Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
There will be no Learning Community (RE) classes this Sunday, but children and youth are always welcome in the service. Nursery and toddler care is always available during our worship service. Learn about our program here. Current news here.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
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| The office will be closed all day on December 26 and 31 and on January 1.
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How Do You Measure a Year?
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Our spiritual ancestor Henry David Thoreau once said, "Time measures nothing but itself." Do you agree? For some people, Jan 1st is a chance to reflect on what's happened the past year and make a fresh start. For others this turning of the calendar feels arbitrary. As we approach the turning of the year, we'll reflect on how we mark the passing of time and honor the seasons of our lives.
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Register Now: Countering Antisemitism in Our Movements
Sunday, January 12, 4 - 6 p.m.
Location: Buchan, B102
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With the rise of Christian Nationalism in the US and abroad, overt antisemitism is resurging to fuel these movements. We've seen violent attacks on Jews in recent years, including the murder of congregants worshipping at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh and right-wing marchers carrying tiki-torches and yelling anti-Jewish slogans. Antisemitism is real and it is deeply woven into our culture. It is both subtle and overt and has had traumatizing impacts on Jewish communities for generations.
Antisemitism is also confusing, including when claims of antisemitism are used to divert and divide justice seeking movements or when progressive people perpetuate antisemitic tropes. UU efforts to address the unspeakable violence in Israel and Palestine have activated people's trauma, confusion, and frustration. We believe that in order to act effectively and accountably within our UU communities, we must understand how antisemitism is present and how we can counter it as we fight for justice and human rights.
If you'd like to learn alongside us, we invite you to join us for a two-part in-person program, taking place on January 12 and January 26. Registration is required. Attendance at the first session is required to join the second session. Read more and register here.
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NEW! — Send Photos Our Way!
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Were you "snapping away" at our Solstice or our 100th Anniversary Christmas Pageant service? If so, we'd love to have a few of your best pics. Just email them to the church office at photos@firstunitarianportland.org.
We'd like to showcase of few of these in our next Front Steps and our pre-service slides, and hold on to them to feature next year during the holidays.
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Giving Trees for the Shower Project
Through December
Location: Narthex (Main Sanctuary lobby) and Buchan atrium
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The 13 Salmon Shower Project is grateful to receive gifts of clothing for our guests. We are hoping to stock up on new items for the year, and for this winter season. Multi-packs of any of these items are welcome.
For the General Congregation
- Men’s undershirts, sizes M, L & XL
- Men’s boxer briefs, sizes M, L & XL
- Women’s sports bras, sizes M, L & XL
- Waterproof men’s winter coats, sizes L & XL
For the Family Ministry Giving Tree
- Gloves – Adult sizes M, L & XL (waterproof preferred)
- Adult warm beanie hats
These gifts can be delivered to the Giving Trees located in the Narthex/Main Sanctuary lobby and Buchan atrium for the month of December. If you’d like to offer a financial contribution directly to the Shower Project, please donate here.
We're happy to also share that thanks to a generous grant from the Oregon Community Foundation, we have funding for the 13 Salmon Shower Project to grow. Now, we need your help! Can you volunteer to help us open a second day of the week? Showers are integral to health and hygiene and we don’t want to turn away our unhoused neighbors. Please visit our webpage to volunteer, make a financial gift, or see a list of items that you might consider donating.
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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! — First Steps Class on January 5
Sunday, January 5, after the service
Location:Â Channing (A101)
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Our next First Steps Class and Campus Tour will take place on Jan 5, 2025! This first offering of the year is sure to be a full class! Class is limited to 15 folks. Please RSVP to Jen.
Join Danielle Garrett, Jen Thomas, and church member Bill after the service in Channing Room A-101 to learn more about First Unitarian Portland and our programs, and to meet some leaders in the church and take a tour. This is also an opportunity to ask about membership for those interested in making a deeper commitment to First U.
