Solstice Service
Rev. Bill Sinkford and Intern Minister Mira Mickiewicz
Friday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.
Winter Solstice is a time of darkness moving toward light. What can we learn from this time of rest, renewal, and looking forward? Join us for an interactive and embracing special service. Christmas Pageant
Sunday, Dec. 23
One Service Only! – 11:15 a.m.
Be sure to join us for this wonderful and joyous service put on by the children of our congregation. Originally presented in 1924 in honor of the first Christmas in our then-new church on the corner of SW 12th Ave. and Salmon, this pageant in its various iterations has been an annual tradition here at First Unitarian.
There will be a reception in Margaret Fuller Hall following the service. Everyone is invited to bring a savory or sweet treat to share. Drop off your item with a volunteer before the service in Fuller Hall. Thank you! Christmas Eve Services
Monday, Dec. 24
4 p.m., 8 p.m. & 10 p.m.
“Holders of the Flame”
We will celebrate our traditional Christmas Eve candlelight services, sing the carols of the season and, together, kindle hope to see us through the time of long darkness
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Bill's BlogForgiveness at First Meeting
It is the 475th anniversary of the death of Mevlana Jalaluddin al-Rumi. A Sufi mystic, Rumi is quoted as often in UU congregations as almost any other poet. “Come, Come, Whoever You Are” has become one of our most familiar hymns. What does it mean to sing “Come, Come, Whoever You Are” in a divided and divisive world?
I met with one of the Wellspring groups at the church yesterday. We spoke of many things, among them how to reconcile our first Principle, “the inherent worth and dignity of all persons,” with those in our world whose actions are hard to characterize as anything other than evil.
One participant, who draws inspiration from ...Continued
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SNOW? ICE? FREEZING RAIN?To learn if an event, class, or rehearsal has been canceled due to inclement weather, check the church website, Facebook page, or call the church office at 503-228-6389. During the week, evening closure decisions are made by 3:45 p.m. Decisions to cancel Sunday worship or to reduce the number of services are made by 7 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Remember, your good judgment is your best guide!
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Holiday Office Closure
The church office will be closed Dec. 24 and 25 and Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 for Christmas and New Year holidays.
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Poinsettias for the Sanctuary
Would you like to donate a beautiful 10" poinsettia for our sanctuary display in memory or in honor of a loved one? You can do so by writing a $16 check to First Unitarian Church and sending it to Zaida Cooper at the church office. Please include your name, the person you are memorializing or honoring, and the message you’d like included (such as "ln loving memory of my sister, Caroline Howe"). You are welcome to take the donated poinsettia home after the Jan. 6 services.
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Younger Adult Spiritual Circle and Holiday/New Year’s Potluck
Wednesday, Dec. 26 Join us for short worship and spiritual conversation (6:30–7:30 p.m.) around the theme of New Beginnings, then a potluck and celebration from 7:30–9 p.m. (or later!).
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Soul Box SundaySunday, Dec. 30 You are invited to join the Peace Action Group after the service to construct origami boxes, called Soul Boxes. This is part of a huge art project to raise awareness of the public health crisis of gun violence. We pledged to contribute 500 boxes each month through Jan. 31. Come to Daisy Bingham Hall to help us reach that goal!
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Sacred Song Circle
Every Wednesday, 5:45–6:30 p.m.
Join Intern Minister Mira for chants, rounds, harmonies, and sing-alongs from a variety of traditions, meeting in Channing. All are welcome!
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Sunday, Dec. 30, 1 p.m.
All are invited to the annual New Year's Vegan Holiday Potluck in the Buchan Reception Room. This would be a perfect time to make that new vegan recipe you discovered (no meat, dairy, eggs, or honey). Rumor has it that John and Cynthia Boelling will start the potluck off with a special musical performance.
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Seminary for a DayAre you yearning for greater depth in your spiritual life? Seminary for a Day will be returning on Jan. 26. This year’s presenter will be Rev. Sofia Betancourt, a Ph.D. Candidate at Yale University and Assistant Professor at Starr King School for the Ministry. Her work focuses on environmental ethics of liberation in a womanist and Latina feminist frame. In 2017, Rev. Sofia Betancourt served as UUA Interim Co-President alongside Rev. Bill Sinkford and Dr. Leon Spencer. Betancourt holds a B.S. from Cornell University with a concentration in ethnobotany, an M.A. and M.Phil from Yale University in religious ethics and African American studies, and an M.Div. from Starr King School for the Ministry.
