| Sunday ServicesSunday, October 13: Services at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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The Courage of Our Convictions
-Rev. Bill SinkfordCourage is less a trait of character and more a choice. It involves a decision that something is worth the risk, worth planting our flag and standing by it. Courage is often the heart telling the mind that something demands our commitment. And often that choice is fueled by rage, by outrage, by courage.
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Bill's BlogOn This Day…On this day, when Turkish troops attack the Kurds, our traditional allies, in Syria, encouraged by a US President whose business interests and leadership preferences bind him to the Turkish dictator and “strong men” around the globe…
On this day, when that same President throws down what may be the final gauntlet and refuses all cooperation with the process of impeachment, called for in the Constitution he swore to defend…
On this day, when immigration and asylum quotas are being slashed to make America white again and anything with our former Black President’s name associated with it is reversed or at least attacked…
On this day, when lies have become so common that even the concept of truth feels threatened ...Continued
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First Connections Returns!The First Connection series is designed with newcomers to the church in mind, but everyone is most welcome. First Connections is a way to get to know others in the church, how things work here, and how to make connections. First Connections will be offered between services beginning at 10:30 a.m. and concluding in time to get to the second service, around 11:05 p.m.
Our Church HistorySunday Oct. 13, 10:30–11:05 a.m.
Come and learn about the history of our church, including the women who came together and raised money to found the church back in the 1860s. Led by Cindy Cumfer, who wrote the most recent history of our church.
Next Sunday, Oct. 20, Come and learn about our church campus, including a tour of our church block.
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Community for Earth Meeting
Sunday, Oct. 13, 9:30–11 a.m. (9–9:30 a.m. social time)
Fireside Room, A303
All are welcome to join Community for Earth for our monthly meeting. We will be discussing next steps after the climate strike. Contact us here.
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Spiritual Direction 101 WorkshopSunday, Oct. 13, 1–3 p.m.
Are you are interested in deepening your spiritual practice or are you curious about having a spiritual director for your journey in faith?
Please join us for conversation, stories, and a practice session of what might be included in this insightful experience. Details: No charge. Advanced registration appreciated.
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Turn Your Passion Into Action!Friday, Oct. 11, 6:30–9 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.
Eliot Chapel
You are invited! Presenters are Jenny McQueen, who will be speaking on "Everyday Activism" and Amy Wilson (Aquatic Law Fellow from Lewis and Clark Animal Law Clinic), will give a talk titled "Knowing Your Rights and the Rights of Animals."
Sponsored by First Unitarian's Animal Ministry Action Group and Compassionate PDX. Vegan refreshments provided.
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Shedding Our StarsTuesday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m.
Join author and childhood friend of Anne Frank, Laureen Nussbaum, as she discusses how Hans Calmeyer saved her family (and at least 3,700 other Jews) from the deportation lists, saving them from death during the Holocaust.
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Oregon Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice 10th Annual Meeting
Register now and join with others! Our voices are needed to help stem the tide of fascist growth, global warming, racism, sexism, human rights violations, and economic hardship.
Speakers:
- Human Rights: Reverend Richard Davis, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem
- Immigration: Alaide Vilchis Ibarra, Executive Director, Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ)
- Climate Justice: Leonard Higgins, Climate Activist, Board Member UU Ministry for Earth
- Deepening Our Democracy: David Delk, Board Member Oregon UU Voices for Justice, Co-Founder of Oregon Honest Elections
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Youth Reflect on Civil Rights JourneySunday, Oct. 20, 1–2:30 p.m.
Buchan Reception
On Aug. 4, 15 of our high schoolers from YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists) took a week-long journey through the Mississippi Delta, Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham, and Memphis. Along with five adult chaperones, the youth experienced not only the historical sites of the Civil Rights Era, but civil rights in a contemporary context with visits to the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) in Jackson, Mississippi, and a women’s health clinic in Montgomery, Alabama, that continues to provide abortions despite recent state legislation banning these procedures, including cases of rape and incest. (Abortions are still legal in Alabama while the ban is contested in the courts.)
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On Sunday, Oct. 20, some of the youth who traveled to the South will share their reflections following the 11:15 a.m. service. As a gesture of gratitude to everyone who contributed to make this journey possible, we are sharing excerpts of youth reflections in the upcoming issue of Speaking of Justice. On the last day of the trip, after attending the Sunday service at First Unitarian Church of Memphis, one youth said, “In Portland, religion isn’t very prominent. In the South, though, it’s a major part of daily life. Being here for just a week showed me how powerful religion can be to some people, and both the good and bad things this can cause.” Another youth responded, “Religion isn’t inherently good or bad. It depends on the people and what they do with it.”
