| Sunday ServicesSunday, December 8: Services at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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Music & Worship: “A Ceremony of Carols”
-Treble Choir
Our Chancel Treble Choir (formerly The Women’s Choir), directed by John Boelling, will be leading this year’s Winter Music and Worship service featuring Benjamin Britten’s beloved A Ceremony of Carols. These beautiful and stirring medieval carols will be accompanied by renowned Portland harpist Denise Fujikawa, and will be interwoven with poetry and readings that reflect upon the richness of the holiday season. We hope you will join us!
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Bill's BlogA Personal Message
Many of you know that I have been thinking about my retirement for some time.
When the congregation called me in 2010, there was honest conversation about how long my ministry might last. I was 64 then and we all knew that a 20- or 30-year ministry was not in the realm of possibility. We agreed that up to 10 years seemed reasonable.
This church year is my tenth.
I have decided to serve through this church year and the next, retiring in June of 2021. I will be 75, and that feels like the right time to step down.
I have chosen to be open about the decision. We are blessed with a Board of Trustees that will lead well through this transition. My openness has allowed them to begin planning the process that will be used in the transition. I will have no voice in that process ...Continued
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It’s Holiday Time!December brings holiday services and activities to First Unitarian.
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First ConnectionsThe First Connection series is designed with newcomers to the church in mind, but everyone is most welcome.
Holiday Traditions at the ChurchSunday, Dec. 8, 10:30–11:05 a.m.
Come and learn about some of the holiday traditions at First Unitarian. Including the Christmas Pageant, the Winter Solstice Service, and the Alliance Greens Sale.
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The Complete Alliance Greens Sale '19 Opens!
Sunday, Dec. 8
Margaret Fuller Hall and Buchan Atrium
The primary site is Margaret Fuller Hall, but we have a selection of our items in the Buchan Atrium as well. You can buy holiday wreaths (only in Margaret Fuller), some of the wide variety of donated “treasures,” boutique items made by church members, and luscious goodies from Alliance kitchens.
Join in the fun that raises money to be quickly given away to social service agencies and for special projects here at First Unitarian.
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Younger Adult Potluck Brunch!Sunday, Dec. 8, 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Room B304
Join us for food and fellowship. No age restrictions and you are welcome even if you do not bring a dish. Just bring your wonderful self!
Drop-ins welcome and complimentary childcare available if requested by 1 p.m.
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Solar Power Viewing and DedicationSunday, Dec. 8, 1–1:30 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
The solar panels on our roof are almost ready to start generating clean electricity! On Dec. 8, we will officially dedicate and launch the solar power program at 1 p.m. in Buchan Reception Hall. Stop by earlier to browse displays and enjoy cookies and snacks. After the dedication, a solar energy expert from Elemental Energy will be available on the third floor of Buchan to answer questions about the panels.
Please join members of Community for Earth (CFE) for the celebration of this valuable step for our community. This is an opportunity to thank those who brought the project to fruition, and to rededicate ourselves to the work of replacing greenhouse gas emissions with clean power.
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Holiday Giving Trees Collecting Gifts through Sunday, Dec. 15
Sanctuary Narthex/Lobby & Buchan Atrium
In collaboration with the Learning Community and the Social Justice Program, First Unitarian Portland participates in gift giving for the holiday season. Consider bringing a gift on behalf of our community!
The Learning Community will be collecting mittens, socks, scarves, and hats for local organizations that focus on children and families.
Mental Health Action Group will be collecting gift cards for those living with mental illness for Central City Concern. They have very few choices in their lives; and you can empower them with up to a $30 gift card. Pick up a tag that has a specific request at the Sanctuary Narthex/Lobby Giving Tree, starting Sunday, Dec. 1. Please bring the gifts back no later than Dec. 15 with the tag attached.
Questions? Call Rosebud Kirwin-Alvord, 503-645-8227.
Animal Ministries will be collecting pet food, dog coats, leashes, collars, jackets, etc. that will go towards the Paw Team to benefit low income and houseless pet owners. These donations will be extended to Dec. 29.
NOTE: Central City Concern gifts go to the tree in the Sanctuary Lobby. All other giving tree gifts can go to either tree.
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LGBTQIA + Pride Alcohol- & Drug-Free, Holiday Potluck PartySaturday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
You are invited to our white elephant holiday finger food potluck party!
No alcohol or drugs. For more information or to volunteer, visit our Pride Table located in Margaret Fuller Hall after service or email us.
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Christmas Pageant RegistrationRegistration closes on Monday, Dec. 9
All families in the First Unitarian Learning Community are invited to participate in our traditional Christmas Pageant, which will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 22 as part of our 11:15 am worship service that morning. (There will only be one service.)
