March 21, 2019

Sunday Services

Sunday, March 24: Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. 

Fresh Schemes of Life

-Rev. Bill Sinkford

“Rouse us from tiredness, self-pity, whet us for use…” Former First Unitarian minister Clark Wells named the work of this season: renewal and the hope that spring proclaims.

Bill's Blog

Sing Out Her Name

The Gospel of Mark, the earliest in the Christian tradition, begins with the adult Jesus seeking baptism. The earliest Gospel begins with his yearning for cleansing and the hope of new life that John the Baptist promised. It was a very human yearning, I think, that drew Jesus to the Jordan.
Immediately after his baptism, “the spirit drove him into the wilderness.” This is the season of Lent, in the Christian liturgical calendar, a time of preparation, of seeking and centering, modeled on the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness.
Many of us know wilderness journeys in our own lives, times of uncertainty and seeking. The wilderness can certainly be a place of loneliness. The natural world can also be a place of renewal. It is for many of us. I wonder if we always need to experience the wilderness and the times of searching in only a negative way...Continued

Why Pronouns Matter

At 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.

This Sunday

FIRST CONNECTIONS

Sunday, March 24, 1 p.m.
Channing Room
New to First Unitarian?
Join us to meet other newcomers and to learn something about the church. This Sunday's topic will be Spiritual Practice for Beginners. We’ll hear from a panel of church members who’ll talk about their own spiritual practice and how they sustain it.
Primer in UU Theology with Rev. Bill Sinkford
Next Sunday, March 31 
How do we articulate our theology from a UU perspective? What does that look like for us as a faith tradition? What would it look like for us as individuals to explore our own theology?

Now Accepting Donations for the Upcoming May Auction!

Creating Connections: "Reboot for the Future Is a Silent Event, Service, & Vacation Home Auction Coming Up on May 5, 12, and 19.
Proceeds from this year’s auction, – “Reboot for the Future," will help modernize our technical capabilities in the sanctuary, the Buchan building, and throughout the church campus. This includes updating and adding AV carts, projectors, and hearing assistive technology.
Donate ONLINE or grab a paper donation form starting this Sunday, March 17 at the Auction Committee information table in Margaret Fuller Hall after services. 

Donations for the Auction are due Monday, April 8 by 5 p.m., - so start thinking of what you might donate!

Need ideas for what to offer?

Got a Minute? Let Your Voice Be Heard!

The Board is inviting all congregants to respond to an online survey to assess progress toward our vision and goals.
We've tried to keep the survey short, so you can complete it fairly quickly. Your opinion is important because we need to hear from as many congregants as possible to get a complete picture.
Results of the survey will be shared with the congregation before the end of the church year. Let us hear from you!
March is Foundation Month, a time when we ask the congregation to reflect on the importance of leaving a legacy gift to help secure the future of First Unitarian Church. 
Members of The Foundation’s Board of Stewards will be available every Sunday this month in Margaret Fuller Hall after services to answer your questions and share helpful resources regarding how planned giving can benefit congregants as well as First Unitarian.
The Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3), operates solely for the support and benefit of First Unitarian Church of Portland. By including The Foundation or The Church in your will or estate plan, you are helping ensure a strong and vibrant future for The Church for generations to come and inspiring fellow congregants to do the same!
The Legacy Society was created to acknowledge and thank those members and friends of the church who have taken the important step of including The Foundation or Church in their Will or Estate Plan. If you’ve already done so, please fill out our Legacy Intent Form, so that we may recognize you as an official member of our Legacy Society!
For questions, additional information or to make planned giving arrangements email stewardship@firstunitarianportland.org or visit our website.

Writers Fair

Sunday, March 24 
Celebrate our talented church writers and musicians on Sunday, March 24, after each service in Daisy Bingham.
Questions? djdeacon@comcast.net

Bookstore on Sunday

The Writers Fair is Sunday in Daisy Bingham after each service.  More than 20 congregant authors will be on hand to share their books and discuss the writer’s craft choose from at least 50 titles, including children’s books, poetry, novels, and memoirs.  Come support your fellow congregants.

