Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Learning Community (RE) classes are at 10:15 a.m. Nursery and toddler care is always available during our worship service. Learn about our program and read RE news here.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
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Ordinary Days in Unprecedented Times
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Ramadan, Passover, and Easter — with their rituals, joyful gatherings, and remarkable stories — are all behind us now. We are “back to our regularly scheduled programming,” so to speak. But we know we are living in times that are anything but ordinary. How do we keep these sacred stories of love and liberation alive in our hearts for the long haul, even as we go about the daily tasks of our lives?
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Minister's Blog
The Spirit of Our Auction
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Our Annual Auction is the biggest FUN-raiser and fundraiser of the year. It kicked off last Sunday, April 27, in Fuller Hall on Sunday and online throughout the week, and it will last through the festive auction coffee hour on Sunday, May 4, up until 5 p.m. While some auctions are focused on selling high-priced rarities, ours focuses on members and friends of our congregation providing services for each other. Many of these services are social gatherings, like a dinner or a hike. Other offerings are treasures from the heart, like a painting, or items that are just plain practical or fun! While we certainly hope to raise money to afford some things and activities that would otherwise be beyond our reach, we also strive to build connections between the people in our community. Auction items and activities provide a great way to get to know the people in your communal congregational neighborhood...MORE
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Auction 2025: Welcome In!
Online bidding 24/7 through Sunday, May 4
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With over 120 exciting events, services, and vacation homes up for grabs, this year's auction is not to be missed. Check out the online catalog to see all the amazing items available for bidding.
New this year, you can view items in a calendar format for easier browsing by switching between Grid View and Calendar View below the Bidding Tips section.
Everyone must register to bid! Even if you participated in last year's auction, you'll need to register again to bid in Auction 2025. Don't miss out on the chance to win incredible items - register here now!
You can bid 24/7 until Sunday, May 4th at 5 p.m.
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NEW! — Congregant Budget Meeting This Sunday
This Sunday, April 27, noon - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel, and via livestream
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Join other congregants to learn about the Board-approved proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on July 1. The Board's Finance Committee and Executive Team members will walk folks through the numbers and the basis for decisions made. Voting members of the Church will receive a paper copy of the budget in the May ballot packet. You can also find it online at this link.
The Board will also offer a Zoom meeting at 7 p.m. on April 30 to present the proposed amendments to our Bylaws that voting members will decide in May.
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NEW! — Your Beacon Bookstore
Location: Fuller Hall
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Wasn’t that a wonderful book Rev. Leah Ongiri and Danielle Garrett read to us last Sunday? Several of you asked us to carry it – and we will! It’s now on order with expected arrival about the end of May. It’s clearly very popular all over the country. We’ll let you know when it’s in stock.
We Are the Builders by Deepa Iyer / Romina Galotta, Illus.
One of our “Regulars” told us he’s planning to give it as a graduation gift. If our congregational callout response to the reading in church is any indication, it might be the right gift for all ages and lots of occasions.
Remember: Independent Bookstore Day is Saturday, April 26 – we’ll just celebrate a day late. See you Sunday!
About 40% of our sale price on books goes right to the church’s income, and 100% of the sale price on many cards does the same.
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Help Us Plan OWL
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and Family Ministries
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First Unitarian has a long tradition of offering Our Whole Lives (OWL), the UU lifespan sexuality education program for kindergarten through adulthood. We’re planning to do this program a little differently next year, including launching a class for adults, and we want your feedback!
Please help us by completing the short survey below.
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SAVE THE DATE! — Danielle's Ordination
Saturday, June 7, 2 p.m.
Location: Main Sanctuary
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We are delighted to host Danielle Garrett’s ordination on June 7 at 2 p.m. at First Unitarian Portland’s Main Sanctuary. Please visit the Ordination page on our website for all the details and ways to help with the planning and volunteering. You can also make a financial gift to help cover the cost of the ordination festivities at this link.
