for the position.
Thank you to the congregants who have written to us and offered suggestions for the process. As we begin doing initial interviews, we’d like to hear from you: Are there particular things we should be considering at this step in the process? Are there particular questions we should be asking of candidates?
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NEW! — Annual Q&A Sermon Coming Up...
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Sunday, August 25 is the annual Question Box Service. This 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.
Please drop your question in the Question Box outside of the sanctuary or email them to Q.and.A@firstunitarianportland.org by Thursday, August 22. Volunteers will go through them, make selections, and send the questions for Sunday morning.  (The ones that aren't selected will offer fodder over the year for future columns and sermons.)
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NEW! — Join the Journey: Become a Voting Member!
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| We invite you to join us on a meaningful journey as we work together to fulfill our church’s mission. Our members and friends are the heartbeat of our community, contributing their time, talents, ideas, and resources to create a vibrant and supportive environment.
Click here to learn about requirements, the path to membership, and our First Steps membership orientation class.
Join us in this journey of growth, connection, and community. Together, we can make a lasting impact!
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Share Your Garden!
Every Sunday after the service
Location: Fuller Hall
First Share, First Unitarian Portland
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Do you have a flourishing garden brimming with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs? Share your garden’s bounty with our community by bringing it on Sundays to the First Share table in Fuller Hall during Social Hour.
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Young Adult Weekly Meetups All Summer!
Next Meeting: Sunday, August 18, immediately after the service
Location:Â Channing, A101
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Expect fun social events, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities to connect.Â
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Love to Sing? Summer Choir is for YOU!
Arrive at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday
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Our summer vocal choir is open to anyone who would like to participate weekly. If interested, simply show up to the sanctuary on the Sunday mornings of your choice. Music will be provided when you arrive, and we'll all learn together for the 10:15 a.m. service.
No experience or ongoing commitment necessary.
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UPDATE — Join for Some "Good Clean Fun"!
Friday, August 23, 8:45 - 11 a.m.
Location:Â Fuller Hall
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As we kick off our fall church schedule, we invite all congregants and visitors to help create a warm and inviting environment. On Friday, August 23, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., volunteers are needed for simple cleaning tasks, along with opportunities to chat and enjoy refreshments.
Please confirm your participation with Jen Thomas or Marti Yoder. Arrive at Fuller Hall by 8:45 AM for coffee, cleaning supplies, and details on assigned areas. If you have favorite gloves or small pails for carrying water or supplies, feel free to bring them; all other materials will be provided. Our sextons have already begun the cleaning process by tackling carpet and upholstery stains and will continue with vacuuming. We aim to gather a crew of 10-12 volunteers to make the experience both efficient and enjoyable.
It's time to invite everyone inside to experience refreshing worship and music. Let's come together to prepare for a wonderful Homecoming Sunday!
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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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CHECK WEEKLY — Summertime Fun Poll Results
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The results are in on our latest summertime fun poll, "What is your favorite Mary Oliver poem?"
The winner was "Wild Geese" from her 2004 poetry book of the same title.
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves...continue reading
Come to the Narthex to participate in our polls each Sunday through August.
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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. We urgently need cases of water to continue providing for our guests.
We also need:
- Sports bras (sizes M & L)
- Little packets of tissues
- Deodorant
- Mini flashlights & batteries
- Wet/personal hygiene wipes
Your donations will make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your support!
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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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Summer 2024 Activities at First Unitarian
Summer Spiritual Vibes: Rest, Reflect, Renew
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Summer’s slower pace is an opportunity for us to gather in community, have a little fun, and refresh our spirits! I invite you to lean into our summer church theme, “Rest, Reflect, Renew,” with these low-commitment, laid-back offerings. Join us at one that sparks your interest, or come to all of them.
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Drop-In Brown Bag Discussion
Bring your lunch and join summer minister Danielle Garrett from 12 - 1:30 p.m. in the Buchan Reception Hall for informal conversation and community building.
- August 21: All We Kindred Pilgrim Souls—Talk about pilgrimage experiences and spiritual travel.
Summer Vespers Schedule
Vespers services are on break until September 6.
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SAVE THE DATE — All-church PicnicÂ
Saturday, September 14, 12 - 4 p.m.
Wilshire Park:Â 4116 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97212
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| This year's theme is "Join the Journey," and we invite everyone to come together for a day of fun, fellowship, and community.
We ask each family to bring their own picnic lunch and a dessert to share with others. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow church members and enjoy a delightful meal outdoors.Â
To make this picnic a success, we need volunteers to help organize and implement various activities throughout the day. Whether you can assist with setting up, leading games, or helping with clean-up, your support will make a significant difference. If you're interested in volunteering, please reach out to Jen Thomas and she will put you in touch with organizers.
