Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Time for All Ages: Families begin in worship service; then, children and youth leave to attend their classes.
Childcare is available during our worship service for children six months to 3 years old (in the nursery.)
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service
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Learning to Tell a New Story
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The French philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville came to America when it was young and articulated an ideal of individualism as central to our story. How is that still our story and how might that story need to become wider in this age of pluralism?
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Sunday Traffic Advisory: Shamrock Run
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First Unitarian ALL-CHURCH Democracy Fair: Engaging our UU Values to Deepen Democracy
THIS SUNDAY, March 17, from Noon 'til 3 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland, Buchan Reception Hall
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| Join us on Sunday after the service for an all-church Democracy Fair. We'll gather with food and song. You can then attend workshops focusing on important tools for protecting our democracy: Witness, Advocacy, & Organizing, and Education.
- 11:45 ~ Gather-in // Buchan Reception Hall
- 12:35 ~ 1st Workshop Sessions - 1 hour
- Advocacy // Eliot Chapel (Workshop A) with Amy Dudley
- Organizing // A108 (Workshop B) with Rev. Chris Dela Cruz and Rev. Melissa Reed
- 1:40 ~ 2nd Workshop Sessions - 1 hour
- Education // Eliot Chapel (Workshop C) with Curt Bell, Jody Feldman, and David Delk
- Witness // A108 (Workshop D) with Lindsey Sadlou of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon
- 2:45 ~ Closing // Eliot Chapel
Join us in deepening our connections to one another and learning essential skills to strengthen our democracy at this critical time.
As Unitarian Universalists, we believe that “Love is what calls us to the sacred work of seeking justice.” Let us learn and act together.
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Consider Including First Unitarian in Your Estate Plan
Be a part of growing our endowment.
Be part of the Church’s financial future.
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| March is Foundation Month at First Unitarian Portland. There will be opportunities to learn how you can join our current Foundation Legacy Society members to ensure our church remains a strong and active part of the lives of future generations through a planned gift.
If you have questions or want more information, stop by our table in the lobby this Sunday or email us at stewardship@firstunitarianportland.org.
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Featured News
Enjoyed coming to gatherings at First Unitarian Portland? Consider contributing to sustaining our community. Your support goes a long way in fostering meaningful connections. Thank you!
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Matins for Lent
Mondays, March 18 and 25, from 8:30 - 9 a.m. via Zoom
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| You are invited to embark on an inward journey this Lenten season from a unique Unitarian Universalist perspective. We will celebrate the season of Lent from a UU perspective in four quiet Zoom services: music, poetry, prayer, meditation, and reflection.
If you would like a reminder and link each week, email Karen.
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Folk Songs of the Four Seasons
This Saturday, March 16, from 7 p.m. 'til 8:30 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
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| Amity Choir and friends will present a concert of Classical music featuring Ralph Vaughan Williams's beautiful and rollicking cantata, “Folk Songs of the Four Seasons,” with a string quartet. All are invited!
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NEW! – Considering Membership
Sunday, April 7, 2024 - 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Channing Room A-101
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| Have you been thinking about taking the next step of commitment to First Unitarian Portland and becoming a member? Come and learn what it means to take that step.
Membership paperwork can be completed at the class.
IMPORTANT NOTE! This will be the last day to submit membership paperwork allowing you to be a voting member for our annual ballot coming in May.
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NEW! – New Member Recognition Sunday is Coming!
Sunday, April 21
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| It has been four years since the pandemic hit and four years since we recognized, in person, those who have committed to join in membership of First Unitarian Portland!
We will celebrate all new members in a special recognition service with delicious treats following the service in Fuller Hall.
Let us know if you can be there on April 21 during the service!
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SUBMIT AN AUCTION ITEM! – Zap The Gap Too Auction
Online bidding starts Sunday, April 21, ends Sunday, May 5
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| The 2024 auction is ready to go! Thanks to all who made last year’s auction so successful. If you want to donate an event or service and need ideas, go here for ideas and start planning. Donations will be accepted from Sunday, March 17, until Monday, April 8.
Need help submitting your donation? Come to Fuller Hall after service on March 24, 31, or April 7 to get help. Look for the Creating Connections table.
This year’s auction will again be online. If you registered for last year’s auction, there’s no need to register again.
Let’s have another amazing auction to build our community and help support our church!
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NEW ! – Invitation to Sojourners 2: Navigating the Aging Journey (A Monthly Group)
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| We're pleased to announce the formation of a second Sojourners discussion group to meet the growing demand from our waiting list. Sojourners originated from member needs approximately eight years ago, providing a forum for facilitated conversations about the experiences and concerns encountered on the aging journey.
Our monthly meetings, held in person at First Unitarian, aim to foster connection, friendship, and collaboration among participants while nurturing common human bonds. Due to our discussion format, we can accommodate only a limited number of members, leading to an active waiting list.
We invite those on the waiting list and others who may be interested to join our newly formed second Sojourners group.
For more information or to get involved with Sojourners 2 meetings, contact Lucy.