Details: Sat, Jan. 26, 8:30-4:30 pm. Childcare is available upon request.
Registration is open: http://www.firstunitarianportland.org/registration
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Planned Parenthood Annual LuncheonFriday, Jan. 25, 11:30 a.m.
Portland Hilton Downtown This year’s event theme is “Dissent.” The keynote speaker, Irin Carmon, is co-author of Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Suggested donation: $150 per person. Reservations are required. Funds raised support Planned Parenthood’s mission in our area. To join a First Unitarian Church table at this event, contact Betsy Riddell (bet_ter@yahoo.com) or Judy Davis (jwdavis@hevanet.com).
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Women's Retreat:
Feb. 15–17, 2019
Practicing Balance, Discovering Presence Join professional facilitator Jules Williams, along with women of all ages and backgrounds, for a weekend of reflective activities, being in community, and peaceful time away exploring Menucha Retreat Center in the Columbia River Gorge. First Unitarian Portland’s Women’s community annual retreat is a longstanding tradition offering fellowship and spiritual growth. This year we will focus on Sabbath, your weekly ritual of making sacred space for renewal and connection that balances the rhythm of life and offers a Channing. sense of self. Inspired by an interfaith, personal approach to this universal tradition, a Sabbath practice will enrich your life no matter where you are on your spiritual path. Welcome to ALL identified women. Two nights, lodging and six meals are included with registration fee.
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Art WallDec. 16 –Jan. 27 Jean Gale uses water media to capture moments in everyday life and travel. Come down to Margaret Fuller Hall to enjoy the rich colors and textures of life that she presents.
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First U Congregation Artists!The Art Wall is featuring you, our congregants. during March 2019. Seize the opportunity to share your work with all of us. The show is open to any members of our congregation. Entry forms are available at the Art Wall table in Margaret Fuller Hall or on the Art Wall page on the Church website. We are accepting submission forms now, with a deadline of Sunday, Feb. 17,
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BookstoreThink books for the holidays. Your bookstore has a nice selection of holiday books and cards, and our regular great selection too! We’ve also got some great new meditation manuals. Don’t forget to get your Chinook books! Book and app combo–just $25; app alone–$15. See you at the bookstore.
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Speaking of Justice: Faith in Action
Climate Justice
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Emergency Winter Shelter
Once again we are glad to be hosting families for the Emergency Winter Shelter. Please bring diapers (all sizes), large cans of hearty soups, peanut butter, and tuna and leave in cupboards outside of the kitchen in Margaret Fuller Hall.
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COHHO Needs Kids' JacketsThe children at Lents Family Shelter and the Emergency Winter Shelter are in need of warm jackets, underwear, and socks, in all kids' sizes. As of this writing, there were only three jackets available, and it's getting cold. Please leave in Margaret Fuller Hall in cupboards to the left of the kitchen. Thank you, Donna R. webbed@msn.com
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Learning Community, Music & Arts, Social Justice
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Upcoming Teacher HolidaysDec. 23 and 30 are teacher holidays, and we will have childcare only for children three years and younger.
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Sunday Afternoon Childcare!Each Sunday afternoon, we'll be offering childcare, 15 minutes before an event, from 1–3 p.m. for group meetings and events happening after services. Please check in at the Eliot Center Info desk if you need care for children ages four months and older. Please note that when care is not requested by 1 p.m., staff will be released. Contact cscheffman@firstunitarianportland.org with questions.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Nominating CommitteeThe Nominating Committee seeks church members who want to help with the governance of this church. We develop a slate of candidates for the spring ballot for three-year terms on the Nominating Committee and the Board of Trustees. Candidates should represent the diversity of our congregation and bring varied talents. The Board of Trustees is the larger commitment, but we are told by people who have served that it is a rich experience in their spiritual life. For the Nominating Committee, we seek people who enjoy networking and who know other people in the church through their activities. Please let us know if you are interested or if you would like to recommend someone else. You may send an email message to nominatingcommittee@firstunitarianportland.org
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Soul Box Project News—HUGE Success So Far
The Peace Action Group is very pleased to report that our broader church community not only met our goal of creating 500 boxes per month, but our total count for November after adding in Sunday’s event was a whopping
1,405!