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NEW! — Bake Pies for Danielle's Ordination
For Saturday, June 7, 2 p.m.
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We’re on a mission to make Danielle’s ordination reception a “pie-ous” celebration! If you’re willing to help, we knead volunteers to bake 9-inch pies—let’s make this gathering a truly “holy” slice of community. Sign up and let’s show Danielle just how sweet this congregation can be!
Crust us, your baking will be the cherry on top of this special day!
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First Steps Class on May 4
Sunday, May 4, after the service
Location: Channing Room (A101)
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You can become a member at any time of the year. If you were inspired by our service on April 6 and want to consider joining First U PDX in membership, email Jen Thomas with questions or to receive a membership packet.
If you are new to the community, a great place to start exploring First U PDX is to come to our First Steps Class on May 4. Childcare will be available.
Hope to see you Sunday, May 4.
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Around the Church
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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NEW! — The Alliance Presents "Building Power for Frontline Communities"
Wednesday, May 7, 10:30 a.m. with catered lunch ($25) after the program
Location: Eliot Chapel, or online
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Ronda Rutledge, Executive Director of Ecotrust and member of the Cherokee Nation, will give a presentation on building power for frontline communities.
This is the final Alliance program of the 2024-25 year!
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CHECK WEEKLY — April 27 Newsletter
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and Family Ministries
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Dear Learning Community,
Bidding is under way for our church auction! Check out all the family friendly events, like in-home babysitting, croquet party, and summer nature camp. Your RE Committee is hosting a kids’ hangout night at church that will involve ice cream sundaes (for kids) and an evening of freedom (for parents). Other great offerings include art, food, adventure, travel, and skill sharing...MORE
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THIS SUNDAY — Share Your Nature Stories!
Sunday, April 27, 8:45 a.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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Join members of Community for Earth for a casual post-Earth Day celebration. We can share some of our favorite nature stories and chat about our favorite places.
During our conversation, you could…
- Tell us about a memorable wildlife encounter
- Share a great travel picture
- Read a favorite nature poem
- Tell us about a wonderful tree
- Or just come to enjoy some treats and listen!
Sign up here for a reminder and to arrange to share a digital photo.
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NEW! SAVE THE DATE — Forum: Opportunities to Help Our Immigrant Neighbors
Tuesday, May 6, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom (Register to receive the link)
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The third (and final!) in our series of forums on protecting immigrants in our communities will explore different paths to active allyship with our immigrant neighbors, whether as individuals or as a community. We want to be informed, prepared, and ready for action, as the current administration’s attacks on immigrant populations continue. Through an anti-racist lens, we will explore strategic ways we can act in solidarity to promote and defend the human dignity of immigrants and other marginalized communities in our state.
Register here to receive the Zoom link on the day of the event.
Our Panelists:
- Keren Rodriquez - Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ)
- Parker Berger - Western Farm Workers Assn. (WFWA)
- Beth Ronk - Immigrant Mutual Aid Coalition (IMAC)
- Romeo Sosa - Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC)
Please plan to join us!
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO SEE PARTS ONE AND TWO
On January 28, more than 150 people participated in the first session, which featured informational presentations by VOZ Workers' Rights Education Project, Innovation Law Lab, and Oregon for All Coalition. The recording of that session is available here on YouTube.
On March 4, our second event, which highlighted legislative advocacy, featured presentations by State Rep. Ricki Ruiz, Ira Cuello-Martinez of PCUN, and Jessica Maravilla, Policy Director at ACLU of Oregon. The recording of that session is available here on YouTube.
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NEW! — Help Diminish Food Insecurity in Portland
Location: Fuller Hall
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Did you know that last year Oregon Food Bank’s network of food assistance sites saw a staggering 31% increase of visitors from the year before? In Oregon, one in eight people and one in six children live in households that struggle to afford food. Inflation, compounded with recent cuts to pandemic-era federal supplemental food benefits, has caused food insecurity to soar for many in our community. Families are forced to make impossible choices between paying the rent or putting meals on the table.