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SOUP DRIVE! – Lift UP Soup-er Hero Food Drive
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| COHHO invites you to participate in Lift Up's newest food drive. A simple can of soup goes beyond a meal; it radiates warmth and care to those in need. Join the League of Souper-Heroes and be a part of this impactful mission.
You can be a Souper-Hero by donating the following items to our Hero's pantry bin in Fuller Hall:
- Canned Soups: Packed with nutrition and variety.
- Boxed Soups: Ideal for sharing and easy storage
- Low-Sodium Soups: Healthier options for those in need.
- Ramen Cups: Quick and comforting fixes.
Let's unite as Souper-Heroes and bring warmth to our community!
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Upcoming Classes, Events & Gatherings
Enjoyed coming to gatherings at First Unitarian Portland? Consider contributing to sustaining our community. Your support goes a long way in fostering meaningful connections. Thank you!
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Do You Love To Garden? Join Our Church Grounds Transformation Team!
Saturday, March 30, (day before Easter) from 10 a.m. ‘til noon
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Join our dedicated team of gardeners as we maintain our church grounds and nurture native plant life.
Please support us in upholding our Backyard Habitat Certification. We balance native species with resilient non-natives to combat neighborhood challenges. We meet twice a month, adjust for optimal gardening conditions, and are preparing for Easter.
For those separating native sword ferns, your donations are greatly appreciated! Please coordinate with Laurie Lester for drop-off arrangements at the church.
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Early Registration for the 2024 UUA General Assembly
Deadline is THIS Friday, March 15
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Register by March 15 for a reduced fee of $280 to attend an all-online meeting and workshops scheduled for June 20-23, 2024.
After March 15, registration will be $315 through May 15. Full registration after May 15 is $400.
Delegates approved by First Unitarian may register for business-only sessions. To request a Delegate application, please email the First Unitarian Board at board@firstunitarianportland.org.
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First Unitarian Website Redesign and Creative Roundtable
When: Sunday, March 24, from Noon ‘til 1:15 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall 102
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| For nearly a decade, First Unitarian has maintained the same website design. It's time for a major refresh.
Since 2000, our digital presence began modestly with a landing page and a newsletter. Since then, our community outreach has flourished with social justice initiatives, community-building programs, and spiritual growth opportunities—all within one-city block. Join us in shaping a website that reflects who we are now.
This roundtable discussion is open to creatives, collaborators, and researchers interested in proposing and implementing ideas to help us achieve our goal of reimagining our digital presence. Additionally, we welcome those interested in joining a short-term project-based cohort.
Please RSVP.
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Good Grief: Navigating Personal Loss
Sunday, April 7, 14, 28, and May 5 // from 1 - 2:30 p.m.
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| This four-session group offers support for those grieving the loss of a partner or close family member. We provide a safe space for sharing emotions and stories and discussing how grief reflects our love for the departed. Resources and a remembrance ritual will be offered. Our approach acknowledges that grief isn't something to 'get over' but rather something to 'get used to,' integrating it as a part of our ongoing love.
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SAVE THE DATE! — Passover Seder
Sunday, April 21 at 12:15 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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Learning Community E-News
Invitation to Lead Chalice Lighting and Share "Together Time" Stories 📖
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation & Family Ministries
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Thanks to the children, youth, families, and RE leaders who have lit and carried the chalice and helped read the Together Time story, this is one of many ways we share the ministry. If you–especially young people–might like a chance to do this, please let me know. Readers need to have strong, confident voices and are usually in 5th grade or above, but there’s no hard and fast rule; younger kids are especially welcome as chalice lighters and carriers. We’re honored to have children, youth, families, and RE classes involved in this special part of our church community...continue reading.
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Donate Clothing and Supplies for our Unhoused Guests
Drop-off: Cabinets in Fuller Hall (right of the kitchen door)
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The 13 Salmon Shower Project is continuing to serve our unhoused neighbors every week! Thank you to all who have helped us get off the ground by volunteering and donating to our efforts. We are now seeking clothing donations.
This week, we especially need a large squeegee for the shower floor, coffee creamer, instant oatmeal in single-serving sizes, and packs of individually packed snack foods.
We always welcome new or gently used T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, jeans, coats, hats, and socks; packages of new men's large and medium boxer shorts; women’s underwear, and sports bras; tents, sleeping bags, deodorant, and individually wrapped snacks.
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YOU'RE INVITED! — IJAG Community Building Schedule: Alternating Meetings and Lunch Gatherings
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In keeping with our eight principles and as social justice allies, our mission is to support and enhance the rights of refugees, migrants, and immigrants in our community. We provide information and promote understanding and engagement of our fellow UU congregants to these ends.
To build a community for the work we endeavor to do together, IJAG maintains an alternating schedule of meetings.
The schedule for the rest of the program year:
- Social Justice Democracy Fair
Sunday, March 17 || We'll be tabling after the service. Come by and see what we're about!
- Lunch Gathering at Elephants
Monday, April 15 at 12:30 p.m. || Location: Elephants Delicatessen on S. Corbett
- Sunday Gathering at Church
Sunday, May 19, at 9:30 a.m. || Location: Channing Room
- Lunch Gathering at Elephants
Monday, June 17 at 12:30 p.m. || Location: Elephants Delicatessen S. Corbett
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Are You Going Through a Tough Time?