To this congregation, we offer our immense gratitude for reminding us of the good that can be created by a religious community. We hope to see you on October 20.
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Dora’s Tamales For Sale Sunday, October 20, 12:45–1:30 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
Come support your local vendor by purchasing a tamale plate each third Sunday of the month. Then join our Social Justice Sunday gathering.
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Just Scary Enough: A Family Storytelling Event with Will HornyakSunday, October 20, 1–2 p.m.
Room A108
Learning Community families are invited to a free, interactive show with Will Hornyak who will share tales for the Celtic New Year of Samhain to put just a wee chill in the bones. Appropriate for all ages. Tamale plates available for purchase in the Buchan Atrium before the show!
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Downtown UU History TourSunday, Oct. 20, 11:30 a.m.
This fun and informative tour will cover our church’s history from our pioneer beginnings to the present. We begin in our church buildings, stroll through the Park Blocks and into downtown.
Details: No charge. Registration appreciated. Drop-ins welcome. We will meet at the Adult Faith Formation Table in Margaret Fuller Hall.
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Staff Recital SeriesSunday, Oct. 20
Our music ministry program is thrilled to introduce a recital series, which will feature members of our talented music staff at 10:30 a.m. between services in Eliot Chapel, usually on the fourth Sunday of every month.
The choirs will be on retreat on October's fourth Sunday, so this month's recital will be next Sunday, Oct. 20. Please join us!
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All's Well that Ends Well: End-of-Life Planning WorkshopSaturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Come and learn more about how to plan, what to consider and how best to make your wishes known to your loved ones and health and funeral service providers.
Fee: $10 to OMA members and $20 for non-OMA members which includes a workbook.
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Hans My Hedgehog and Other Tales of Exiles, Outcasts and Wanderers (For Mature Audiences Only)Saturday, Oct. 26 7 p.m.
Master Storyteller Will Hornyak presents haunting poems, songs and tales from the dark forests of imagination in celebration of the Celtic New Year of Samhain (Halloween).
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Addressing the Global Impact of Climate ChangeUnited Nations Sunday, Oct. 27, 1–3 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
Get involved in supporting the work of the United Nations! Learn how we in Oregon can all make a global difference in a rapidly changing world!
Our lead speaker is Yashar Vasef, former president of the Portland United Nations Association. Our guest panelists include Don Merrick of Community for Earth, Mary Ann McCammon of Quilts for Empowerment and Youth Climate Strike participant, Shannon McClure, Educator and Youth Advocate and Jaden Winn, YRUU member and founder of Igniting Change. Participants will discuss topics in table groups and share ideas with the larger group.
Enjoy live music by local musicians at 12:30 p.m. Walk-in’s welcome
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Death Café
Sunday. Nov. 24, 1–3 p.m.
A Death Cafe is where people come together in a relaxed space to discuss death over a cup of tea or coffee.
Our objective is “to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.”
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October Art WallWillamette View retirement community has attracted numerous artists in recent years. A group of them is showing a beautiful array of styles
and media on the Art Wall in October.
The Art Wall’s mission is to integrate art into the spiritual life of First Unitarian Portland by providing a venue for congregants to be moved by quality artwork from artists within the church and throughout the metro region.
Come down to Margaret Fuller Hall any Sunday and see it in person!
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BookstoreA new church year, a new selection of books.
Wellspring books are in stock; books to support experiences of transgender individuals; and wonderful new children’s books. New Chinook Books and apps are also on sale at our bookstore.
Our bookstore (which started life in a closet in the 1960’s) has grown to a vibrant, welcoming respite for all congregants and visitors to First Unitarian Portland.
It supports the spiritual mission and principles of our church with offerings to stimulate and broaden our thinking as we move along our spiritual path, and help us better understand Unitarian Universalism.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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The Learning Community 2019–2020 Registration Is Now Open!If you are a returning family, check out our website to find our online form, or just click below to register your child/children for the 2019–2020 church year classes.
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Interested in Becoming a Learning Community Teacher?
