| Last Summer Sunday ServiceSunday, September 1: Service at 10:15 a.m.
| |
Summer Dreams
Rev. Katherine Jesch
Not happy with the future the soothsayers predict for us? Let’s dream the one we want into existence. What does it look like and how will we make it real?
| |
Bill's BlogSummer's EndTemperatures in the high 90’s. Bright sun. It may be hard to imagine that summer is drawing to a close. Next Monday will be Labor Day and our Homecoming Sunday (when we return to two services, at 9:15 and 11:15) is the following week, September 8.
This has been a very good summer at First Unitarian. Worship has been strong and well attended. “That’s a Pick Up Choir ???” asked Matt Meyer, a respected UU musician and worship leader who was a guest in our pulpit and brought his own extraordinary rhythmic energy to our sanctuary. Chalice Camp was a great success, a model for summer religious education that we will continue. Over 40 people took the five part series of White Supremacy Culture in Oregon.
Strong plans are in place to keep that positive energy going ...Continued
| |
New Membership Sign-upSunday, Sept. 1, 11:30 a.m.
Channing Room A101
If you’re ready to become a member, please bring your completed enrollment and pledge forms. Enrollment kits are located in our literature racks. We welcome you!
| |
Summer Pick-up Choir Love to sing? This Sunday is your last chance to add your voice to our Summer Pick-up Choir!
Simply show up at 9 a.m. for a quick rehearsal and sing with the choir in the service.
| |
First Share!Bring your overabundance of produce and flowers to exchange or give to the First Share table in Fuller Hall. Everyone is welcome to take something home!
Details: Every Sunday through September.
| |
Mental Health at First UnitarianLet us know your thoughts!
| |
First Unitarian's Mental Health Action Group (MHAG) exists to support those in our congregation who live with mental illness and their relatives, and to educate the congregation about mental illness. How can we do this most effectively? Please help us identify your needs and interests so that we can best serve you and our community. The National Alliance on Mental Illness says that one in five adults experiences mental illness in a given year. This suggests that numerous members of our congregation may have needs with which we could help them.
CLICK HERE TO LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS
| |
Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG)Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2–3:30 p.m.
Room A108
Join us for our monthly meeting where we’ll view two short films from Brave New Films on the consequences to children and families of our immigration policies, followed by discussion.
Hear updates on IJAG transitions, learn about church and Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice local events and actions, and share your ideas for programs, actions, and events.
All are welcome.
| |
Mindful Movements for EveryoneThursday, Sept. 12, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Have you ever wanted a spiritual practice that is dynamic? This practice is for all bodies, ages, and abilities. Combined with a blend of world music, each class has a theme that will set an intention for your practice. Fee: $10 per class or six class series discounted at $55.
Details: Advanced registration appreciated, drop-ins welcome. Thursdays, Sept. 12, 26, Oct. 10, 24, Nov. 7, 21.
| |
Portland Peace Team TrainingSaturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Learn how to apply effective de-escalation tactics. Once you've gone through the training, the Peace Team can call on you to help provide security for community events.
| |
First Unitarian Rahab’s Sisters Meal Preparation Team
Thursday, Sept. 26
Together, we will prepare a full meal for 120 and get to know each other in the process. No cooking experience necessary.
First Unitarian Rahab’s Sisters Meal Service Team
Friday, Sept. 27, 5–10 p.m.
We will serve the meal that the volunteer team prepares on Thursday.
| |
Transforming Hearts: Welcoming in CongregationsSaturdays, Oct. 12, 26, Nov. 2, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
First Unitarian Portland’s Lay Ministers will facilitate this program for allies. This course, which explores gender and welcoming at First Unitarian, was created by transgender Unitarian Universalists with UU congregations in mind.
| |
Religions of AbrahamWednesdays, Oct. 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
The religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all trace their origins to the prophet Abraham. This course will explore how these faiths share his inspiration.
| |
Art WallThe Art Wall’s mission is to integrate art into the spiritual life of First Unitarian Portland by providing a venue for congregants to see quality artwork from artists within the church and throughout the metro region.
Come down to Margaret Fuller Hall any Sunday and see it in person!
| |
BookstoreIn the wake of the latest mass shootings, the UUA is recommending two books that our bookstore carries: Bullets into Bells and Guns Don’t Kill People, People Kill People (and Other Myths).
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.
| |
|
Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
| |
The Learning Community 2019–2020 Registration Is Now Open!If you are a returning family, check out our website to find our online form, or just click below to register your child/children for the 2019–2020 church year classes.
| |
Summer in the Learning CommunityOn this, our last summer Sunday, we offer childcare for our youngest ones during the service, which is at 10:15 a.m.
For families with older children who may not be ready to sit through the whole service, we offer live streaming of the service for families in the Daisy Bingham room right next to Margaret Fuller Hall. There will be tables with games and space to move around. The Parker Room in our Eliot Center also offers live streaming, and is always available Sunday mornings as well.
Please note that childcare for young ones is always available during our services.
| |
| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
| |
Does Sunday Morning Coffee Arrive by Magic?No! It does not! It arrives because our wonderful Sunday morning Social Hour volunteers brew it up and serve it to us with a smile! But their ranks have diminished in recent times, and they are calling for more helpers. You are needed, dear congregants!
Choose a regular Sunday each month to volunteer, or offer your help as a substitute when called upon. Either one would be appreciated.
Excellent training is provided by our experienced volunteers. Email John in the front office or call him at 503-228-6389 x102. This is a great way to get to know new folks!
| |
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.
| |
| 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.
| |
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? Contact Marti Yoder.
| |
| 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.
| |
In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
We hold member Melinda McGann. Her mother, Irene Webster McGann, died on July 24 at the age of 90. Besides Melinda she leaves a husband, a son, and five grandchildren.
| |
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.
| |
Sunday, August 25 Attendance:Sanctuary: 290
Musicians: 32
Total: 322
Livestream: 74
Grand Total: 396
| |
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.
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 or call her at 503-954-3534.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
| 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 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.
| |
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
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.
| |
Caregiver Support GroupWe usually meet on the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May. Meetings will resume in September.
| |
| Children's Mosaic Restoration Group
| |
| 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 JusticeWe usually meet 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) meets the first Wednesday of the months of September–May, from 2–3:30 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.
| |
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 Eliot Chapel, 7 –8:30 p.m. 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. Mary Ann Harman.
| |
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.
| |
Quilts of Love GroupThird Thursday meeting is now 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.
| |
| Peace Action Group Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Tess Beistel, Terri Shofner, Brianna Bragg.
| |
| 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.
| |
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.
| |
| 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 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.
| |
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. We are currently welcoming new members. Questions? Kim, 503-869-1486. III: First and third Wednesdays at 10–11:30 a.m. Now welcoming new members. Questions? Call Dorothy at 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.
| |
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?
| |
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.
| |
|
| Sunday Livestream
Join us LIVE from your computer or smartphone on Sunday at 10:15 a.m.
| |
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.
| |
In the spirit of September's spiritual theme of "Radical Hospitality," we share our collection plate with Rahab's Sisters. To create community with those marginalized by poverty, houselessness, sex work, violence, or substance use, every Friday Rahab's Sisters open their doors to anyone who identifies as a woman, or whose gender identity makes them vulnerable. All are encouraged to come as they are to share a homemade meal seated together. The heart of Rahab's Sisters is the community created together every week through activities, conversations, and human connection.
| |
|