Would it help to talk with someone?
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| Our Lay Ministry team offers caring listening for people going through grief, illness, isolation, depression, job loss, relationship issues, or other life challenges. Meetings are confidential and can be one-time or ongoing, depending on the person's needs.
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Name Tag Pick-up!
This Sunday, March 17 // Pick up in the Lobby
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| They're ready! If you signed up for a new name tag, you can pick it up in the lobby. After this Sunday, name tags will be available for regular pick-up at the First Connections Table in Fuller Hall during coffee hour.
***NOTE: Name badges are magnetic and not compatible with pacemakers. Please indicate if you need a pin-back name badge holder.
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Church Archives, Our History and Promise
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Some of you may know we have a team of members who work weekly in the Archives. They are Bill Bateman, Leslie Pohl-Kosbau, Ruth Robinson, Suzanne Kosanke and Ruth Lewellen-Dix. We are working on a project about the Eliot building and would like people with pictures and information from the past 100 years to send copies or originals to us.
You can drop items by the Church office, mail them to 1034 SW 13th, Portland, OR 97205, or email Leslie.
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🚨 Emergency Response Plan: Volunteers Needed!
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We're excited to tell you about the progress being made on First Unitarian’s Emergency Response Plan, originally spearheaded by Marilynne Eichinger and now joined by Ronnie-Gail Emden. Much work was accomplished on this plan pre-Covid and we're eager to complete it.
We're seeking volunteers for clerical tasks and content creation, especially in church cybersecurity. Also, if you have medical training, your expertise in emergencies is invaluable.
If you are interested in working with us in any of the capacities, please email Ronnie.
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We’ve often talked about the “emerging church,” discovering ourselves as we emerge from the isolation of the pandemic. But have we emerged? To me (Julia Lee Griffiths, member of your Board or Trustees), it seems like we’re getting close.
So, who are we now? What’s our trajectory?
Enrollments in our Religious Education program have increased to the point that new teachers are being recruited. (Contact Rev. Leah to learn more)
Attendance at the recent Sewell Lecture by Steve Phillips was robust, filling the main level of the sanctuary.
The 13 Salmon Shower Project volunteers and staff welcome neighbors weekly to take a warm shower, pick out clean clothes, and rest. Energy is sizzling around the Social Justice Program’s ALL-CHURCH Democracy Fair on March 17, 12-3 p.m., with skills workshops on Witness, Advocacy, & Community Organizing and an education session on American Militarism...continue reading.
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Artist Talk March 24, 12:30 p.m., in Fuller Hall
Two artists - Carole Romm and Kay Myers - will talk about their spiritual connections to nature and its expression in their art in an era of climate change. Sue Palmiter will relate these themes to the work of Community for Earth and Divest Oregon.
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 | Mt. Hood: Oil on paper, 16” x 24” by Carole Romm
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What We Have to Lose: Carole Romm — Like many, I am anxious about climate change and its existential threat. As an antidote to the hopelessness that can feel overwhelming, I have made it my practice to cherish the beauty of nature as it is right now, at this very moment.
I take refuge in my studio, where I express both the despair of climate chaos and the fragile beauty of our Northwest landscape.
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Kay Myers — My love affair with clouds began early as I flopped beside my best friend on the grass and watched the clouds float by. I spent three days camping alone in the Alford Desert many years ago.
The canvas of the sky began with brilliant blue skies followed by fluffy clouds and morphed into dark rain clouds. I watched with awe as the canvas of the sky connected me to the earth and the vast emptiness.
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Do you have a birth in the family, a graduation, an anniversary, a memorial, or other milestones to share?
You can acknowledge it to the entire congregation by sponsoring a floral bouquet. As we connect with friends, say it with flowers on the Chancel.
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The Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and to build the Beloved Community.
Curated by Ethel, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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Beloved Community of Color: Every second Thursday evening and fourth Saturday morning of the month. Email for more info.
Caregivers Support Group: Open to Newcomers. Fourth Sunday of each month at 9 a.m. via Zoom.
Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD): We meet on the third Sunday of each month. From 12:15 – 1:45 in Fireside.
THIS SUNDAY — First Connections: We meet once a month on the third Sunday for all new and returning folks! And it is a terrific way to meet new folks just coming into the community. Bring a brown bag lunch. Questions? Email Pat.
First Steps: Every first Sunday of the month at Noon // Location: Channing Room. Discover additional insights into life at First Unitarian Portland, avenues for connection, and delve deeper into Unitarian Universalism. Questions? Email Jen Thomas.
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: This group meets monthly on the second Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. Email Lucy with questions.
"T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: Meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room at noon.
Women's Circle II: Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Questions? Contact Anne. (We are currently on pause from accepting new members.)
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Have a Submission for Front Steps?If you have a church-related submission you would like published in our weekly Front Steps, please submit it here with the subject line “Front Steps” or "Announcement."
Submission deadline is noon on Tuesdays.
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