| Sunday ServicesSunday, May 27: Service at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
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What’s Out There?
-Intern Minister Crystal ZerfossThe future is a nebulous unknown. That which is yet to be often leaves us with more questions than answers. How best do we move forward into our becoming, fulfilling the potential deep within us?
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Bill's Blog"Our Moral Compass" Too often, in recent days, I have found myself yearning for a return to “compassionate conservatism.” Each new day brings another revelation that our national leadership is motivated primarily by self interest; and our lofty national ideals, however poorly realized, no longer even figure in our national decision making. That nostalgia is proof positive, for me, that our moral compass needs recalibration. As members of First Unitarian, a community that describes itself as a liberal religious beacon of hope, we promise to help each of us find our moral compass. We are called, I believe, to resist despair and limit our “eye rolling” at each new degradation of our civic norms. We have a responsibility to bring our moral sensibility to public discourse, to ask who is benefitting from public policy and to shine a light on who is paying the price. The work of understanding our privilege does not reduce that responsibility ...Continued
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Changes Are Coming!Thanks to our “Ramp It Up!” auction earnings, there will be construction in our Sanctuary throughout much of the summer to make our chancel accessible. We won’t be able to hold services in the Sanctuary during this time, so our usual summer schedule must change. Once the construction starts, services will be held in Eliot Chapel, at both 9:15 and at 11:15 a.m. each Sunday. Social hour will continue to be held in Fuller Hall after each service. Stay tuned as more details become available.
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Nourishing the Spirit: Spiritual Practice for the Long HaulSaturday, May 26, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Gather with kindred spirits to nourish your spirit in these trying times. We’ll take time for reflection, storytelling, artistic pursuits, and musical interludes to sooth our souls and energize our spirits as we reawaken the hope, imagination, and passion that sustains us. Rev. Katherine Jesch will facilitate. For more info, call Katherine at 503-758-6662 or email: kathjesch@earthlink.net. Pre-registration is not required.
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Path to Engagement Class
Wednesday, May 30, 7 p.m.
New to First Unitarian? Come learn more about this church, its history and making connections here. Led by one of our ministers, the class is intended to be an orientation to the life of the congregation and also a chance to get to know other newcomers.
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10-month Spiritual Director Training Do you yearn to participate in a program focused on your own spiritual deepening within a spiritual community? The 10-month Spiritual Director training program at the Urban Spirituality Center may be the next step on your path. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a Spiritual Director certificate. Father Jim Galluzzo, director of the Urban Spirituality Center, and Patty Clement, member of First Unitarian and former Wellspring facilitator, will conduct an informational meeting regarding this program on Sunday, June 3, at 1 p.m. Wellspring graduates are especially invited. Contact Jim Galluzzo at 503-241-1751 or 503-705-6005 or Patty at
pattyclement@gmail.com with questions.
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All Governments Lie: Truth, Deception and the Spirit of I. F. Stone
This is an acclaimed documentary that has been seen in film festivals and on public TV channels across the globe. The movie will be screened at First Unitarian Portland, June 3, 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a Q&A with the film’s co-producer, Jeff Cohen.
The documentary focuses on official liars–including U.S. presidents–but the real stars of the movie are independent journalists who’ve exposed government deception. These include Amy Goodman and Nermeen Shaikh (Democracy Now!), Glenn Greenwald and Jeremy Scahill (The Intercept), Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian (The Young Turks), Carl Bernstein (Watergate), Michael Moore, John Carlos Frey, and the legendary I.F. (“Izzy”) Stone, who challenged official propaganda, wars, and racism for decades until his death in 1989. “A damning indictment of mainstream media” – Los Angeles Times
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2018 "Ramp It Up" Auction Success!
Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in our auction these past weeks.
You have helped make this year’s auction a success! Statements and lists of winning bidders will go out at the end of the month, so be on the lookout. Come to Fuller Hall after services on June 3 and June 10 to pay your invoice or pick up your purchased items.
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Cathy Cartwright-Chow Celebration
Mark your calendars now! Come celebrate Cathy Cartwright-Chow’s retirement on Saturday, June 9, from 5–8 p.m. in our Buchan Reception Hall. If you wish to help out in any way, stop by the RE table on Sunday morning or contact cathysretirement@firstunitarianportland.org. Click here for more information.
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Flower Communion
June 10, 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Please bring a small bouquet of flowers to add to our communal baskets.
This service will be multigenerational, with music, movement, and words to appeal to all ages.
A notice has gone out to Learning Community families asking for participants.
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Facts and Myths about Immigration LawSunday, June 10, 1–2:30 p.m.