This Week

Summer Classes, Workshops, and Events

Are you interested in teaching a class or a workshop this summer in service to First Unitarian or would you like to refer engaging teachers from our broader community?
Please send an email to Kerry ASAP with a brief general description of what you would like to offer, qualifications, and preferred times/dates. Kerry Heintze: kheintze@firstunitarianportland.org.

Environmental Action: Annual SOLV Beach Cleanup

Saturday, March 23
Join members of First Unitarian and other Unitarians from the Mt. Hood cluster for the SOLV annual beach cleanup.  We will clean a beautiful beach at Camp Merriwether (just south of Cape Lookout) and have a picnic together after the job is done.
Contact Roberta Richards at cfeuupdx@gmail.com for more information.  

Nourishing the Spirit: Practice for the Long Haul

Saturday, March 23, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
In community we reawaken the hope, imagination, and passion that sustain us as we work to build the world we see in our dreams. Join us for a rejuvenating class with Rev. Katherine Jesch. Details: No cost. Attend one or all sessions. Drop-ins are welcome, but registration is appreciated.

The Wondering Wilderness 

Unfortunately, due to mysteries beyond our knowing, this week’s episode of The Wondering Wilderness, featuring Nikki Beezley, was swallowed by the tech abyss. Please stay tuned for a double episode with her in an upcoming week! Blessings on your Lenten journey.

Upcoming

Spring Classical Concert

Saturday, March 30, 7 p.m.  
Join us in the Main Sanctuary, as the Women’s Choir and First Unitarian music staff bring you a fun and eclectic mix of classical music, featuring John Gardner’s A Shakespeare Sequence, a colorful setting of eight Shakespearean texts for treble chorus, four-hand piano, and percussion.
Also on the program, Joe O’Donnell (organ) and Signe Lusk (piano) will present Peter Schickele’s ingeniously funny take on Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. And for the first time in public, DeReau Farrar and the entire music staff will sing together a trio of lovely madrigals. A free-will offering will benefit the music program as we look ahead to another year of inspiring and thought-provoking music making. Hope to see you there!

Tragic Effects of US Militarism in SE Asia...How You Can Help

Sunday, March 31, 1–2 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
A Peace Action and Global Service Corps (GSC) presentation and discussion will look at US influences in SE Asia and particularly in Cambodia, including the Vietnam War, the Khmer Rouge genocide, and the ensuing Paris Peace Agreements. Specific attention will be given to the devastating effects on the Cambodian people and Buddhist community, and the resultant societal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  We will also review the history of Cambodia as it relates to foreign influences, invasions and occupation, the loss of much of its original territory and fears of a possible repeat as US, China and other regional powers currently vie for SE Asia influence and control.
Website Flyer 

Registration Now Open for UU Chalice Summer Day Camp!

Join us this summer for a week of community building, nature exploration, spiritual practice, and lots of fun, all grounded in Unitarian Universalist values and principles. Options include leadership training for youth to be youth counselors or aids.
Priority registration for First Unitarian and WHUUF community families ends on April 1, when registration will be opened to the larger community. Final registration closes Monday, June 24, or when all spaces are filled. Your space is not reserved until you submit the registration form here and complete payment.

Black Girl in Suburbia, Screening & Conversation with Director Melissa Lowery

1:00–3:00 pm, Sunday, April 7
Buchan Reception Hall
Black Girl In Suburbia is a 55-minute feature documentary that looks into the experiences of black girls growing up in predominately white communities. This is a different look into suburbia from the perspective of women of color. This film explores through professional and personal interviews the conflicts and issues black girls have relating to both white and black communities. There are many girls out there who have stories to tell about struggle and triumph but have never had an outlet for sharing them. Black Girl In Suburbia intends to spark an open dialogue about race, identity, and perspective among all people.
Free. Tamales are available for purchase. Childcare Provided! Please RSVP at the RE Info Desk.

