Please Join Our Live Stream
Sunday, October 25Worship Service at 10:15 a.m. PDT
Family Worship Service at 9:15 a.m. PDT
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On the Ballot
Rev. Bill Sinkford
As we approach election day (which will likely be election week or even election month) what is on the ballot for us--what hopes and what fears? What values can ground us as the political din moves toward crescendo?
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Bill's BlogTruth and Meaning and Mouthwash
With the election just days away, with infections spreading here in Oregon and in almost every state, with the US Senate moving a problematic new appointment to the Supreme Court forward with no bipartisan support, with the recession deepening and a new relief bill still “in discussion,” and with violence on our streets continuing...
This morning my attention was captured by reports that mouthwash might help save us from the pandemic. Yes, mouthwash...continued.
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Update on "Our Path Forward"
First of all, thank you to everyone who made a pledge or gift to “Our Path Forward” for 2021.
Let me update you on the results. As of Oct. 22 we are at 97% of goal, which translates to 773 pledges totaling $1,493,109. Many of you stepped up. 40 percent of those pledges were increases in giving over last year. We also received one-time gifts of $37,000. Knowing that some in our community have not been able to give as they have in the past, this show of generosity has been especially meaningful. I should also note that we have not yet heard from almost 200 individuals and families in the church.
Let me try to put those results into a little larger context. The budget that was passed pre-COVID included a number of budget cuts including salary reductions for our ministers and senior staff. The budget that was passed also relied too heavily on reserves that will not be repeatable in future years. The Executive Team will be reforecasting the financial picture for the church in the next couple months. That will include a review of all major budget assumptions going forward including other income like rentals. Many of you have applauded the level of transparency regarding finances at the church during this time, and it is our commitment to continue that practice.
My ask right now? If you have not given but are able to, I hope you will make a pledge using the button below. This will help the church navigate these very uncertain times. And if you are not able to do that I hope you will let us know if there are ways the church can support you.
Blessings,
Bill Sinkford
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Conversation and Call to Action to Protect Our Democracy
First Unitarian Congregants Host a Second Conversation.
Tuesday, October 27, from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Many of us are worried about the November general election. Will people’s right to vote be protected? Will the results of the election be honored? If the incumbent president is voted out, will there be a peaceful transfer of power or will he launch a coup by refusing to abide by election results?
The meeting will use Hold the Line: A Guide to Defending Democracy as the framework for nonviolent organizing through Inauguration Day. Our Unitarian Universalist faith principles call us to protect and promote democratic processes. You don’t have to consider yourself an “activist” to be part of shaping our church’s action to defend democracy.
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Alliance Wreaths are Here!
ON SALE NOW!
October 19 through November 15
We are not going to let a pandemic set us back! We are not going to let down the women, children and marginalized groups who benefit from our greens sale.
From the comfort of your own home, you can order online and choose from among 3 styles for safe pickup at the church garage on Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10-2 p.m.
There will be one style of wreath available for shipping anywhere within the U.S., including Portland.
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Family Worship this Sunday
Intern Minister Stacey will share a book about birds and their songs, learn about their homes, and invite us to notice and listen to the birds that call this area their home.
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Help Get Out the Vote for November 3rd!
In solidarity with our siblings in Wisconsin and Florida as they fight systems of oppression and police violence, the UUA has partnered with frontline mobilizers around to get out the vote (GOTV).
This is our opportunity for faithful action to strengthen the movement for fair and inclusive elections. Register for the virtual GOTV sessions with training and guidance for phone banking.
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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Weekly Prayer Vigils
Weekly, Fridays
5:00 - 5:40 p.m. PDT
Lay ministers will offer virtual readings, guided meditation, and quiet music in a contemplative program at week’s end.
Congregants and visitors are invited to send in prayer requests. We look forward to sharing this time of quiet reflection with you when we are all holding so much in our hearts.
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Caring Circle with Lay Ministers
Starting Tuesday, October 27
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. PDT
Our lay ministers invite you to virtually join them in a Caring Circle. Through deep listening we will support one another in a small group, building trust and beloved community during these troubled times.
New members and friends and those looking for a way to enter into our large church community are especially welcome. Advance registration is required.
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Interfaith Conversations Before the Election
Mondays, Next Discussion October 26, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. PDT
Join Intern Minister Stacey Mitchell and notable female social justice leaders representing Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Islamic, and Unitarian Universalism traditions for weekly reflections on our current times and anxieties as we lead up to election day.
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Younger Adult Newcomer Welcoming
With Rev. Abigail Clauhs
Sunday, November 1
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. PDT
Younger adults who are new to the church are invited to join Rev. Abigail Clauhs, one of our affiliated community ministers, in a time to virtually gather, get to know each other, and share in some spiritual grounding.
**There are no age restrictions. We are less interested in how many years you’ve been on earth and more interested your experiences here. So, if you identify as being on the younger end of adults in THIS congregation this community is for you!
