| Sunday ServicesSunday, Sept. 30: Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
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Saying YesRev. Thomas Disrud
We take the stuff of our lives and make meaning. Might the reality that we are all going to die inform the way we live—a call to live with integrity and purpose? Like the hymn says, we are asked to answer “yes to life.”
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Bill's Blog - A Post “Roe” WorldI am writing from Washington, DC, where I am attending a meeting of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice(RCRC) on whose national board I serve. Within the hour, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear testimony from both Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and one of his several accusers, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. You are all as aware of the importance of this Supreme Court appointment as am I. The politicization of our highest court and its shift to the right put much at risk, including perhaps our democracy itself. That statement risks being too dramatic, I know. Perhaps our institutions and the leaders we select will pull back from the precipice and protect the hard-won progress we have made toward Beloved ...Continued
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Social Justice E-MagazineWe are excited to announce the launch of First Unitarian Portland’s Social Justice E-Magazine! Speaking of Justice: Faith in Action! is a monthly dive into how our congregation is living out the call for social justice action. Each issue explores a different social justice theme and provides connections for your involvement in our social justice work. To receive this directly to your email once a month, please sign up here. We look forward to sharing the journey with you.
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New Program Guide
We are currently taking registrations for our fall classes, retreats, and small group offerings. To view a complete list of events and to register, please click on the image to the left. Hard copies of Paths to Engagement can be found throughout the church and in Margaret Fuller Hall on Sundays.
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Learning and Serving SundaySept. 30, after each service
Be sure to visit Margaret Fuller Hall downstairs after each service this Sunday, Sept. 30, for coffee and fellowship, AND to learn about the many classes, service opportunities, and ways to get involved here at First Unitarian. We have combined what many will remember as the Adult Programs Fair of years past with the chance to learn about our many justice efforts and the opportunities to serve our church community. Leaders from our diverse committees, action groups, and work teams are set up in Margaret Fuller Hall, and are eager to give you more information and answer your questions.
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Young Adult BrunchSept. 30, after 2nd Service, 1–2 p.m. Childcare provided
Join intern minister Mira Mickiewicz, program staffers Nicole Bowmer and Kerry Heintze, and other young adults for brunch in the Channing Room, A101! We’ll gather for food and fellowship, get to know one another, and have a casual conversation about your needs and hopes at First Unitarian. Whether you’re new to the community or have been here awhile, a lifelong UU or just found us, partnered, single, working, a student, a parent, or anything else you may be–if you identify as a young adult in the context of this congregation, you are warmly welcome! **A note on ages: some UU spaces identify young adults as 18–35, and others as 20s and 30s. We are less interested in how many years you’ve been on earth and more interested in your experiences here. So, if you identify as being on the younger end of adults in THIS congregation, especially if that has meant that you’ve found it hard to find your place here, this event is for you!
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#MeToo Women’s Reflection Circles RegistrationIf you are a woman interested in connecting with other women to explore your #MeToo experiences, you are invited to participate in a reflection circle. Sunday group meets from 1–3 pm on 9/30, 10/7, 10/14 and 10/21. Tuesday group meets from 1–3 pm on 10/9, 10/23, 11/6 and 11/20. Monday group meets from 7–9 pm on 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, and 10/29. To register, please e-mail Kerry Heintze, kheintze@firstunitarianportland.org. Include your name, e-mail address, phone number, and your preferred group.
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| Help Sustain the First Unitarian Asylee Respite Center
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Over the last month, First Unitarian has partnered with the Innovation Law Lab to host asylum seekers as they are released from unjust detention in Sheridan Prison. Many volunteers have jumped into the gratifying service of hosting the asylees and accompanying them to the airport or train station as they head off to reunite with families. We've already hosted 10 men, and Innovation Law Lab has turned to us as the primary Respite Center for the remaining 10 men to be released from Sheridan. In addition to housing, we are covering their travel costs, providing them with phones to be able to stay in touch with sponsors, family, and their lawyers. Can you help us ensure the asylees reunite with their families? Cash and checks are gratefully received in the church office, 1034 SW 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. Checks should be made payable to First Unitarian Church with "Respite Center" on the memo line.
