Sunday Live Streaming Service
Sunday, March 29: 10:15 a.m.
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Question Box
Rev. Bill Sinkford
Rev. Sinkford will answer questions from both our young people and adults about our faith, our church and our place in the world. Email your questions to: ministry@firstunitarianportland.org by tomorrow (March 27) at 5 p.m.
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Bill's BlogLet Us Choose Love
“I’m living with less sleep and more doom and gloom feelings. But I’m OK.”
It was not an unusual message to start my day. The news feed on my phone regularly reports the death toll from the virus, the financial toll from the stock market, and now the skyrocketing of unemployment as our economy grinds toward a halt.
Mortality seems closer. Hope seems more distant. Doom and gloom, indeed.
As we settle in for a likely prolonged period when the word “normal” will shift its meaning, I find myself buoyed – held up – by unexpected gifts received from unexpected places:
The message from an old friend not heard from in years…
The email that says nothing more than “Sending love”…
The ivy that persists in its attempt to overgrow our front yard…
The poems and prayers shared in virtual space made holy by depth of care and strength of heart...Continued
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Updates From First Unitarian Response to COVID-19
So many things have changed so rapidly in the life of First Unitarian. We are doing all we can to stay connected as a community and to provide resources both within the church and in the larger community. Here are a few important updates the effect our life together:
Reaching Out
Thank you for the appreciation so many have expressed for the check-in calls that volunteers are making to every family, and for the reflections we have offered via email on Mondays and Fridays, and for quality of the virtual worship we have shared on Sunday from the Sanctuary.
Beginning next Wednesday (April 1) we will experiment with offering opportunities for congregants to gather on zoom for simple spiritual check-ins facilitated by a minister or staff member. Consider joining us at either 8 a.m. or 5 p.m. by clicking here.
Sunday Worship
Most of you know that we are doing only virtual worship. More than 750 computers were signed on at 10:15 a.m. last Sunday. The language of Governor Brown's recent stay-at-home order allows us to continue broadcasting from the sanctuary, with no more than 10 participants and appropriate precautions.
We cannot know how long we will need to worship "at a distance," likely for some time, certainly as long as the stay-at-home order is in force.
Resources within our church community
Are you feeling the need for pastoral support? Ministers and lay minsters are here to help. Send note to ministry@firstunitarainportland.org or call the church office to be connected.
Resources in larger community
Our Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO) shared this updated list of community services and resources for houseless and other vulnerable community members. These resources, and the adapted service delivery, may be useful to our congregants as well. You can view the list created by the Joint Office of Homeless Services here: Community-Created List of Programming Changes in the Wake of COVID-19.
Our Social Justice Action Groups will continue to post advocacy actions you can do from home, as well as opportunities for mutual aid in our communities below in the Social Justice section of the e-news.
Workplace Safety Policy
Most of our employees are able to work from home. For those who do need to come to the church campus, we have adopted a Workplace Safety Policy:
- 6' Social Distancing/No physical contact
- Cleaning surfaces before and after use
- Washing hands before and after meetings
This policy applies to staff (including worship staff), volunteer staff and volunteers who meet at the church (this is rare). More specific language for this policy is being finalized and the full policy will be available at the website soon.
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Sunday Service Livestream
There are several ways to watch our on-line Sunday service. Clicking on any of these links will get you there once the service starts:
· BoxCast (this link changes every week!)
To avoid logjams while everyone is trying to open the service at the same time, it’s helpful if viewers slightly stagger the times they click through. For example, if you tend to arrive early for appointments, feel free to tune in starting at 10:05 a.m. when our pre-service pictures are displayed. Click on one of the links above, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and then sit down to watch the service at 10:15 a.m.
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| Hello from your Ministerial Search Committee
Your Search Committee has begun to meet. After one in-person meeting, we have now shifted to virtual meetings using Zoom technology for the indefinite time ahead. But we want you to know that we have started to work: initially the very meaningful work of getting to know each other, reading the helpful reflections from the Search Committee 10 years ago and materials from the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) regarding ministerial transitions. We are in touch with a representative from the UUA and will have a regional “coach” assigned to assist us throughout the process.