First Steps classes are offered on most First Sundays of the year.
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NEXT WEEK — The Contemplative Practices Group Returns!
Starting Thursday, January 2, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Location:
1st Thursdays in Channing, A101
3rd Thursdays in Buchan Reception, B101
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The Contemplative Practices Group is returning to First Unitarian! Join with us on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to sit in meditation together. Connect to your inner self as well as something bigger than yourself. Bring more peace and joy into your life, increase mindfulness and develop more perspective.
“Contemplative spirituality is about slowing down and relaxing our action, our striving, and all of our 'doings.' In order to 'wake up' to the Reality in which we are already immersed, we must slow down and gently transition 'from doing to being.' " - Keith Kristich
This is a drop-in group. Any silent sitting practice is welcomed and no prior meditation experience is needed. If you would like to learn a contemplative practice for use during the group, let the facilitators know and they will meet with you half an hour before the group sit begins.
Each group meeting consists of a 20-minute meditation, a check-in on a spiritually oriented topic, and deep discussion of a poem or short reading. Facilitators are Patty and Ron. To learn more about the facilitators, visit the event page here. They look forward to being with you!
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NEW! — The Alliance Presents "Homelessness in Portland: Upstream Causes, Downstream Effects, and Finding the Pathways Home"
Wednesday, January 8, 10:30 a.m.
Location:Â Eliot Chapel
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On any given night in the United States, more than 650,000 people experience homelessness. West Coast states, including Oregon, are among the most significantly affected. Why? And what are we doing locally to help more of our neighbors find pathways home?
Speaker: Ryan Deibert, Interim Director of Multnomah County's Homelessness Response System.
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NEW! — Aging in OUR Church Community - Senior Forum
Sunday, January 12, noon
Location:Â Buchan Rooms B102 and B103
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Aging in OUR Church Community - Senior Forum is a special event dedicated to understanding and supporting our senior members. This forum is organized by a newly formed committee co-chaired by Ruth and Mark. This group formed to support our senior community so that they do not feel disconnected or forgotten.
Join with others on January 12 to hear speakers from Alliance, Lay Ministry, and Sojourners and to engage in meaningful discussions about how we can better serve and connect with our senior community. Folks can arrive any time after 11:30 a.m. and the program will start at noon. This is an opportunity for everyone to share ideas, learn from each other, and strengthen the bonds within our church family.
It is also a Souper Sunday! You are invited to bring your soup to the gathering.
We look forward to seeing you there and working together to create a vibrant, inclusive environment for all ages.
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Transportation Organizing for Sundays
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Are you looking for rides to church? Are you able to bring folks to and from church on Sunday morning?
A group of thoughtful folks are putting heads together to consider ways to bring folks together to share in worship and activities on Sunday.
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Letter from the Board: December 2024
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Greetings from your Board of Trustees. I’m new to the Board, joining after three years as an active participant in the congregation.
As the end of 2024 approaches, I see signs all around me of the strong religious community that is the core of our church, including big events such as the Halloween party with over 100 adults and children, a packed Fuller Hall for Souper Sunday, or the full house that rededicated Eliot Chapel on its 100th birthday. Just as important are the small groups that bring us together, such as those joining on Zoom in the Antiracism Learning Circles, the children’s Learning Community classes, or dinners and concerts in member homes at auction events. All of these gatherings build bonds of care and friendship among us...MORE
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CHECK WEEKLY — December 22 & 29 Newsletter
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This is the last Learning Community e-newsletter this calendar year!
Please note that there will be no RE classes on December 29, but we will offer nursery care and children are always welcome in the sanctuary.
Our Giving Tree to benefit our Shower Project is up through the 29th! Thanks for helping our neighbors be warm and dry...MORE
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NEW! THIS SATURDAY — Peace Action Group Ukraine Program Holiday Concert: "Meditations on Peace"
Saturday, December 28, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Location:Â Zoom
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You are invited to virtually join friends in Ukraine and the US to share favorite performed and curated music at this free concert celebrating peace and the Ukrainian indomitable spirit. Includes special recorded message from past Oregon Poet Laureate, Kim Stafford.