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Men’s Community
We are hosting an orientation and gathering on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m. following the second service in Daisy Bingham. The group will provide pizza (bring your own soda). Agenda is to summarize past activities, functions, and participation into our common future.
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You Can Ring Our Bells!
Enrollment for our handbell choirs is now open. All of our ensembles are now truly intergenerational, with opportunities for ringers at every age and every level. Reach out to our new Associate Director of Music for Handbell Programs, Amanda DuPriest, at adupriest@firstunitarianportland.org to get signed up!
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Learning Community PotluckSaturday, Sept. 29, 5 p.m.
Families registered in the Learning Community are invited to a meet, greet, and eat!
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Come See Oregon Humane Society’s 150th Anniversary Exhibit at Oregon Historical SocietySept. 11 through Feb. 28, 2019
Our congregation’s first minister left a legacy of compassion that runs deep in our community. In 1868, the 26-year-old minister of First Unitarian Church named Thomas Lamb Eliot gathered a handful of like-minded citizens to establish the group that grew into the Oregon Humane Society. For 150 years, the Oregon Humane Society has embodied each generation’s determination to save lives, stop suffering, and bring loving best friends to our families. Best known as a great place to find a furry best friend, Oregon Humane has helped our community overcome pet overpopulation, enact and enforce some of the nation’s strictest animal cruelty laws, provide veterinary care to thousands of shelter pets each year, educate generations of Oregonians about pet care, and fight with unrelenting diligence for the integrity of all animals.
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The Alliance Program The Alliance’s Oct. 3 program, “Engaging Our Moral Compass: Social Justice at First Unitarian,” will give us an idea of the nature and variety of social justice action here at First Unitarian and help us think about how we, too, are engaged. The idea of a “moral compass” comes from the church’s Vision Statement: “First Unitarian Portland is a beacon of hope for us and for our community, a spiritual center in the heart of our city that helps each of us to find our moral compass, calling and challenging us to build the beloved community….” Dana Buhl, Director of Social Justice will co-lead the session in collaboration with Sandy Hart and Rev. Katherine Jesch of the Social Justice Leadership Team. We'll also hear from Douglas Brown of the Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG), John Elizalde of the Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO), Bryan Brumley of Community for Earth (CFE), and Jennifer Tracy of the Stop Racist Policing Action Group (UUSRP). Social justice action is done in community; and this will be a terrific opportunity to learn more about how all of us, together, are building the beloved community. Bring your own brown-bag lunch ($3 for beverage/dessert) at 11 a.m. and/or attend the program in Eliot Chapel (12:30-1:30 p.m.). RSVP to allianceRSVP@firstunitarianportland.org or call Jean Omelchuck at 503-493-9412.
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Joe Uveges in ConcertFolk musician will offer a concert to benefit Street Roots, Maybelle Center for Community, Rose Haven and Portland Homeless Family Solutions. Thursday, Oct. 4, 7 pm, Eliot Chapel of First Unitarian Church. Email diversityasgift@comcast.net to reserve a space.
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Spirit of Life–An Intimate Hour with Carolyn McDadeSunday, Oct. 7, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall The author of the doxology we sing every Sunday in church–Spirit of Life–will play, sing her music, and share the inspiration behind her life and work as a fundraiser for Clay Street Table, a non-profit community group providing food and support in our neighborhood.
It is sponsored by First Unitarian Portland and its Committee on Hunger & Homelessness. $25. For reservations, visit www.claystreettable.org; mail a check to Clay Street Table, 1432 SW 13th Ave, Portland OR 97201; or call 503-241-5460
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| Register Now for the Fair Housing Council of Oregon Historic Bus Tour
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Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 7:45 a.m.–12 p.m. Optional debrief and brown-bag lunch 12–2 p.m. Thanks to a generous gift from a First Unitarian Portland congregant, our Social Justice, Family Ministries, and Adult Faith Formation programs are collaborating to offer this inter-generational tour of the Civil Rights Housing History of Portland. The tour is run by the Fair Housing Council of Oregon and is designed to look at Portland civil rights history and how it relates to the challenges we face today. The four-hour bus tour visits sites throughout Portland and features personal stories from guest presenters with first-hand experiences to share. Adults (18 and older): $35; 22 seats available. We invite those who are able to pay more to help support the Summer 2019 YRUU Civil Rights History Pilgrimage to Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Financial ability should not be a barrier. Seats are limited, so we recommend adults register here as soon as possible. For questions about adult seats, please contact nbeezley@firstunitarianportland.org.