We want to assure you that we plan to communicate regularly with the congregation throughout the Search Process. And we will provide numerous opportunities in the months ahead for your input.
Kristin Guest on behalf of the Ministerial Search Committee.
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Foundation Month Draws to a Close
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As Foundation Month comes to a close please join in thanking these members and friends of our Legacy Society who have included the church in their will or estate plans and therefore helped to secure the future of our Beloved Community. Click here to see the full list.
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New Auction Dates: Aug. 16 and 23
Due to the unprecedented circumstances our community is facing the annual auction has been postponed until August 2020.
Now is the time to be planning your events or what service you might be able to offer after September 1, 2020.
Donation Deadline: May 1
Please note: there will NOT be paper donation forms available.
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Nourishing the Spirit: Practice for the Long Haul
Saturday, March 28, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Virtual Class via Zoom!
In community we reawaken the hope, imagination, and passion that sustains us as we work to build the world we see in our dreams. Join us for a rejuvenating virtual class with Rev. Katherine Jesch.
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Younger Adult Virtual Dinner
Wednesday, April 1, 6 p.m.
Do you consider yourself a younger adult in this congregation? If so, you are welcome to join us for our first 'virtual' dinner.
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The Alliance luncheon scheduled for April 1, 2020 is cancelled
Because we care about you and your well-being, the Alliance co-presidents and Leadership Team have sadly made the decision that we will be unable to gather for our April 1, 2020 luncheon due to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
We have taken our direction from the leadership of the church, health authorities, and our local and state governmental leaders. We are sending each of you love and wishes for safety and good health. At this moment, we do not know about the May luncheon, but we will inform you as soon as possible.
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Over Our Heads: Listening to and Reflecting on Our Worship Music
Thursday, April 2, 10–12 p.m. AND/OR Friday, April 10, 2–4 p.m.
In this virtual class, we will use hymnal music as prompts to guide us into reflective writing. Participants can respond to the music we watch by writing prose, memoir, creative nonfiction, songs, lists, or poetry.
Facilitator: Jennifer Springsteen is a writer, editor, and writing teacher in Oregon. Her first novel—a finalist of the Tuscon Festival of Books Literary Award— is out on submission. She is currently a seminarian at Starr King School for the Ministry.
Details: No charge. This is a virtual class via Zoom (video or telephone participation). Spaces are limited. You may sign up for a single class or both.
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How to Participate in a First Unitarian Zoom Gathering for Beginners
Saturday, April 11, 2–3 p.m.
Are you intimidated by technology? You have probably heard that most of our church gatherings and classes are now being held virtually through Zoom. If you have felt nervous about joining due to technological barriers, this information session is for you. We’ll compassionately guide you through Zoom basics so you can participate in upcoming church events.
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Summer Chalice Camp Registration Is NOW OPEN!
The priority registration window for First Unitarian and regional UU congregation affiliated participants ends March 31.
Remaining slots will be offered to the larger community.
After a successful first year, we are thrilled to announce the return of Chalice (Day) Camp this summer!
This year we will use Chalice Camp II: Identity and Justice. Campers explore the root causes of systemic racism in the US and develop a religiously grounded approach to countering racism and building just community.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Please Note:
We are in the process of creating novel virtual classes. Virtual classes and events will be posted in this e-newsletter as they become available.
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Trans Inclusion in Congregations
Location: Virtual Class
"Welcoming is a spiritual practice." - Transforming Hearts Collective
First Unitarian is offering this virtual class free of charge. You may complete this course on your own time. This educational opportunity is for everyone from novices on trans identity to those with decades of life experience. Rather than simply offering a “trans 101,” this class pushes participants to the next level of congregational welcome, relationship-building, and skills-building. It counters mainstream narratives about who trans people are; supports understanding of non-binary identities (such as genderqueer, agender, and two spirit); and employs a deeply intersectional approach.