Join us on Zoom for 60 minutes of music, poetry, and other art, followed by small group conversations.
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SAVE THE DATE! — Forum: How Will We Defend Attacks on Immigrants?
Tuesday, January 28, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
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With the incoming administration, we know that big changes are coming that will impact immigrant communities. We want to be informed, prepared, and ready for action.
ARJAG and IJAG will co-host a three-part series of events addressing immigrant justice. Through an anti-racist lens, we will explore immigration status issues, the lived experience of immigrants in Oregon, and strategic ways we can act in solidarity to promote and defend the human dignity of Oregon immigrants. Â
Please mark Tuesday, January 28, 7 - 8:30 p.m. (via Zoom) on your calendar for our first forum/workshop. Tentative dates for the subsequent events are Tuesday, March 4, and Tuesday, May 6.
Watch for additional information in upcoming Front Steps!
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CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel, 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.
In June 2020, an impromptu duet between a PSU School of Music & Theater student, Madisen Hallberg, and a professional opera singer, Emmanuel Henreid ("Onry"), captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of viewers. Shared on social media and news outlets around the world, this simple moment of beauty between two strangers was a balm for our wounded souls, reminding us that the arts have the power to bring us together and heal us. The PSU College of the Arts invited Madisen and Onry to come back together once more and sing a new duet, a call for peace in our world: Dona Nobis Pacem, or "Grant Us Peace." This contemplative round has been sung in liturgical settings for centuries. May we all find peace this holiday season and in the new year to come. To listen to their rendition of Dona Nobis Pacem, watch the video below:
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In the Community
Mary Post is healing well from recent surgery. She appreciates cards and good wishes. Visits welcomed but please call first.
Ted Okrasinski's memorial will take place on Saturday, January 4, at 2 p.m. Member Ted Okrasinski died on September 10 at the age of 84. He contracted COVID in early August and struggled since. Ted was a kind and thoughtful man and he and his wife Lois joined the church in 1998.
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Notes from the Sextons' Workbench: December 2024
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Well, everything is moving right along. Halloween and Thanksgiving have zoomed right by and now comes the rest.
The Christmas pageant on 12/22 (wow, 100 years old!), Christmas Eve services on 12/24 at 5pm and 8pm, the Solstice service on 12/20, Advent, Alliance Treasures & Bake Sale on 12/8 and 12/15, and let’s not forget Hanukkah starting on 12/25 and Kwanzaa starting on 12/26.
I like this time of year because it is so colorful with the lights and the fresh snow. Now, the problem is that we get caught up with all the stuff...MORE
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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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November/December Art Wall Exhibitions
The Garden: Prints by Poppy Dully
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Poppy Dully’s artistic practices span painting, printmaking, and artist books. This exhibit features copper etched botanical prints. She plays with ink colors, moving from the traditional to the unusual. Nature is uninhibited in its array of colors and patterns, challenging us to consider what may be possible.
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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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.
Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO): We meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month after services. Contact Cynthia for details or to be added to our email list.
Community for Earth (CFE):Â 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 (in Channing, A101) and third Thursdays (in Buchan Reception, B101) from 1:00 - 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 and Ron 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.
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 or Susan.
Mental Health Caregivers Group: Second Wednesday every month via Zoom 7 - 8:30 p.m. Email Ellen 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 with questions.
"T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: Meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room at 12 - 1 p.m.
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.
Women's Circle II:Â Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month. Email Anne.
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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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| 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:
- Men's shoes (large sizes)
- Men's pants (sizes 30-32 waist)
- Women’s pants (XXS-XS)
- Leggings
- Winter coats (all sizes)
- Gloves and winter hats
Our page includes a list of our most frequently-needed items.
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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