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| Clean Energy Community Benefits Initiative
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First Unitarian's Community for Earth (CFE), our eco-justice group, is sponsoring an event about Portland's Clean Energy Community Benefits Initiative 26-201, happening on Thursday, Oct. 11, from 6–8:30 p.m., with food, music, and featured speakers. Come hear why this measure deserves our support: You are invited! As you may know, Initiative 26-201 is one of the first in the country to create sufficient funds to actually accomplish urban climate related work with a focus on the poor and people of color… those most often left out of community benefits. A small increase in the licensing fee for the largest retailers in the country doing business in Portland will provide an estimated $30 million annually. Corporate tax receipts are at historic lows, and 70% of Oregon state revenue comes from individuals. As with the Children's Levy, the money will be overseen by City Councilors and grant proposals recommended by a highly select group appointed by them. Proposals will be considered in energy efficiency, job training for women and the underemployed in renewables, food, and infrastructure improvements, as well as innovations. The featured speakers are Rev. E.D. Mondaine, from the Portland NAACP, and Tony DeFalco, representing local organizations Verde and Living Cully. The Oct. 11 event will include recognition of participating congregations, a fellowship time with light supper, one-to-one conversations, live music and song as well as speakers from leaders in the Frontline communities. The event will be LIVE STREAMED if you can't be there in person. Food, live music, and networking with our community neighbors will begin at 6 p.m. in the Buchan Atrium, and the main event starts at 7 p.m. in Eliot Chapel. The event is free; donations accepted.
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Immigrant Justice Annual Pumpkin Sale: Family Social Justice Activity, Oct. 6 and 7Come join the fun with other families as we gather pumpkins Saturday, Oct. 6th. We will meet at Al’s in Sherwood at 10 a.m. and then go to the Stewart's to wash them and have snacks. Families are needed to help sell the pumpkins the next day at church after each service. Each pumpkin will sell for $5 and the proceeds will go to our Immigrant Justice Action Group to help with the Asylee Respite Center. Contact Evie Zaic if you can help. eviezaic@comcast.net.
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Men’s Social Event
Tuesday, Oct. 16, 7–9 p.m.
915 SE Hawthorn, Blvd. Portland, OR 97214
Come join for fellowship and conversation at the Lucky Labrador Brew Pub. 915 SE Hawthorn, Blvd. Portland 97214.
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September's Art WallJan Katz is featured on the Art Wall in September. Come to see the range of her work, from abstract to realistic, all filled with joy and energy.
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BookstoreMost books for Wellspring 1 and Wellspring 2 classes are now available–some are discounted. We have limited supplies of some titles, so don’t delay. Lots of other great books to choose from also. The new Chinook books and apps are now available! See you at the bookstore!
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Learning Community, Music & Arts, Social Justice
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Announcing Sunday Afternoon Child Care!Each Sunday afternoon, we'll be offering childcare from 1–3 p.m. for group meetings and events happening after services. Please check in at the Eliot Center Info desk if you need care for children ages 4 months and older. Please note that when care is not requested by 1 p.m., staff will be released. Contact cscheffman@firstunitarianportland.org with questions.
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Teachers Still NeededWe still need volunteer teachers to complete a few of our teaching teams. Co-leading a class in the Learning Community is a good way to explore your spirituality as well as to help young people discover theirs. Larger teaching teams allow for more flexibility to work with your availability. Please contact Rev. Mary Gear or Cassandra Scheffman for more information.
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Seeking Paid Childcare Providers
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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 throughout the year, we need a few more beverage service helpers and subs on Sundays in Margaret Fuller Hall. Choose one Sunday each month, either 8–10:50 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m., with time to attend service in between. Please contact Emily at 541-408-1516 or ewh1960@gmail.com. Training provided by experienced volunteers.
