| Sunday ServiceSunday, January 12: 9:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.
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Unabandoned by GraceRev. Mira Mickiewicz
Throughout history and up until this very moment, life has been characterized, at least in part, by suffering. What has kept people going through these hard times? What grounding can we, as UUs, rest upon to move forward together?
(readings: excerpt of Nehemiah 9:28-37; “Love Dogs” by Rumi)
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Guest Blog -Dana Buhl
Let Us Breathe Together
The burst of tears surprised me on Tuesday morning. I had been on edge since hearing President Trump’s unlawful order to assassinate the Iranian top general was carried through on Iraqi soil. So many questions swirled.
If there is retaliation and escalating strikes by the U.S., what will this mean for the people of Iraq already enduring decades of U.S. created war? What will this mean for the people of Iran–the children, the families, the elders, the civilians just like us–who will undoubtedly suffer the consequences of either a U.S. military response or more economic sanctions? What of the military personnel and aid workers, the contractors and diplomats, and the media, and, and…?
And the unspeakable unknown: How far are we from full-on, even nuclear, war?
So when Reverend Bill shared the emerging report of the Iranian retaliatory airstrikes, the gasp and tears came unbidden ...Continued
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Senior Ministerial Search CommitteeApplications for the search committee are now available here. Be sure to attend the Board's forum: Sunday, Jan. 12, 10:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. after each service
Come and learn more about our senior minister transition process.
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Support Enhancement of Human Rights Considerations in Investment DecisionsCollecting Signatures at the UU Justice for the Middle East table in Fuller Hall after each service.
Sign a petition to place a Business Resolution on the agenda for the 2020 General Assembly that will enhance the UUA’s use of human rights considerations in its investment decisions.
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#UUtheVote Watch Party
Sunday, Jan. 12, 1 p.m.
Buchan Reception 101
Join our Social Justice Council Watch Party for the Launch #UUtheVote. Brown bag lunch.
Learn with fellow congregants about the UUtheVote campaign and how we can work strategically toward our justice mission. We will hear from the UUtheVote National Team special guest Varshini Prakash, Director of the Sunrise Movement, about the electoral strategy for their organizing and how UUs can participate. Gear up for #UUtheVote in 2020 to #VoteLove and #DefeatHate!
Questions? Contact David.
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Pop-Up Pantry: Getting Involved!Sunday, Jan. 12, 10:30–11:15 a.m. (between services)
Channing Room
Interested in volunteering for our new on-campus food pantry program?
The Pop-Up Pantry will be held the second Tuesday of the month beginning Feb. 11 in A108.
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Donations Needed for Learning Community Service Project
Collecting until Jan. 19
Drop-off Locations: In the red bins in Fuller Hall, on Sundays at the info desk or Buchan Reception Hall on Jan 19
In partnership with Don't Shoot Portland, we invite congregants to donate items from the list below during Don't Shoot Portland's Reclaim MLK Annual March for Human Rights and Dignity on January 20.
Requested travel-size personal hygiene products:
Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, deodorant, diapers, Wet Ones, hand mirrors, Q-tips, cotton balls, micro-fiber washcloths, baby wipes, barber comb & scissors, chap-stick, dental kit, hair brushes and combs, hair ties/clips, bandannas, hair shampoo & conditioner, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, sanitary pads (disposable & reusable, such as Naturally Cozy), bar soap/body wash, antibacterial hand soap, laundry detergent, toilet paper, mouthwash/breath fresheners, first aid kits, shower caps
Thank you for your generosity!
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Cambodia Service Program ReportSunday, Jan. 12, 12:30–1:30 p.m. (after second service)
Daisy Bingham
Six First Unitarian congregants participated in the Global Service Corps volunteer program in Cambodia Sept. 8–22. Participants on this service-learning trip will report on their experiences and we will also preview the upcoming August 9–23 Cambodia Service-Learning Program.
This event is sponsored by Peace Action Group (PAG).
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Queer Pride Movie NightSaturday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
We will have a queer old time singing along and enjoying a masterpiece of cinema! If you are so able, please bring a snack to share and a few bucks for the room. This event is creating space for LGBTQ+ individuals. Comfort, refreshments, and popcorn provided!