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Dear Fellow Seekers of Justice,
In the current global health crisis that we are all struggling to comprehend and respond to, our Speaking of Justice Editorial Team is adjusting. Until now, we have curated and edited a periodic e-magazine with a particular justice focus. We expect we’ll get back to that model eventually. But for now, we have decided to highlight important justice issues in relation to the pandemic one at a time, as information and avenues for advocacy become available to us.
For the duration of this global crisis, we hope to offer weekly or bi-weekly articles and calls to action (yes from a safe and virtual distance) from our Social Justice Action Groups who are keeping abreast of justice issues that are emerging, or intensifying. In a crisis such as this one, the compounding nature of injustices becomes painfully evident, with intersecting issues of economic, health and food insecurity, housing insufficiencies, criminalization of undocumented and immigrant communities, mass incarceration, racial injustice, and environmental deterioration. While all of us are affected, the already underserved and marginalized segments of our communities will be the most adversely impacted by this crisis. We hope you will join us in advocating for justice even as we strive to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and all of our communities safe from harm.
Please look to our weekly Front Steps in the “Justice” section for our Speaking of Justice submissions. Please also go to the First Unitarian Portland website where you can subscribe to our e-magazine and read back issues. If you’ve not already read the latest issue on Intersectionality, check it out.
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The Intersectionality Issue of Speaking of Justice: Faith in Action E-Magazine
Our ninth issue was released Feb. 28
We are so glad you are joining us as together we explore intersectional organizing. What does it mean to strive for justice where we see and value the unique, lived experiences of those at the front lines of oppression, while also recognizing that our liberation is bound up in each other? We hope you will take time to read, reflect, and be changed by the many offerings in this e-magazine. Thank you for joining us here.
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"Changing Systems, Changing Ourselves"
The Immigrant Justice Action Group is sponsoring a webinar at church: "Changing Systems, Changing Ourselves," a collaboration of the American Friends Service Committee's Friends Relations office, the UUA and UUSC's Love Resists campaign, Church World Service, and Freedom for Immigrants. This is a five-part program which began Jan. 28, meeting monthly, 5–6:30 p.m., First Unitarian Portland. Many of us participated in the first series of programs with great appreciation for the learning and growth opportunities. Please join our team by registering through the link below and indicate that you are joining the group named Immigrant Justice Action Group.
From Love Resists:
"Without community, there is no liberation." —Audre Lorde
Do you want to join people of faith and conscience from across the U.S. in taking action and practicing reflection? Are you seeking ways to offer grounded solidarity without reproducing oppressive practices? Have you ever gone to an immigration (ICE) check-in or court to support a person at risk of deportation? Is your congregation part of the New Sanctuary Movement, or talking about joining?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, join our e-course, "Changing Systems, Changing Ourselves": Anti-Racist Practice for Sanctuary, Accompaniment, and Resistance. This free interactive e-course will meet monthly and support groups in learning, reflecting, and acting for social change. You are welcome to join as an individual, but particularly encouraged to register as a group with a team of people working together on these issues.
Topics will include anti-blackness and immigrant justice, criminalization and the place of immigration detention in the prison industrial complex, and on-the-ground case studies of accompaniment as anti-racist practice. There will also be caucus spaces for white participants and participants of color. The videos and homework assignments from the first program are also available online for self-study.
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Please Note:
Learning Community class have been cancelled until further notice.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Food Donations for Bienestar: IJAG Announcement
Dear Friends,
First a heartfelt thank you to all of you who found scarce grocery supplies and donated them to help our friends at Bienestar and to those who have contributed funds to the Oregon Food Bank. As Gracie Garcia of Bienestar says, “…please thank the church for the donations. You will never know how much I appreciate all the work…”
As I write, conditions are changing rapidly. The governor has issued a stay-at-home order and many of our friends and neighbors have lost their livelihood. Those with the least resources and living on the margins will suffer more than those of us who have a safety net. Many will lose their jobs and income and either cannot or do not feel safe accessing government assistance.