Help Is Here

Sunday, April 14, 11:1512:30 p.m.
Join author Anne Hill for an engaging discussion on dementia. Learn techniques to improve communication and interactions with loved ones and fellow congregants.
Foster a calmer and happier space for everyone with just a few simple strategies.
The Help Is Here Project is a mission of Providence Foundation. Profits from book sales return to the Help Is Here project to support education for those who care for people with dementia. Learn more about the Help is Here series of books at www.dementiahelpishere.org. A limited number of books will be available for purchase after the discussion.
Details: No charge. Sunday, April 14, 11:15 a.m.12:30 p.m. Drop-ins are warmly welcome, but registration is appreciated.

10th Annual Sewell Lecture Welcomes Julie Lythcott-Haims

“On learning to love my black self in a country where black lives were never meant to matter.”
7:00 – 9:00 pm, Tuesday, April 16
Main Sanctuary
Poetry by Justice English & Moderating/Q&A with Melissa Lowery
Julie roots for humans. Humans need agency in order to make their way forward; Julie is deeply interested in what impedes us. She is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Raise an Adult, an anti-helicopter parenting manifesto which gave rise to one of the top TED Talks of 2016, with over 3 million views. Her second book is the critically-acclaimed prose poetry memoir Real American, which illustrates her experience with racism and her journey toward self-acceptance. A third book on how to be an adult, for young adults, is forthcoming.
Book signing & reception to follow.

Women's Justice edition of Speaking of Justice: Faith in Action E-Mag! 


In honor of International Women's Day and Women's History Month, this edition of Speaking of Justice focuses on Women's Justice. You can find it here. In this edition, you'll find a welcome letter that acknowledges that women's justice is a matter of gender justice, yet it does not address all aspects of gender oppression that exist in the system of patriarchy in which we all function. As we focus on women’s justice specifically, we recognize the unique, and yet unifying, impacts patriarchy has on womxn around the world. The liberation of womxn is essential to the liberation of all people.
In this issue, you'll find an article about gender pronouns, and why they matter. You'll delve into the history of women and justice work at First Unitarian Portland, get a glimpse of the thought and work that went into creating the “I Believe You” service and pastoral care; read poetry, prayers and testimony of Unitarian Universalists; and hear from our social justice action groups about how the injustices they address particularly and disproportionately impact women. Thank you for joining us on this journey for justice together.
Subscribe here!
This piece by Bill Kirkham is featured in March's show.

Art Wall

In March, congregants display their talents on the Art Wall in Margaret Fuller Hall. Stop by and see the diversity of artwork our fellow members have produced.
There is always a wide range of styles and media that reflect the diversity of our congregation. 
Learn more here

Give the Joy of Flowers for Sunday’s Service

Have you ever wondered where the beautiful flowers come from each week? You can be one of the generous donors of the chancel flowers.
If you have an upcoming birthday, anniversary, or memorial that you’d like to recognize, what better way than to provide flowers in honor of your loved one? For details about giving flowers for the chancel, contact Marsha at 503-954-3534, marshamwarner@comcast.net.

Bookstore

Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of Real American: A Memoir, is our speaker at this year’s Sewell Lecture on Tuesday, April 16. Her book is available in the bookstore. Get it now to read before the lecture, and bring it along for her to sign.  “A compelling, incisive and thoughtful examination of race, origin, and what it means to be called an American.”
And mark your calendars for March 24–dozens of talented First Unitarian writers and musicians will host a Writers Fair after each service. The talented writers and musicians among us will be on hand to sign the works you choose to buy.  Proceeds will benefit our church.  If you are a published author or musician and you haven’t already signed up to participate, contact Donna Deacon (djdeacon@comcast.net) for more information.

Program Events

Adult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts

Adult Programs

Pick up our Spring Paths to Engagement Publication!

Check out the Paths to Engagement guide available this Sunday at the Adult Programs table.
Learn about the classes, retreats, and other special events happening at First Unitarian this winter and spring.