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Antiracist Book Club: Join a Fall/Winter Session
Expanding our offerings so that more congregants may engage!
Our first rounds were well-attended, highly educational and included lively and meaningful discussions. Find a club you're interested in below:
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Monthly Theme Mailers and Zoom Gathering
Registered families should have received their October mailer packets for the theme of Home. Watch your Learning Community news for details about a zoom session for each age group as we round out the month. Please share your feedback about the mailer packets and zoom sessions which will help us in planning future months.
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Contemplative Practice Group
Next meetings: Tuesdays, October 27, November 10 and 24
6:30 - 8:00 p.m PDT
All are welcome. We begin by meditating for 20 minutes, in any style you are comfortable with. Then we discuss a spiritual “check-in” topic. We finish by sharing a poem related to the topic. We read it aloud twice with a pause in between, giving people time to reflect on a word or phrase that struck them. Afterward we discuss our reaction to it.
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Art For Social Justice
This week we offer 10 astounding poems by young black poets, read by the authors.
The Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and building the beloved community.
We suggest that you start by watching/reading Madison Petaway read her powerful poem “To Be a Black Girl.” May you be moved, provoked, inspired. Discover more things like this by reading our Speaking of Justice: Weekly Update.
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First Unitarian Social Justice
Voter Guide is Here
Look for your ballot in your mailbox this week!
Social Justice Action Groups recommendations for state and local ballot measures. Read those recommendations and get important information about registering, ballots and voter pamphlets by clicking the button below.
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In the Community
Community Milestones, Joys, & Sorrows
Barbara Jean Council, a friend of our church for the past 10 years, died on September 17. She is survived by her partner Wayne Larson, her sister Audell, her brother John and daughter Michelle. We hold them in our prayers.
William (Bill) Arthur Mohler, grandfather of First Unitarian sexton Joseph Mohler, died on October 12 of liver cancer at the age of 75. Joseph says that his grandfather, even towards the end of his life, always had a story to tell. He loved time spent in the woods, horses, with babies, puppies, and most of all his family. Our prayers are with Joseph and his family.
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NEW - October Message from our Board Moderator
As we move into fall, we hope you’re all staying well. These are anxious times, and it is good to have our church community.
First, we thank all of you who have participated with a gift to Our Path Forward. As of last week, we have reached 93% of our goal, an achievement well worth celebrating. We expect additional gifts to come in over the next few weeks...continued.
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Evaluation of the Ministry
The bylaws of First Unitarian Church, Article III, Section 5, require the Board, the Senior Minister, and the Executive Team to annually conduct a joint evaluation of the ministry of the church in reference to the church’s mission and the policies enacted by the Board. This year’s report revolves around the three core elements of the mission statement of the church—creating community, spiritual deepening, and bringing our values to the larger community.
The final report for the 2019-2020 church year can be viewed here.
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Footprints: Immigration/Migration Memory, Reality, ResponsibilitySeptember 12 - October 27, 2021
This art exhibition is scheduled in seven art galleries at seven churches in Portland, Oregon, including First Unitarian Church. Each gallery has curated in a unique way, a show which addresses historical and ongoing movements of people. A preview of this visual journey may be seen in a short video here.
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First Unitarian's Response to Covid-19
Here are a few important updates that affect our life together.
Sunday Worship
Staying Connected
Church Communications: Do you receive messages from the church including this weekly E-News and our Staying Connected emails? To receive church emails send a note to etafuri@firstunitarianportland.org.
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Naming First Unitarian Foundation in Your Will or Estate Plan
Help assure the long-term sustainability of this beloved congregation by including First Unitarian Portland in your will or estate plan.
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Have a Submission for E-News?If you have a submission you would like published in our weekly Front Steps (E-News), please submit it here with subject line “For E-News.”
Submission deadline is noon on Tuesday.
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Sunday Live Stream & Social ScheduleJoin us LIVE from your computer or smart device by clicking on the links below.
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October Shared PlateThe Western States Center strengthen community organizing with a particular emphasis on gender justice, racial justice, and tribal sovereignty. They also support communities and civil society to effectively respond to social movements that exploit bigotry and intolerance, such as the white nationalist movement.
First Unitarian recently joined Western States Center as a plaintiff in the 10th Amendment lawsuit against federal law enforcement agencies who sent agents to suppress protests against police violence in Portland.
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Speaking of Justice: Weekly Update 10/22In this period of physical distancing, the sacred work of justice continues. Engage with what our Social Justice Action Groups are diving into.
What you can find inside!
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Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and stay engaged!
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Trying to find connection with those in the congregation with similar interests?
Contact one of the many groups run by members of the church and connect.
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Share photos of you or your family watching our Sunday livestream or volunteering in our community!
You might see yourself in our pre-service slideshow!
(By submitting your photos, you are giving us permission to publish and/or use images for First U publications.)
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