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I send you each care and greetings as we launch into August. I hope you will take a moment to read this tiny issue of our e-newsletter, within which you will find information about August RE for all ages, program year registration (it's time! you can register!), and a special ritual on August 25.
I look forward to being back in the swing of things next month, and I hope that includes getting to see many of your faces.Â
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| THIS SATURDAY — CARD Summer Retreat
Saturday, August 17, starting at 10 a.m.
Location:Â Contact Marni.
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Attend all or part of the day-long retreat which will include a potluck brunch, viewing of the documentary The Janes (2022) about abortion access pre-Roe, and Get-Out-The-Vote rock painting.
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NEW! — A Big Thank You From IJAG and Western Farm Worker Families
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We are very grateful to all who donated to this year’s school supplies drive. We donated 10 good quality, long-lasting backpacks to high school students to use for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond! Many thanks!
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Support LiftUp This Summer
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We are supporting LiftUp throughout the summer, from June 16 to Labor Day. Please place in the COHHO bins in Fuller Hall by the kitchen any of the following most needed food items: brown rice, whole grain pasta, shelf-stable milk, canned protein (tuna, chicken, salmon), nut butter, any low sodium broths, canned veggies, and sauces.
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In the Community
Member Sarah Vandehey shares that her dad, Tom, died recently at the age of 81 after being on hospice for over a year. Tom was a proud & loving father to his 3 daughters. Sarah welcomes you holding her and her family in your tender thoughts. She also gladly accepts consensual hugs or a pat on the shoulder.
Member Chris Gates' brother Richard died in an accident in rural Arkansas on August 6 doing what he loved, riding on his motorcycle with the wind in his hair. He is survived by his wife, Daisy; brother, Chris; and sister, Lisa. He was a rock in the family and loved living in the country. And an update on Chris: He is still recovering well from last month's surgery, and appreciates all the love and support from this congregation.
We hold our receptionist and executive team assistant, John Rosette, in our hearts. John’s brother, Michael Eugene Rosette, died on August 6 at the age of 61 after living with colon cancer. John was by his brother’s side when he died, along with their sister Kathy; Michael’s wife, Mackenzie; and his children, Kaden and Allie. We send our love and care to John and his family.
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Letter from the Board Moderator – August 2024
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A “cool down” in the summer heat is welcome, although it looks like we're entering another hot spell. The Board has welcomed newly elected Trustees Linda Craig, Bob Bonner, Harriet Shaklee, and David Livermore. Thank you to the outgoing members for their service: Theo Harper, Mindy Clark, Andy Wilson, and Barbara Morrison. We learned much from you and look forward to your ongoing church participation and leadership.
Many parts of our lives at First Unitarian Portland reflect the culture and feelings of the city, the state, and the United States. We have worship, social justice, religious education, poetry, labyrinth, art, and history. The Board of Trustees focuses on policy, church funds, and the general well-being of our congregation...continue reading.
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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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Summer Art Wall Exhibitions Art Wall
Tapestries by Stephen Karakashian
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This summer, enjoy the art of The Art Wall Committee Members in Fuller Hall. Also, check out the tapestries of artist Stephen Karakashian in the church Narthex.
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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.
SUMMER BREAK — Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD): We meet on the third Sunday of each month from 12:15 to 1:45 in Fireside. Contact Marni for summer activities.
AUGUST MEETING CANCELED — First Connections: We meet monthly on the third Sunday for all new and returning folks! And it is a terrific way to meet new folks just coming into the community. Bring a brown bag lunch. Questions? Email Pat.
Vespers will be on break on August 15, 23, and 30. It will resume on September 6.Â
SUMMER BREAK — Good Times: Movie Group Sunday movie meetups at members' homes to discuss current films in theaters or streaming. Contact Christine for details and to join our group email list.
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.
EVERY SUNDAY — UU the Vote: Join Us For Community and Letter WritingÂ
The blue tablecloth will be available every Sunday until October. Letters can be dropped off and picked up at the church office.
Letter Writing Schedule:
Women's Circle II:Â Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
EVERY SUNDAY — Young Adult Summer Meetup! Every Sunday at 12:15 p.m., the meeting room may vary. Expect fun social events, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities to connect. Questions? Contact Caroline.
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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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| Livestream Schedule
Friday Vespers – 5 - 5:40 p.m.
via Zoom (ON BREAK until September 6)
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The last two weeks in August, we share our plate with UU the Vote, a bold initiative created by the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Side With Love team. UU the Vote provides resources to bring our democratic values to life in the crucial struggle to build a genuine multiracial democracy. It empowers UUs to get involved in voter registration, issue education, get-out-the-vote drives, voter protection, state leadership development, and more. First Unitarian has been actively involved in UU the Vote campaigns since 2022, and we're grateful for their support.
Check out UU the Vote's event on Sunday, August 25, from 12 to 2 p.m. Find more information under our Featured News.
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