Social Justice

Plastic-Free Pilgrimage

Ongoing through Earth Day
Community for Earth of First Unitarian, Planet Earth Group of the First Methodist Church, and congregations of downtown Portland and other communities have joined together to raise awareness of how to reduce our plastic pollution.  Find our pledge sheets for daily action and sign up at the Community for Earth table in Margaret Fuller Hall. This week we are also featuring an info display from the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability.  Check it out!
More information is located at www.PlasticFreePilgrimage.org 

EJAG: Gathering 200,000 Signatures

First, Third and Fourth Sundays after each service during coffee hour.
The Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG) is gathering signatures for Initiative 1, a constitutional amendment to the Oregon Constitution to permit regulation of campaign financing.  Oregon has voted for this type of regulation in the past, but the Oregon Supreme Court has blocked implementation of these measures based on language in the Oregon Constitution. This Initiative has survived legal challenges, fixes the constitutional problem, and is now ready for your participation!
You may have seen the recent Oregonian article, Polluted by Money, on the power of corporate money in the action of our Oregon legislature. It is time to implement some controls!
We will be gathering 200,000 signatures between now and June 2020.  Help us get off to a good start by stopping by our table during coffee hour.
If you are interested in helping us gather signatures, stop by and we will hook you up.

The Neighborhood House's Annual Food Drive

Runs through Sunday, April 14
First Unitarian and our Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO) are joining with 40 local faith and community groups to collect canned goods for The Neighborhood House's annual food drive. This food drive helps feed 1400 people monthly.
Drop off cans at COHHO's food cupboard in Margaret Fuller Hall. Contact Donna at webbed@msn.com for more information.

Needs for 13 Salmon

We need mushroom and other soups, granola bars, canned chicken,
canned fruit, chips, enchilada sauce, and noodles.
Please bring donations to the 13 Salmon donation center in Margaret Fuller Hall. Contact Donna at webbed@msn.com for more information.

Learning Community

Sunday Afternoon Childcare

We offer childcare for all ages every Sunday from 13 p.m. while you attend an event or meeting at church. Please request care for your child(ren) at the Eliot Center Info Desk by 1 p.m. that day. Staff are released at 1 p.m. if care has not been requested.

Get Involved

Make a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community

Interested in working on disability issues?

If you are interested in a group that would bring together persons living with a range of disabilities, a member of the church is interested in exploring such a group. It would be a place for support as well as education and advocacy. If you are interested in being part of such a group, contact Pat Wallace at 971-400-0841, or patjw100@gmail.com.

Front Office Volunteer

Do you like to be in the center of things? We’re looking for a volunteer on Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Please have basic computer skills. Contact John at 503-228-6389 or jrosette@firstunitarianportland.org.

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.

Seeking Ushers

Ushers 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.

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.

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.

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.

In the Community

Community milestones, joys, and sorrows
Member Ruthann Shetler recently received the news that the brain tumor she has been living with for several months has grown again and she has begun another round of radiation therapy. Ruthann tires easily but she is able to rest comfortably.  She and her husband Dale appreciate our continued prayers and support.
Member Ann Pickar is recovering from injuries she sustained while hiking in the Gorge. She had surgery and is now recovering in a rehabilitation facility where she expects to be for about another week. We hold Ann and her husband Arnie in our thoughts and prayers.
Member Alisa Joaquin asks for prayers for her mother who lives in one of the communities impacted by the terrible flooding in Nebraska. Her mother is stranded in her home but safe. It has been a difficult time for her and for her community.
Crystal Zerfoss, who served as our intern minister last year, was ordained into the Unitarian Universalist ministry on March 16 at the Westside UU Congregation in Seattle. Crystal serves as minister of the Community UU church in the Tri-Cities in Washington. We wish her many blessings in her ministry.

Please email parishconcerns@firstunitarianportland.org if you have any joys or concerns to share.