Thanks to every one of you who has been making boxes at home. That’s why we are able to contribute to the growing number of boxes being collected from all over the State of Oregon and beyond. Leslie Lee, the founder, and director of the project reported that 30,184 have already been received...ahead of projection! The first big installation to raise awareness of the ongoing public health crisis of gun violence will be Feb. 15—The Oregon State Capitol exhibit. This exhibit will represent the total number of deaths in our country in just this year! There will be a smaller version of the exhibit called a “Hall of Souls” at Cerimon House in the Alberta Arts district in January. Like any growing nonprofit group, the Soul Box Project needs contributions. If you want to lend your financial support, please visit soulboxproject.org, and click on “donate.” Meanwhile, keep making those boxes at home. Remember to use 8 1/2 X 8 1/2 inch paper, stuff them, and bring them to the Peace Action table Sundays, or drop them off at the church office during regular office hours. Then join us on Dec. 23 after services for Soul Box Sunday box folding in Daisy Bingham.
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Social Hour Helpers Needed Sunday Mornings
With two services continuing throughout the year, we need a few more beverage service helpers and subs on Sundays in Margaret Fuller Hall. Choose one Sunday each month, either 8–10:50 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m., with time to attend the service in between. Please contact Emily at 541-408-1516 or ewh1960@gmail.com. Training provided by experienced volunteers.
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| Seeking UshersUshers needed. Looking for a way to serve in our community? Consider being an usher one Sunday a month. You’ll be part of a team that is the welcoming face of the congregation. For information, see Dev Dion after services on Sunday or contact him at 1stuushers@gmail.com.
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Time-Limited Projects Await!While there are many opportunities for long-term commitments within our congregation, there are also myriad options for people desiring time-limited projects for a contribution of effort and energy. Questions? Marti Yoder at marti.yoder@gmail.com.
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| Seeking Sunday Welcoming Volunteers
If you like to greet people and make them feel welcome, this volunteer opportunity is for you: become a Welcome Desk or Newcomer Table host before or after a Sunday service.
This is a great way to connect with congregation members and newcomers. Contact Membership Chair Ed McClaran or call 971-279-2778.
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| Sunday Drivers Needed
Can you provide an occasional ride to Sunday services for a neighbor? Do you, or someone you know, need help getting to church?
Our First Unitarian Neighborhood Connections rideshare program helps match riders with drivers in Portland and Lake Oswego and is organized by ZIP code. To learn more, contact Leslie Comnes, 503-236-2963.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows Member Connie Battaile died peacefully on Dec. 11, after being diagnosed with stomach cancer in September. She was 82 years old and leaves two sons and two grandsons. Her family plans a memorial gathering in late January. Connie was involved in a number of ways in our church. She taught a class for a number of years in our adult program on how to make plans for the end of her life. Her family reports that her plans were in fact in good order when she died. We hold them in our thoughts. Member Leslie Black, who is now living temporarily in Cincinnati, asks for prayers for her 92-year-old father, Herb. who took a bad fall several days ago. He has gone from living independently to being bedridden in a hospital with several non-operable broken bones. We hold Herb and Leslie. Member Stephen Cross had a small stroke affecting his vision and balance on Dec. 10. He was hospitalized for two days and has returned home with a plan to receive out-patient therapy. He would welcome cards. Congregant Warren White is ill with the flu. He asks for our prayers for a speedy and full recovery. Member and Youth Advisor, Kate Coates, married her sweetheart, Tim Pham in Eliot Chapel on Dec. 15. The ceremony included friends and family from around the world. We wish them many happy years together.
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December Moderator's Letter
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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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Thank You!With immense gratitude, we thank everyone who donated to our homeless population at the Family Winter Shelter and the Lents Family Center..The gifts tags on our little tree were quickly dispersed, and we also received many gifts besides the tags. Our coat drive has also been very successful. Once again we're amazed at the generosity of our Church! Questions? Donna Richards, webbed@msn.com
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Sunday, Dec. 16 Attendance:1st Service: 230
2nd Service: 380 Musicians: 50
Total: 660
Livestream: 105
Grand Total: 765
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Interested in Joining a Women’s Circle?Women's Circle II is welcoming new members. All women are welcome on the second and fourth Monday evenings in the Channing Room from 7–8:30 p.m. Contact Kim Streuli, 503-869-1486, and/or streulik@gmail.com.