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Racism, Trauma & Healing : A WorkshopSaturday, Jan. 18, 2–5 p.m.
Fuller Hall (room change)
Recognize the signs of trauma from racism, learn how to better understand institutional racism, and develop personal healing-centered strategies. Free, but donations are welcome! Enter through the breezway door (left) on 1011 SW 12th Ave.
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Celebrating Portland African Diaspora: The Stuff Dreams Are Made of
Sunday, Jan. 19, 1–3 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
I am dedicated to the use of the arts as a resource for community development, said Fouther. My goal is to nurture the creativity of young artists in the community that nurtured me.
As part of our Social Justice Sunday series, come celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Portland visual and performing artist Bobby Fouther for this interactive, all-ages event. Dora's Tamales will be sold before the event in the Buchan Atrium.
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Quilts For Empowerment SaleSunday, Jan. 19, following both services
Fuller Hall
Africa Connections is hosting a sale by Quilts for Empowerment. Proceeds go toward strengthening self sufficiency and support for Kenyan women who are survivors of obstetric fistula surgery and survivors of sexual abuse.
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Registration Open! Seminary for a Day: Spiritual Practice for Difficult Times
Saturday, Jan. 25
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Are you yearning for greater depth in your spiritual life?
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Mindful Movements for EveryoneThursdays, Feb. 6, 20, 6–7 p.m.,
Fireside A303
Combined with a blend of world music, each class has a theme that will guide you through a simple intention for your practice.
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Black Founders of the United States of America
Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Buchan Recption Hall
In this class about black founders of the USA, Brandon Lee explores the roots of how black people established and sustained themselves in Oregon. There is a direct correlation between the growth of the number of successful African Americans in the United States and the development of Prince Hall freemasonry. Come learn about this important piece of American and Oregon history! Ticket Cost: Suggested: $20, Supported: $10, Supporting: $30
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Igniting Voices: A Celebration of Transgender Lives and StoriesSaturday, Feb. 22
Storytelling and Music from 3–4:30 p.m. followed by a Community Night Market supporting local transgender agencies and business from 4:30–6 p.m.
Join us for a joyous event for the entire community. We invite all people, transgender and cisgender, to join in celebration. Complimentary light refreshments provided.
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Art Wall
Margaret Fuller Hall
The photography of Adrian Kuester is featured until Jan. 26. He works with light to help us to focus on this unique moment and to see the world we know so well in a new way. 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.
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BookstoreDuring January and February, we are featuring adult and children’s books to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. and other books that highlight the value of diversity in our world.
Chinook Book Sale! $20 at our Beacon Bookstore, or buy your app for $12. All monies go to our Social Justice committees.
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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Look for our new Winter/Spring Paths to Engagement in late January.
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Runaway Inequality on SaleWhat causes the ever-increasing income/wealth gap between the very rich and the rest of us?
Find out why and what we can do about it with a copy of Les Leopold’s newest book, Runaway Inequality, an Activist's Guide to Economic Justice. Now half price (just $10) at First Unitarian's book store. 100% of proceeds go to support Oregon delegates to attend the Poor People's Assembly in Washington, D.C., June 2020.
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Read Our Eighth Issue of Speaking of Justice: Faith in Action E-Magazine
This issue explores disrupting white supremacy culture. Learn why we believe transforming a culture and its system of white supremacy is liberating work, is spiritual work, and is important to help live out our faith as Unitarian Universalists.
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Planned Parenthood Annual 2020 LuncheonFriday, Jan. 24, 11:30 a.m.
Hilton Portland Downtown
This year’s theme is a powerful one … “ WE WON’T GO BACK,” Keynote Speaker is Judith Arcana, reproductive justice activist, member of the pre-Roe underground abortion service known as JANE, poet, and author. This event provides much-needed financial support for the work of our local Planned Parenthood organization serving the Portland area. Tickets are $150 each and you can purchase your ticket online or by check in the mail or credit card over the phone with Rachel Monfils at 503-788-7274. However you choose to submit payment, please indicate to PPCW that you are purchasing a seat at a First Unitarian table and indicate any dietary restrictions when you purchase your ticket.
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Interested in Becoming a Learning Community Teacher?
Visit the website to learn more about our classes!
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Potluck and Chinese New Year PerformersSunday, Jan. 26, 12:30 p.m.