Leadership News

March Moderator’s Letter

The March Moderator’s Letter has been published.  Follow this link to read the full letter.  Of special note, this year’s Congregational Survey is now available! We strongly urge you to fill it out (it only takes 10 minutes or so – click this link). The survey is anonymous and the consolidated responses become part of the Assessment of the Ministry of our church which is done every year by the Board and Executive Team.
For the latest updates on Board activities, visit the Board's webpage, which includes the latest time/location for all Board-related events.

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.
Please fill out our Intent Form, or for more information, visit our website.

Other News

Sunday, March 10 Attendance:

1st Service: 197
2nd Service: 266
Musicians: 38
Total: 501
Livestream: 110
Grand Total: 611

Help Us Be a Welcoming Congregation

Do you have a spare bedroom you are willing to share with other UU’s visiting Portland for a few days? You would provide a bed, bath, and a simple breakfast. We often have more requests than hosts! More is needed in NE Portland but anywhere in the city is good.
Our B & B program is personally enriching. Many lasting bonds of friendship have been made between guests and hosts. Our coffers are also enriched. All rental proceeds go to the church.
Remember our program if you are having out of town guests who need housing. For details, contact Ruth Robinson, mickrob@comcast.net.

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.

Ongoing Groups

The 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.

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.

Aging Together Learning Group

We 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 13 p.m. in Buchan Hall. For more information or to register, please contact Lucy Garrick, lucygarrick@icloud.com.

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.

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.

Caregiver Support Group

We usually meet on the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May.
We gather to provide support, inspiration, and information relevant to those caring for a loved one. Email facilitator Helena Lee.

Children's Mosaic Restoration Group

Questions? Leslie Pohl-Kosbau, 503-245-6087. More info on the Children's Mosaic at First Unitarian Portland Facebook page. 

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.

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.

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.

Ending Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial Justice

Usually, monthly on the fourth Tuesday, 6:30–8 p.m., B302. Questions? Kathryn Scotten.

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.

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 reflection, 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.
See our webpage for more info.

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.

Meditation Group

Wednesday nights
Group meets in the Elliot Chapel, 78:30 p.m.  Silent meditation for 30 minutes, followed by reading and discussing a book by Buddhist author.  Please email with your phone number if you are considering coming. Mary Ann Harman.

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 is 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.

Peace Action Group

Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Tess Beistel, Terri Shofner, Brianna Bragg.

Quilts of Love Group

Third Thursday meeting is now 1011:30 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. 

Sunday Morning T'ai Chi Chih

Sunday morning T'ai Chi Chih, 8:309 a.m.; check the sign board in the Buchan building for meeting locations. Questions? Email Adult Programs.

UU Knitting Group

The knitting circle meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month during the church year. Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.

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.

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.

UU Poetry Group

Twice monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Rodger Blackburn, 503-519-3494.

UUA Outreach Group

Monthly 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. 

Women’s Circles

I: 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 1011:30 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.

Update Your Records with Us

Have you moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail address?
Anything else you'd like to let First Unitarian know?
We want to make sure our records are as up-to-date as possible. Please help us update your information by clicking here.

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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Music Notes

Sunday Parking Reminder

U-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.
Family Forward Oregon fights for economic and reproductive justice for families, with a particular focus on improving the economic security of mothers and other caregivers, breaking the link between motherhood and poverty in Oregon. Central to their work is the belief that the lack of value for care and caregiving in our society – the work that makes all other work possible – is devastating to women and their families, and is rooted in a complex system of racism, sexism, classism, and heterosexism. Family Forward develops and fights for bold policies that value caregiving – things like paid family and medical leave, affordable child care, reproductive health equity, equal pay, retirement security, and more.
As a grassroots advocacy organization, they also work to empower moms to advocate for themselves and become community leaders, creating change for all of Oregon's families. Together we can create a culture that values caregiving in all its forms, transforming the lives of hundreds of thousands of Oregonians for decades to come.
To learn more about Family Forward Oregon,
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