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Attention LiveStream Viewers
Do you regularly watch First Unitarian’s Sunday services in real time on Sunday mornings? Are you adept at sending and receiving text messages?
Our Sunday morning sound and video technicians could use help from a couple of techy types out in cyberland to let them know when there is a livestream glitch while the service is being streamed. Please email the church office (office@firstunitarianportland.org) if you’re interested in volunteering for this important job. We need you!
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Bed and Breakfast
Do you have a spare bedroom you could make available to other UUs visiting Portland? Our Bed & Breakfast program is in need of hosts. You provide a bed and a simple breakfast. Proceeds go to the church. To learn more, contact Ruth Robinson: mickrob@comcast.net or 503-246-2131.
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Add to Our Media Collection
Taken any nice photos of First Unitarian Portland or its events? Send them our way to help build our media collection! Sending us your photos gives us permission to publish and/or use images for publications, website content, and social media. If you'd like to limit your permission, just let us know. Please email your photos to photos@firstunitarianportland.org or click here.
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Ongoing GroupsThe following church groups meet on a regular schedule during our program year (approximately September through May or June). Many groups meet on an irregular basis. Many groups take the summer months off, so if you are unsure about a particular group's schedule, please contact the individual listed.
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| Africa Connections
This church social justice group supports advocacy and outreach work in communities in Kenya and Zimbabwe that have been deeply impacted by HIV AIDS. We do this through support of the IMANI Project, Zimbabwe Artists Project, and Quilts for Empowerment. Questions? Email Annie Bennett.
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The Alliance
The Alliance meets September through May, usually on the first Wednesday of the month, for a luncheon, business meeting, and program. Visit the Alliance web page. Questions? Email Alliance.
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| Animal Ministry Group
Normally meets on the fourth Sunday, 12:45 p.m., A303. Visit the Animal Ministry web page for special meeting times. Questions? 503-520-9012.
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Caregiver Support GroupWe usually meet on the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May.
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| Children's Mosaic Restoration Group
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| Committee on Hunger & Homelessness (COHHO)Meets monthly September through May on the third Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in A303, the Fireside Room, or visit our table in Margaret Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays. Questions? Email co-chairs John Elizalde, Ingrid Gjestvang, and Cynthia Sulaski.
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Community for Earth (CFE)
The Community for Earth (CFE) is again selling the eco-friendly and community supportive Chinook Book—each with its own app ($25)—and individual apps ($15). Use of the wide variety of coupons frequently more than covers the cost of the Chinook Book and/or app. Buy yours today in our Beacon Bookstore. Cash sales at the CFE table. Questions? Susan Weinstein at 360-440-0564.
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| Contemplative Practice Group Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., A301. Offers a regular opportunity for building community through silent meditation, mindfulness poetry, and deep discussion on church themes. Questions? Ron Walker.
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| Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG)The Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG) educates and advocates on issues of economic justice. Watch for our speaker, book, and movie events. Stop by our table for the latest information on fair trade, health care, democracy, and inequality and its dimensions. We meet the third Sunday of every month, September to June, at 9 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Contact: Michael Wade for more information.
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| Ending the New Jim Crow—Healing the Justice System Usually, monthly on the fourth Tuesday, 6:30–8 p.m., B302. Questions? Kathryn Scotten.
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Good Times Committee
Join with fellow congregants for social gatherings—from happy hour to hikes, from dinners to plays. Learn more and sign up with Good Times during social hour on Sundays. Questions? Laura Gadley, 847-525-8700.
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Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG)The Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) has begun meeting the second Sunday of every month from 1:30–3 p.m. in Buchan (302). Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. We offer quarterly educational meetings on topics of relevance to the congregation, focused on issues/needs of immigrant and refugee communities. Through the IJAG Google group, recommended actions are disseminated. Our meetings include time for reflections, sharing, and an educational program about one of the many dimensions of the immigration challenge. We also share opportunities for engagement and collaboration with our partners in the community and develop strategies and arrangements for our participation. We hope you'll join us for the important work of immigrant justice! Contact Ann Zawaski for questions: annzawaski@gmail.com.