Learning Community families are invited to a finger foods potluck immediately following classes from 12:30–1 p.m. in Buchan Reception followed by a performance from the Lee’s Association Dragon & Lion Dance Team and Rainbow Bridge School (new this year!) at 1 p.m. in Eliot Chapel.
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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. Contact Aaron for more information.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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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.
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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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
Member John Bradley died on Dec. 22 at the age of 66 after living with cancer for several years. He leaves his wife Maureen and his children Piper and Dylan. A memorial is planned for John on Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. in the Eliot Chapel. We hold his family at this time.
Ed Easton, a friend of our church and longtime Unitarian Universalist, died on Dec. 27 at the age of 97. He was a resident of the Willamette View community and a memorial will be held for him there this Saturday, Jan. 11, at 11 a.m. We hold his family at this time.
A reminder that a memorial service will be held for Rev. Bob Schaibly this Saturday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. in the Eliot Chapel. Bob died on Nov. 11.
And finally a word about the death of city commissioner Nick Fish this week. Many in the congregation knew him and respected him. He was a familiar face around here at various events. We hold his family at this time of loss.
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From Your Board of Trustees: Senior Minister TransitionDear Congregants,
Our Senior Minister Bill Sinkford has recently shared that he will be retiring in less than two years, at the end of our church year–June 2021.
It has been a wonderful journey with him as our Senior Minister since 2010. Our lives and our church are blessed with his leadership and spirit. Like many of you, I am sad when I think of his leaving. And yet, I’m heartened when I think about what our church has accomplished in the last decade, and I realize that our future with a new senior minister can and will be a bright one!
The Board of Trustees has been preparing for this transition since last year. We’ve looked internally at the health of our church and our progress toward our mission and goals. We’ve consulted externally with the UUA (including the UUA’s Western Region Office) to make thorough plans for our transition period. We’ve hired as consultant, Susan Beaumont, a nationally known expert in large congregation ministerial transitions ...Continued
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Naming First Unitarian Foundation in Your Will or Estate PlanHelp assure the long-term sustainability of this beloved congregation by including First Unitarian Portland in your will or estate plan.
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Sunday, Jan. 5 Attendance:
1st Service: 253
2nd Service: 394
Musicians: 26
Total: 673
Livestream: 116
Grand total: 789
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Alliance Greens Sale
The Alliance heartily thanks everyone who shopped our annual Greens Sale in 2019. We’ll let you know soon how much we raised and in March how your contributions are distributed to social service agencies who request funds from us. Here’s hoping for a very good 2020 for everyone.
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Welcome Out-of-Town VisitorsDo 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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| UU Animal Ministry (UUAM)
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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 meet monthly September through May on the fourth Sunday from 12:30–2 p.m. in the Fireside room in A303. Visit our table in Margaret Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays.
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Contemplative Practice
Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., Channing Room. We start with a 20-minute meditation session and then discuss a check-in topic about a spiritual value. Then we do a modified version of lectio divina, using a poem instead of a religious text. We listen as one person reads the poem, focusing on a word or phrase that catches our attention, then we look over the text and listen while another person reads it aloud. After that we share how we reacted. All are welcome. Questions? Connie Cleaton.
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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 || Website
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| Ending Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial Justice (EMI/ARG)
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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 on the fourth Sunday of the months of September–May, from 1–2:30 p.m. in room A108.
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!
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Queer Pride
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 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 Group (MHAG)MHAG 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 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 (PAG) Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Contact Tess Beistel || Website
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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 Yarn Crafters
2nd and 4th Thursdays each month, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
The Yarn Crafters are wanting to expand to include crocheters. Yarn provided. All levels welcome.
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, 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. Now 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 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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SNOW? ICE? FREEZING RAIN?
To see if an event, class, service, or rehearsal has been cancelled, check the church website, Facebook page, or call the church office at 503-228-6389 and listen to the recorded announcement for details about cancellations or delays. Remember, your good judgment is your best guide!
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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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For January, we share our plate with the Oregon Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. Oregon is one of 40+ states who have organized a statewide coalition. First Unitarian's shared plate collection will help send 300 poor and impacted Oregonians to the Mass Poor People's Assembly in Washington, D.C. in June 2020.
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