Presented by immigrant law attorney Sarah Loftin, co-sponsored by West Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (WHUUF) and First Unitarian Church. Location: WHUUF, 8470 SW Oleson Road. Soup and bread lunch at 12 noon. No fee and donations gratefully accepted. Join immigrant justice activists for an informative and lively conversation with Ms. Loftin whose local practice has focused on the needs of undocumented immigrants. Her stories help to clarify the issues and create a human picture of the current debate.
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May's Art Wall
Joanna Ceciliani is featured on the art wall in May.
Color and movement
fascinate as she tries to capture what inspires her in photos.
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BookstoreHave you heard of Marlon Bundo, the Vice President’s family rabbit? Two books have been written about him recently, and we have copies of John Oliver’s version. You’ve got to see it, before we decide where to shelve it–Politics, Gender Topics, or Children’s Picture books. Also, Kim Stafford has just been named Oregon’s next Poet Laureate. Come get copies of his $5 Little Books.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Learning Community, Music & Arts, Social Justice
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An Evening of Pie & PoetryThursday, June 14, 6:30–8:30 p.m. in Buchan Reception Hall. While enjoying a slice of pie, you can hear First Unitarian poets read from the best of their year’s work. Donations appreciated (suggested $5) or a book of poetry as a donation to the church libraries.
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Teacher Holiday
Sunday, May 27
We like to give our volunteer teachers one last holiday for the Memorial Day weekend. There will be Nursery and Childcare only for children three years and younger. We have one more Sunday together before the Learning Community breaks for summer. Please join us in the Main Sanctuary this Sunday.
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Teacher Appreciation and Pancake Brunch
Sunday, June 3
The Religious Education Committee will be hosting a pancake brunch in appreciation of teachers in the Learning Community and Adult Programs. Cash or card. $5 for cakes, fruit, yogurt, and juice. Join us!
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Learning Community Teachers Needed for 2018–19The essential qualities of a good Learning Community teacher are a love of children, a sense of wonder about life, empathy and the ability to listen, and a willingness to share who you are more than what you know. Above all, teachers are mentors and companions for the children on their spiritual path. One of the best ways to learn about what it means to be a practicing Unitarian Universalist is by spending time with young people on the journey. Each year more than 50 people commit themselves to teaching in our Sunday program for Children and Youth. Everyone is paired up with a co-teacher, lessons are well spelled out, and resources are plentiful. Prerequisites include at least a six-month attendance at First Unitarian Portland, an interview, and a background check.
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Childcare Position Available, Beginning June 2018
We are currently seeking someone to work primarily with infants and toddlers, with experience and comfort working with older kids every once in a while. This is a paid position ($12 an hour to begin; $15 after six months) every Sunday with additional days/times upon request. Must work both services, 8:45 a.m. –12:45 p.m. and often until 3 p.m. when we have additional programming. Experience with children is a must. Inquire through Cathy Cartwright-Chow.
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Nursery and Childcare Available
We always have childcare for our wee ones on Sunday mornings.
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Emails
A weekly email goes out to all families registered in the Learning Community. It has descriptions of the upcoming Sunday classes as well as events and announcements. Be sure to check it out!
The Learning Community sends out: - An explanation of specific programming for the upcoming Sunday
- An invitation for classes to light the chalice on Sunday morning
- An invitation from Pingg.com to join us at an upcoming social event
Be sure they're going to your inbox!
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National Gun Violence Awareness Day–Fifth Annual Wear Orange EventThere have been seven school shootings since Parkland, Florida's tragedy. And that's just school shootings. On average, 97 people per day are killed with a gun in the U.S. Wear Orange is a movement which began with the death of Hadiya Pendleton, a Chicago high school student who was killed by gunfire. Her friends honored her by wearing orange, and the movement has continued to grow until Wear Orange came to represent solidarity with all who work to reduce gun violence. This year the local event of remembrance will be hosted by Moms Demand Action. This outdoor event will feature prominent Oregon gun sense champions, Rev. Bill Sinkford, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, and Representative Jennifer Williamson. Also speaking will be gun violence survivors, students, and activists. There will be live music, activities for kids, and opportunities to learn about community organizations like The Soul Box Project. Wear something orange. Take the street car, bring a blanket or lawn chair, maybe a picnic...and add your voice. More information at Moms Demand Action Oregon Facebook page and the Peace Action Group table on Sunday.
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Join the movement! Oregon Poor People’s CampaignWednesday, May 30, 4:30–7 p.m.