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LGBTQIA Pride Group
Find out the latest social events by picking up a flyer at our Pride Table in Margaret Fuller Hall for our monthly movie game night, monthly PDX roller skating, potlucks, and any projects being planned. Visit our Facebook page: First Unitarian Pride, Portland, OR for all of our events and the LGBTQIA events we are supporting in the Portland area.
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Meditation Group
Wednesday Night Meditation Group continues every Wednesday, 7–8:30 p.m., Eliot Chapel. Beginners welcomed. Questions? Mary Ann Harman.
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| Parents of Teens Support Group, 1–2 p.m.Second and fourth Sundays
Connect with other parents of teens to talk and share around parenting topics and the joys and challenges of navigating this phase of life as parents, with the guidance of a lay minister. We are an open group and parents are welcome to come as you are able. Childcare provided 15 minutes before an event. Gather in Buchan (B301) at 12:30 p.m. after the second service, and meet formally from 12:45–1:45 p.m. every other week. If you’d like to be added to our contact email list, please contact Sara Robertson, sara.seely@gmail.com.
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| Peace Action Group Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Tess Beistel, Terri Shofner, Brianna Bragg.
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| Quilts of Love GroupThird Thursday meeting is now 10–11:30 a.m., B310. Sew-in is on the first Thursday at Modern Domestic, 1408 NE Alberta St., from 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. This group creates quilts for families served by Portland Homeless Family Solutions as they transition from the shelter to a permanent home. More. Questions? Contact Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
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| Sunday Morning T'ai Chi Chih
Sunday morning T'ai Chi Chih, 8:30–9 a.m.; check the sign board in the Buchan building for meeting locations. Questions? Email Adult Programs.
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UU Knitting GroupThe knitting circle meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month during the church year. Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.
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| UU Men's Community
Third Saturday, 9 a.m., Channing Room. An open group where men of all ages can share life experiences, learn from each other, develop friendships, support one another, and have fun. Questions? Richard Turner at 503-734-5854; more info here.
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| UU Movie Group
Meets on the fourth Sunday of the month over a potluck meal at members’ homes. For more information, contact Nancy Panitch, 503-318-0776, or Ellie Kirkham, 971-544-7003. More info at the Good Times table in Margaret Fuller Hall.
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| UU Poetry Group
Twice monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Rodger Blackburn, 503-519-3494.
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| UUA Outreach GroupMonthly on the last Wednesday at 7 p.m., usually in B310, but check the sign board when entering.
If your interest lies in the larger picture of UU ministry, join us! Questions? Bill Pryor, 503-894-9945. We'd love to hear from you.
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Women’s CirclesI: First and third Mondays at 7 p.m. Questions? Tess Beistel, 503-257-2042.
II: Second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. We are currently welcoming new members. Questions? Kim, 503-869-1486. III: First and third Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. Not accepting new members at this time. IV: Twice a month on Wednesday evenings. We are looking for participants of all ages for supportive sharing and discussion about such topics as parenting and spirituality. Questions? Amy, 503-241-5451.
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Update Your Records with UsHave you moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail address? Anything else you'd like to let First Unitarian know?
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Do You Have an Item for E-news and/or the Sunday Bulletin?If you have an item you’d like published in our weekly Front Steps (eNews) or the Sunday Bulletin, please submit it to:
Communications@firstunitarianportland.org and include in the subject line “For eNews” –or– “For Sunday Bulletin” –or– “For eNews and Sunday Bulletin.”
This will get to all the right people. Deadline for submissions is noon on Wednesday. Because space is limited in our Sunday Bulletin, we’re unable to run articles for more than a week or two in advance, depending on the number of submissions. Articles may need to be shortened if space is tight.
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| Sunday Livestream
Join us LIVE from your computer or smartphone on Sunday at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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In December, our plate is shared with our church’s Emergency Fund for Members. This fund helps members facing some kind of critical need like loss of housing, utility shutoff, or some other unexpected, necessary expense. This is one of the ways we build beloved community in our congregation.
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