What can you do locally to help meet this growing need? One way is to join COHHO in supporting Lift UP, a local non-profit that distributes food to individuals and families in the pantry they operate (Preston’s Pantry) and in 50 affordable housing buildings in Northwest and Downtown Portland.
You can purchase whole grain pasta; brown rice; low-sodium broths, veggies and sauces; canned tuna, salmon or meat; nut butters, and/or shelf-stable milks. Then drop off the items in the COHHO bins located in Fuller Hall by the kitchen. Every two weeks we will gather your donations and deliver them to Lift UP’s warehouse. Or, you can make a financial donation directly to Lift UP. Thank you!
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UPDATE — April is Earth Month!
Earth Month Action Team of Community for Earth (CFE)
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During April, the Earth Month team will share actions and practices to consider all month (and all the time) in support of April 22, Earth Day.
Earth Month is coming to a close. We hope you have enjoyed our weekly messages, and will be motivated to consider each week, all year long, how you can honor Earth and hence honor yourself.
Each week, revisit our Seventh Principle: “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” How you treat and honor Earth is how you treat yourself. You are being joined every day by more and more humans across our planet sense who our interdependence. It is easy to feel alarmed over an uncertain future. It is much harder to live without being in control. But in the acceptance of Earth holding the reins, of being in control, one can find calm and be happy.
Honor Earth Day today and everyday!
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LAST CHANCE — Sign the Petition Calling for an End to U.S. Military Support for Israel
Sunday, April 27, during social hour
UUs for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME)
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We have decided to take signatures for one more week!
The killing of Palestinians by Israel is done with U.S. bombs dropped from U.S. planes. Most UUs agree that U.S. complicity must stop. The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) in 2021 stated that U.S. military aid to Israel must stop until Israel respects the human rights of Palestinians, and 75% of the delegates to last Summer’s UUA General Assembly voted for an Action of Immediate Witness calling for an end to U.S. military support for Israel.
Members of First Unitarian Portland now have the chance to tell their Congressional Senators and Representatives the same thing by signing a petition that will be at the UUJME table during coffee hour. The petition with all the signatures will then be taken to the U.S. Senators and Representatives in the Portland area.
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SAVE THE DATE — Interfaith Advocacy Day
Tuesday, April 29, starting at 9 a.m.
Location: St. Mark Lutheran Church in Salem, OR
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Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon invites us all to their Oregon Interfaith Advocacy Day in Salem. Visit their website or read below for more details:
Now is the time for people of faith to rise up in hope and to call for justice and compassion in our legislative system. Together we can be the prophetic voice at the Oregon Capitol, standing with the marginalized in our communities and upholding the moral imperative for a state budget that supports the common good. Our goal is to create a mass mobilization of informed and influential citizen-lobbyists!
The morning session at St. Mark Lutheran Church will feature a keynote address, training on effective advocacy and issue briefings. In the afternoon, participants will march to the Oregon Capitol Building, where they will present concerns to their legislators. Talking points and legislative appointments will be provided.
ISSUE AREAS
May include the following: Immigration & Refugees, Housing & Homelessness, Climate & Environment, Healthcare, Hunger, Criminal Justice Reform
SCHEDULE
Morning session: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
A sack lunch will be provided for participants.
Afternoon meetings with state legislators: times will vary
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CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel G., Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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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.
Rudy Francisco is a San Diego-based poet who uses his work to promote social change and dialogue. He is a former World Poetry Slam Champion, a NAACP Image Award nominee, the author of seven books of poetry. As an artist, he is an amalgamation of social critique, introspection, honesty and humor. He uses personal narratives to discuss the politics of race, class, gender and religion. To watch his reading of "I want to write a poem," click the video below:
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In the Community
Community member and Shower Project volunteer Paul Albrecht died unexpectedly this month. His sister Sandi shared her gratitude that Paul was able to reconnect with their childhood Unitarian faith and with the Shower Project before his death. We hold Paul’s family, all who loved him, and those who benefited from his service to this community in our hearts.