National Poor People's Campaign Weekly Livestream Teach-In and Local Discussion
Tuesday, June 5
Oregon Poor People's Campaign Teach-In and Orientation
4:30–6 p.m. National PPC Truthful Tuesday Livestream
6–6:30 p.m. Dinner provided
6:30–8 p.m. Orientation to Oregon Poor People's Campaign and Action Days in Salem
Register here for the Orientation.
Mondays, June 11 and 18
Direct Action Days in Salem
Details TBA Livestream Teach-Ins are presented by the national Poor People’s Campaign. The teach-ins are designed to create opportunities for deeper education on the issues at the heart of this campaign and to build power among our community, bringing us together through deeper discussion and reflection The next Oregon PPC Direct Action days in Salem will be Mondays, June 11 and 18. People in more than 40 states across the country will gather in their state capitals, the places of power where decisions about our collective well-being are made. The goal is to raise awareness about the ways we are impacted by systemic racism and poverty, militarism, and ecological devastation in our state, and how we can build a powerful people's movement to reclaim the moral narrative of our nation.
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Do you love to write?
The Social Justice Program seeks a couple volunteers to launch a monthly newsletter. It’s a great way to serve the social justice mission of First Unitarian while getting to know the vibrant work of our action groups. Helpful skills and interests include writing, editing, interviewing, and connecting with people. Experience with publishing software a plus! Please email cscheffman@firstunitarianportland.org.
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Thank YouThe Committee for Hunger and Homelessness thanks you for the outpouring of generosity of gifts and help you've given the winter shelter. We sincerely couldn't have done it without your help. The shelter closed April 30, until winter months return. A reminder: we still have families at the 13 Salmon Family Center in the lower level of our Buchan Building. Donna Richards webbed@msn.com.
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Supplies Needed- Baby formula
- Baby food (no sugar added)
- Chips
- Crackers
- Ramen cups
Please leave supplies in Fuller Hall cupboards by kitchen.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Social Hour Helpers needed Sunday Mornings
With two services continuing through the summer, we need a few more beverage service helpers and subs on Sundays in Fuller hall. One Sunday each month either 8 a.m.–10:50 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m. with time to attend service in between. Please contact Emily 541-408-1516 or ewh1960@gmail.com. Training provided by experienced volunteers.
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Attention LiveStream Viewers
Do you regularly watch First Unitarian’s Sunday services in real time on Sunday mornings? Are you adept at sending and receiving text messages?
Our Sunday morning sound and video technicians could use help from a couple of techy types out in cyberland to let them know when there is a livestream glitch while the service is being streamed. Please email the church office (office@firstunitarianportland.org) if you’re interested in volunteering for this important job. We need you!
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| Help Wanted!A team of volunteers has formed to address the unrelentingly vigorous weeds in the beds around our church campus and we need more help! As the summer progresses, projects will be planned to control weed growth and highlight our native plants. If you would like to spend a couple of hours with the team, please contact Marti Yoder at marti.yoder@gmail.com and have your name added to the notification list. More hands are needed to make this light work.
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| Seeking Sunday Welcoming Volunteers
If you like to greet people and make them feel welcome, this volunteer opportunity is for you: become a Welcome Desk or Newcomer Table host before or after a Sunday service.
This is a great way to connect with congregation members and newcomers. Contact Membership Chair Ed McClaran or call 971-279-2778.
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| 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.
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| Seeking Ushers
Here's a great volunteer opportunity: Become an usher and connect more deeply to members of our congregation. Won't you join our team? Contact usher coordinator Dev Dion or call 503-805-5899. Thank you.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
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Dennis Kosanke, husband of member Suzanne Kosanke, died May 13, after a bad fall at their home. Dennis was 75 years old and he and Suzanne were married for 52 years. We hold Suzanne and her family.
Member Ruthann Shetler had surgery last week to remove a mass on her brain. The surgery went well–she is back at home recovering–and she expects to learn the results of the biopsy this week. She asks for our continued prayers.
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Board of Trustees—Results of the 2018 Annual Vote
Thank you to all members of First Unitarian who return completed ballots to approve the Church’s operating budget and elect members to our Board of Trustees, Nominating Committee, and the independent Foundation Board of Stewards. Details on the results of the Annual Vote are in Moderator Randy Russell’s May letter along with other important Board-related updates. Only by reading Randy’s letter will you learn how he can soon serve you some ice cream! As always, please check out the Board's main webpage for the latest time/location for all Board-related events.