Because of the governor’s order and care for the community, Bienestar is no longer accepting outside food donations. They are staying at home in an effort to keep us all safe...Continued
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| Preparing for the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
As we approach the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, here is a tool to deal with the climate crisis: The Drawdown for Creation. Curated by members of CFE with several downtown faith communities, the Drawdown for Creation provides opportunities for the soul to deepen and actions to change. Visit drawdown4creation.com for more information. Also, watch for celebratory information about Earth Day.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
Member Ron Hall died on March 19 at his home. Ron was 71 years old and was diagnosed with bile duct cancer last summer. It had spread to other parts of his body. For many years Ron was a teacher in our adult programs. He brought his love of world religions to his teaching. We hold Ron, his wife Sherry and their family at this time.
Pat McAleer’s mother, Audrey Ord, died on March 16 in Victoria, BC. She was 97 years old. She picked her date to die and she died with Dignity.
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March 2020 Board of Trustees Moderator Letter
Greetings,
We are excited and pleased to have our Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) in place. They were presented to the congregation last Sunday and their names published in last week’s eNews. I want to acknowledge the work of the Nominating Committee in helping the board sort through all the many qualified applicants. The MSC is embarking on a year-long process to bring us a candidate for a congregational vote in the spring of 2021. Please support and contribute to their efforts. At this point, the MSC will drive the effort to bring a new senior minister to First Unitarian...Continued
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Sunday, March 22 Attendance:
Livestream: 638
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Faked Email Messages “from Rev. Bill”
They’re becoming more frequent: “Spoofed” email messages that appear to be from Bill Sinkford asking for your help. Email spoofing is an actual thing! It is the creation of email messages with a forged email address for the purpose of fooling the recipient into providing money or sensitive information. In our case, the messages look like they’re from Bill. But they’re not. Spoofed emails are very prevalent because it is incredibly easy to spoof an address. Fortunately, a spoofed email message does not mean that your email (or Bill’s) has been hacked or compromised.
So how can you tell when a message is spoofed? A quick way to check if Bill is the actual sender is to carefully check the full email header. This is where important details are located. By reviewing the header of the email, you’re able to determine the actual email address of the sender.
Bill’s email address is bsinkford@firstunitarianportland.org. If the sender’s email isn’t EXACTLY this email address…and you really have to look carefully…it isn’t from Bill!
And sorry to say, email spoofing isn’t something that’s under our control to stop. So it’s up to each of us to pay close attention to the sender’s complete email address, not just the name.
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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 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.
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Ongoing Groups
Please Note: Most of these groups are cancelled until further notice, although some may be meeting virtually. For information on a specific group please contact the leader.
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.
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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 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 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 Group
We 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
We meet the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, 6:30–8 p.m. 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. We usually meet in the Channing Room, but check the schedule in the Buchan building to be sure. All are welcome.
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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/ARJ)We provide special events and sponsor community events at the church. These are announced in our e-newsletter, which includes other upcoming community events and reading/viewing recommendations. For more information, to sign up for the newsletter, or for answers to questions, contact Kathryn Scotten. || Website
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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 Group
Group 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. Questions? Contact Robert Schroeder or 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 fourth Sunday at 1 p.m. in the B310.
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Quilts of Love Group
Third 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
Second and fourth 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 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.
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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. 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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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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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?
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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 here and include in the subject line “For eNews” –or– “For Sunday Bulletin” –or– “For eNews and Sunday Bulletin.”
Deadline for submissions is noon on Wednesday.
Because space is limited in our Sunday Bulletin, we’re unable to run articles for more than a week or two in advance, depending on the number of submissions. Articles may need to be shortened if space is tight.
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| Sunday Livestream
Join us LIVE from your computer or smartphone on Sunday at 10:15 a.m.
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