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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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March/April Art Wall Exhibition
Artwork by volunteers, originally created by Leslie Lee
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During the months of March and April 2025, the Art Wall will feature a series of six panels known as The Soul Box Project.
Originally created by Portland artist Leslie Lee in 2018, it is an artistic representation of the impact of gun violence in the United States.
On average, every year, 600 people in Oregon are killed by a gun. The six panels that are a part of the display are a visual account of that tragedy...MORE
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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The Alliance: The Alliance provides regular opportunities for fellowship, life-long learning, and spiritual growth for its members as well as service to the church and larger fellowship. Learn more about our program and monthly presentations here.
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 fourth Sunday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Fireside and via Zoom. Contact Marni T.
Connect & Reflect: Join Rev. Alison Miller and Jen Thomas on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of most months through June from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. on Zoom. Come share in conversation centered on the topic of the most recent sermon. Look for the discussion question during Sunday morning preservice slides and our weekly Order of Service.
Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO): We meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month after services. Contact Cynthia S. for details or to be added to our email list.
Community for Earth (CFE): We meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month before worship services (hybrid) and on the 4th week of the month at rotating times. Contact our group or visit our calendar for details.
Contemplative Practices: First Thursdays and third Thursdays from 1 - 2:30 p.m. This is a drop-in group. Any silent sitting practice is welcomed and no prior meditation experience is needed. Contact Patty C. and Ron W. or visit the event page for more information.
Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG): Check the IJAG page on the church website for ways to get involved and groups that need our energy and gifts. For meeting info, contact Laurie L.
Lotsa Helping Hands: A care calendar that enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times. To join, send a request here. For questions or to receive support, contact Leslie C. or Susan P.
Mental Health Caregivers Group: Second Wednesday every month via Zoom 7 - 8:30 p.m. Email Ellen Z. for more information.
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: Sojourners and Sojourners 2 are two groups that meet for two hours at First Unitarian. Members support each other through aging with facilitated discussions, activities, personal stories, and social events, fostering growth and friendship. All are welcome, but both groups are limited in size; no drop-ins, please. Email Lucy G. with questions.
"T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: A group for anyone who identifies along the transgender spectrum. There are no requirements for medical transition status or gender presentation to attend. People who are questioning their gender and parents of trans kids (and their kids, too!) are welcome. We meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room, shortly after the service until around 1:00 PM. Questions? Email Aileen.
Wednesday Night Meditation: Every week from 7 - 8:30 p.m. All mindfulness and Buddhist-based meditations. Beginners welcome. A thirty-five-minute meditation followed by a member-led discussion to increase understanding and integration of Buddhist principles into our daily lives. For the link, contact Robert S.
Women's Circle II: Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim S.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month. Email Anne M.
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Got something for Front Steps? Send in your church-related submission for our weekly publication. Use "Front Steps" as the subject line and submit here.
Deadline: Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
If your submission is urgent and couldn’t be sent before the deadline, please include “URGENT” in the subject line.
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| April's
Shared Plate
For the month of April, we share our plate with Adelante Mujeres. They write, "Latine women and their families, generations of poverty, racism, sexism, and isolation have limited opportunities for empowerment. We're on a mission to change that." Through education, leadership training, and enterprise opportunities, Latine women and their families are becoming strong, empowered leaders. Adelante Mujeres serves more than 17,000 people in and around Washington County, Oregon each year.
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| This Week's Shower Project Requests
Your donations make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. All donations are greatly appreciated. At this time, we are in special need of the following items:
- Blankets & throws of all shapes and sizes!
- Backpacks
- Men's shoes (sizes 11-13)
- Belts (all sizes)
- Cup o' Noodles
- Protein bars
- Plastic bags with handles
Please bring your items to donate to the cabinet in Fuller Hall, next to the kitchen. Thank you for your support!
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| Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and stay engaged!
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