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Represent First Unitarian in the UU Democratic Process: Be a General Assembly DelegateThe UUA Outreach Group is accepting applications from those who wish to be a First Unitarian Portland delegate to the 2018 Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations General Assembly (GA) to be held in Kansas City, MO on June 20–24. Delegates can participate in person in Kansas City or remotely here in Portland. Financial support is available for delegates. All voting members are eligible to be a delegate. For more information about delegate selection and responsibilities, and to obtain an application, stop by the UUA Outreach Group table in Fuller Hall or go online here.
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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 Attendance1st Service: 256
2nd Service: 284
Musicians: 24
Total: 564
Livestream: 103
Grand Total: 667
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Yarn Donations Needed
The UU Knitters, who meet at the church on the first and third Thursdays of each month to work on projects for the benefit of the community, are getting low on donated yarn. We are looking for yarn of any type–wool, cotton, and synthetics. Please bring donations to the church office, and staff will get them to the right place. Thank you!
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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 photos@firstunitarianportland.org or click 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. 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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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
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.
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Caregiver Support Group
We usually meet the fourth Sunday of the month.
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| Children's Mosaic Restoration Group
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| 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 Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays. Questions? Email co-chairs Mary Andrews and Ellen Vanderslice.
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Community for Earth (CFE)
The Community for Earth (CFE) is again selling the eco-friendly and community supportive Chinook book—each with its own app ($25)—and individual apps ($15). Use of the wide variety of coupons frequently more than covers the cost of the Chinook book and/or app. Buy yours today in our Beacon Bookstore. Cash sales at the CFE table. Questions? Susan Weinstein at 360-440-0564.
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| 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.
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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. Contact: Michael Wade for more information.
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| Ending the New Jim Crow—Healing the Justice System Usually, 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)
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. Contact Wendy here.
See our webpage for more info.
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LGBTQIA Pride Group
Find out the latest social events by picking up a flyer at our Pride Table in 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 Group
Wednesday Night Meditation Group continues every Wednesday, 7–8:30 p.m, Eliot Chapel. Beginners welcomed. Questions? Mary Ann Harman.
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Monthly Grief GroupGrief is a common thread that connects many of us in our community. This drop-in group will hold compassionate organic space for listening, learning, and resources to live with the many forms of grief and caregiving. The group meets the third Sunday of each month from 1:15–2:45 p.m. in room B304 of the Buchan building. Facilitated by Rev. Rick Freeman and Sophia Douglas.
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| Parents of Teens Support Group, 1–2 p.m.
Second and fourth Sundays
Connect with parents of teens to talk and share parenting topics and the joys and challenges of navigating life as parents, with the guidance of a lay minister. We are an open group. Childcare provided.
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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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| Quilts of Love Group
Monthly on the third Thursday, 12–1:30 p.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? Anna Thorn, 503-720-1984.
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SPECTRUM: LGBTQIA Spirituality Discussion Group
An ongoing discussion group for LGBTQIA-identified folx. Meets second and fourth Thursdays, 7–9 p.m. Join in exploring spirituality through a rainbow lens. Contact Intern Minister Crystal Zerfoss with questions at czerfoss@firstunitarianportland.org.
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| Sunday Morning T'ai Chi Chih
Sunday morning T'ai Chi Chih, 8:15–9 a.m.; check the sign board in the Buchan building for meeting locations. Questions? Email Adult Programs.
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UU Knitting GroupThe knitting circle meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month during the church year. Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.
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| 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? Don Liedel, 503-319-8934; 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 Fuller Hall.
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| UU Poetry Group
Twice monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Albert Starr.
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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. Questions? Ken Wheeler.
If your interest lies in the larger picture of UU ministry, join us! 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. Questions? Kim, 503-869-1486.
III: First and third Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. Questions? Dorothy Lewis, 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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| To update your contact information with First Unitarian Portland, click here.
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Do You Have an Item for E-news 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
This email address gets 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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Sunday Livestream
Join us LIVE from your computer or smartphone on Sunday at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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Red Lodge Transition Services is a local Native American led organization that provides culturally focused programs for women releasing from jail, prison, or treatment who are working on creating a better life for themselves, their children, and communities. Red Lodge Transition Services declares: "We believe and practice that all life is sacred. We encourage and support humanitarian treatment of incarcerated Native American individuals during incarceration and their reentry into the community." Their vision is to to create positive change by educating the public, communities, social service providers, and Department of Corrections on the importance of providing culturally competent programming to Native Americans. They offer culturally competent pre- and post-incarceration programs which aid in prevention, increase responsibility, respect, and empowerment of individuals, families, and communities. Toward these ends, they offer mentoring, the Native American Positive Indian Parenting program, transition planning, housing assistance, the Native American Prison Arts Project, and other client services.
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