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Sunday Afternoon ChildcareWe offer childcare for all ages each Sunday from 1–3 p.m. while you attend an event or meeting at church. Request care for your child(ren) at the Eliot Info Desk by 1 p.m. that day. Staff are released at 1 p.m. if no one has requested care by then.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Join Our Sunday Morning Hospitality Team!Imagine the smiles on our congregants’ faces as you serve up fresh coffee on Sunday mornings. Offer a variety of teas, juice, and occasional crunchy snacks. Become a member of our Sunday coffee host team by choosing a regular Sunday each month to volunteer, or offering your help as a substitute when called upon. Either one would be much appreciated. Excellent training is provided by our experienced volunteers.
Email John in the front office or call him at 503-228-6389 x102. Or just stop by the Fuller Hall kitchen on Sunday morning and add your name to the list.
This is a great way to get to know folks!
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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 Maina Ptolemy at 503-803-8991.
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| Seeking UshersUshers are 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 by email.
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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.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
Bob Schaibly was diagnosed with throat cancer last week, the first recurrence of cancer since he received the same diagnosis in 1988. He has decided on palliative care and hospice. Bob and his partner Steven Storla welcome our prayers and cards
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Welcome Back to the New Church Year!
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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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Sunday, Oct. 6 Attendance:1st Service: 182
2nd Service: 287
Musicians: 35
Total: 504
Livestream: 94
Grand Total: 598
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Give the Joy of Flowers for Sunday’s Service
Have you ever wondered where the beautiful Sunday morning flowers come from each week? You can be one of the generous donors of the chancel flowers.
The upcoming holidays are a great time to remember loved ones and family by sponsoring chancel flowers.
For details about giving flowers for the chancel, contact Marsha, or call her at 503-954-3534.
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Help Us Be a Welcoming CongregationDo you have a spare bedroom you are willing to share with other UUs visiting Portland for a few days? You would provide a bed, a bath, and a simple breakfast. We often have more requests than hosts! More hosts are needed in NE Portland, but anywhere in the city is good.
Remember our program if you are having out-of-town guests who need housing. For details, contact Ruth Robinson.
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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 us here.
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Why Pronouns MatterAt church and elsewhere, it’s becoming more common for people to introduce themselves with the pronouns they use, and to ask, “What pronouns do you use?” Though this may be an unfamiliar question for you, becoming comfortable with it is a way to live our UU principles.
Here’s why:
Gender is a primary way our creative identities interact with the world. Many people feel comfortable with the gender assigned to them at birth based on their genitals, assigned male or female, and are called cisgender. (Cis means “on the same side of,” so for these people, gender and sex-at-birth align.) For many others, their assigned gender is not a true or comfortable identity. Read more 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 or 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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Aging Together Learning GroupWe use books, movies, poems, and various art forms to catalyze group dialogue about our personal experience of aging. Meetings are held monthly on the first Monday from 1 –3 p.m. For more information or to register, please contact Lucy Garrick.
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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
We normally meet 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)We are now meeting monthly September through May on the fourth Sunday from 12 –2 p.m. in the Fireside room in A303. Visit our table in Margaret Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays.
Questions? Ingrid Gjestvang.
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| Contemplative Practice Group Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., A301. We 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. Questions? Michael Wade
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| Ending Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial JusticeWe usually meet 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) meets the first Wednesday of the months of September–May, from 1:30–3 p.m. in the Channing Room.
Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. Our meetings include time for reflection, sharing, and information about 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.
Through the IJAG Google group, we disseminate recommended actions. Join us for the important work of immigrant justice! Questions? Contact us here.
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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 GroupGroup meets in the Eliot Chapel, 7–8:30 p.m on Wednesdays. Silent meditation for 30 minutes, followed by reading and discussing a book by a Buddhist author. Please email with your phone number if you are considering coming. Questions? Contact Mary Ann Harman.
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Mental Health Action GroupMHAG exists to educate the congregation about mental health issues and to support those in the congregation living with mental illness or whose relatives live with mental illness. We meet every third Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Buchan Building.
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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. Questions? Contact Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
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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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| 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. This is 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 at 10–11:30 a.m. Now welcoming new members. Questions? Dorothy, 503-292-1337.
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.”
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 10:15 a.m.
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Sunday Parking ReminderU-Park: SW 12th between Main and Salmon: No charge Sundays, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. NOTE: This parking lot is free only on Sundays until 4 p.m.
City Center: SW 11th and Main: No charge Sundays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m
Lawyer’s Lot: SW Main between 12th and 13th: No charge Sundays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. This lot is never available weekday evenings.
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Our October plate collection will be shared with First Unitarian’s Coming of Age program for 7th and 8th graders. It will support the work of helping our youth discover what social justice and leadership can be within our faith.
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