First rehearsal: Sunday, Dec. 15, 1:15–3:30 p.m.
Final rehearsal: Saturday, Dec. 21, 2–4:30 p.m.
Christmas Pageant: Sunday, Dec. 22, 11:15 a.m. (cast call at 9:15 a.m.)
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Younger Adult Wednesday Spiritual Deepening CircleWednesday, Dec. 11, 7–9 p.m.
Enjoy a short worship and spiritual conversation around a particular theme every 2nd Wednesday. No age restrictions. Newcomers are warmly welcome. Coffee and tea will be provided and we’ll meet in the Channing Room next to Eliot Chapel.
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Mindful Movements for EveryoneThursdays, Dec. 12, Jan. 2, 23, Feb. 6, and 20, 6–7 p.m.,
Fireside A303
Have you ever wanted a spiritual practice that is dynamic? This joyful movement practice is for all bodies, ages, and abilities. 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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All Church Holiday Vegan PotluckSunday, Dec. 29, 1 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
All are invited to attend our annual holiday potluck gathering. The event is free, but please bring a vegan dish or dessert to share that does not contain animal products (meat, dairy, egg, or honey). This can be a main course, side dish, or dessert; let your vegan intuition lead you.
This will be a fun event with some entertainment and an open mic to share your thoughts, resolutions, or reasons why you are trying out the vegan lifestyle.
PAW Team donations are still being collected at this event. Most-needed items are new or gently used leashes, collars, harnesses, coats/rain jackets, dog and cat toys, metal bowls, and booties.
Looking forward to seeing everyone! Hosted by the Animal Ministry.
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Registration is now 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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BookstoreSpilling the Light, the 2019 UUA in Spirit Meditation Manual, has just been released by Theresa Soto. We have many other volumes in this series, including To Wake, To Rise by Rev. Sinkford. Each title is just $8.
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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History comes to life!The Archives and Mosaic Restoration Committees have installed a display case across from the information desk next to the Eliot Chapel.
Come see artifacts from the Children’s Mosaic: historical pictures, tiles, and rusted brackets.
Then check out the restored mosaic in the courtyard.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Social Justice Sunday: Holiday Giving TreesSunday, Dec. 29, 1-3 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
Gather in the Buchan Reception Hall as we sing holiday songs, sort our gifts from the Giving Trees, and learn about the organizations with whom we share our gifts. This is family-friendly and open for all ages!
Dora's Tamales will be for sale before the event from 12:30-1 p.m.
Please join us in fellowship!
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BOOK on sale just in time for holiday giving!What 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 Guide to Economic Justice. Now half price (just $10.00) at the 1st U book store. 100% of proceeds go to support Oregon delegates to attend the Poor People's Assembly in Washington, DC, June 2020.
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Our Eighth Issue of Speaking of Justice: Faith In Action E-Magazine Is Here!
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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COHHO and First Unitarian Portland Support Portland Street ResponseJoin us in endorsing Street Root’s proposal, Portland Street Response, to set up a new system of first responders, teams of medics and peer support specialists, who would respond with compassion to 911 calls about people struggling with homelessness and behavioral health crises.
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Immigrant Justice Action Group Announces Two Successes
No More Deaths (NMD) volunteer Scott Warren who was arrested in Arizona in 2017 under charges of harboring a fugitive in his work to administer humanitarian aid to migrants in the desert has been acquitted of all felony charges. This is a big success for humanitarian aid justice, however, the ongoing work to change immigration policy and to accompany people seeking asylum continues.
In Oregon news, Chief Justice Martha Walters ruled that ICE may not make arrests of undocumented residents at county courthouses without a warrant. The Immigrant Justice Action Group partnered with the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ) to urge Justice Walters to make this ruling.
Starting in February, 2020, IJAG will meet on the 4th Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. in room A108. Join them to learn how you can engage in immigrant justice.
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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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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
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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, Dec. 1 Attendance:1st Service: 135
2nd Service: 299
Musicians: 30
Total: 464
Livestream: 109
Grand Total: 573
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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 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.
Questions? Ingrid Gjestvang.
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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
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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.Starting in February, 2020, IJAG will meet on the 4th Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. in room A108. Join them to learn how you can engage in immigrant justice.
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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 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 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 the month of December, half of our plate will go to our church’s Emergency Fund for Members. This fund helps members facing some kind of critical need like loss of housing, utility shutoff, or some other unexpected, necessary expense. It is part of how we build the Beloved Community in our congregation.
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