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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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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. Stop by the House and Grounds table on Sunday following both services to learn more about the possibilities both within our complex and around our church campus. Working on projects is a wonderful way to meet new people or strengthen existing relationships.
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Aid Asylum SeekersWith the recent move of our 13 Salmon families to a larger facility, we are now using this space to aid asylum seekers who are being released from detention at the Sheridan Prison. We are providing short-term shelter for men, for one to three days before they are sent to their sponsor site outside of Oregon. A frightening, emotional time, we are trying to make their stay as comfortable as possible.
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Spiritual Director Training Program
Might the next step in your spiritual journey be participating in a spiritual director training program? New 10-month training programs have just started. They meet on the first Tuesday morning or second Tuesday evening each month.
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Spare Bedroom
Do you have a spare bedroom you could make available to other UUs visiting Portland? Our Bed & Breakfast program is in need of hosts. You provide a bed and a simple breakfast. Proceeds go to the church. To learn more, contact Ruth Robinson: mickrob@comcast.net or 503-246-2131.
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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 live stream 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! 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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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
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Member Paul Kidwell was hospitalized with a staph infection in his blood last week. He is now continuing his recovery at a rehab facility. We hold Paul and his wife Chris in our prayers.
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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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September Moderator's LetterPlease make sure to check out Kathy Ludlow’s September Moderator’s Letter. She shares the board goals and notes the work we’ve done this summer.
For the latest updates on Board activities, please visit the B oard's webpage, which includes the latest time/location for all Board-related events
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Sunday Attendance1st Service: 245
2nd Service: 286 Musicians: 46
Total: 577
Livestream: 141
Grand Total: 718
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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. Many groups take the summer months off, so if you are unsure about a particular group's schedule, please contact the individual listed.
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| Africa Connections
This church social justice group supports advocacy and outreach work in communities in Kenya and Zimbabwe that have been deeply impacted by HIV AIDS. We do this through support of the IMANI Project, Zimbabwe Artists Project, and Quilts for Empowerment. Questions? Email Annie Bennett.
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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 GroupWe usually meet the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May.
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| Children's Mosaic Restoration Group
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| Committee on Hunger & Homelessness (COHHO)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 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)
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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.
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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 GroupThird Thursday meeting is now 10 to 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. More. Questions? Contact is Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
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| Sunday Morning T'ai Chi Chih
Sunday morning T'ai Chi Chih, 8:30–9 a.m.; check the sign board in the Buchan building for meeting locations. Questions? Email Adult Programs.
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UU 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? Richard Turner 503-734-5854; more info here.
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| UU Movie Group
Meets on the fourth Sunday of the month over a potluck meal at members’ homes. For more information, contact Nancy Panitch, 503-318-0776, or Ellie Kirkham, 971-544-7003. More info at the Good Times table in Margaret Fuller Hall.
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UU Poetry Group
Twice monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Rodger Blackburn, 503-519-3494.
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UUA Outreach 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.
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Women’s CirclesI: First and third Mondays at 7 p.m. Questions? Tess Beistel, 503-257-2042.
II: Second and forth 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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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?
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Do You Have an Item for E-news and/or the Sunday Bulletin?If you have an item you’d like published in our weekly Front Steps (eNews) or the Sunday Bulletin, please submit it to:
Communications@firstunitarianportland.org and include in the subject line “For eNews” –or– “For Sunday Bulletin” –or– “For eNews and Sunday Bulletin.”
This will get 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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For the month of September, our shared plate recipient is Innovation Law Lab, a team of lawyers and advocates who work where the threat to human rights is greatest, where people and legal systems are most vulnerable to attack. Lawyers from ILL are representing 80 asylum seekers currently held in Sheridan Prison. They have secured positive decisions on 100% of credible fear interviews for these detainees and are working for their immediate release. Our church is partnering with ILL to transfer the asylees from prison to their sponsoring hosts. Our witness, words, and actions make a huge difference by focusing on the need for due process–elevating humanity over fear and liberty over tyranny.
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