Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Learning Community at 10:30 a.m.
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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Spring Cleaning of the Soul
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The holy month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar begins today at sundown. It is a month of fasting, prayer, and giving – a spiritual cleansing of the mind, body, and soul. Let us explore the wisdom of these practices and this sacred time.
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Prepare to Spring Forward
Daylight Saving Time in Oregon begins this Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m. Remember to set your clocks forward!
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Ministers BlogMaking Spaces to Be Together
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One of the most formative experiences of my time as a lay leader at a large church was participating in a small, informal Bible study. We jokingly called ourselves the “Underground Bible Club” since we met in the church’s lower level. We started reading the Gospels one at a time, one meeting discussing the text itself and then the next meeting discussing photocopied pages of Biblical commentaries one of our seminarian members would scan and send to the group. So many beautiful things grew out of this time together, including new friendships, an advent practice of daily scripture reading, and eventually a food pantry built into the back of the church building that operated on a “give what you can, take what you need” basis. Turns out the Bible has a lot of verses about feeding people and we felt called to take them literally...continue reading.
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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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NEW! – Budget Congregational Meeting
Sunday, March 10, at Noon
Location: Buchan Reception Hall, B102
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| Please join members of the Church's Executive Team and Board Finance Committee to learn more about the budget that's being developed for the coming fiscal year.
Hear about the vision for the year that begins July 1, and get a look at some early numbers. We'll describe the approach behind the new year's budgeting and take your questions and opinions. All congregants are warmly encouraged to attend this "budget progress report."
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Name Tag Pick-up!
This Sunday, March 10 // 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.
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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 11, 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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SAVE THE DATE! – Zap The Gap Too Auction
April 21 - May 5
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| The Auction is coming! Get ready for our fantastic community-building auction. Donations start March 17—more information to follow.
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NEXT WEEK! — Understanding the Climate Crisis through En-ROADS: Helping Us Connect What We Care About to Ensure a Resilient Future
Tuesday, March 12, at 7 p.m. via Zoom
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Please join William Heerdt, En-ROADS Climate Ambassador and Community for Earth (CFE) to learn more about climate solutions by attending an online En-ROADS climate interactive solutions simulator presentation. The En-ROADS solution simulator allows users to quickly see the long-term effects of global climate policies and actions, such as electrifying transport, pricing carbon, and improving agricultural practices, on factors like energy prices, temperature, air quality, and sea level rise.
The goal is to break through the noise and equip us with the knowledge to implement equitable climate solutions. The presentation will educate us about options to reduce climate change and CFE’s local actions.
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JOIN US! – First Unitarian ALL-CHURCH Democracy Fair: Engaging our UU Values to Deepen Democracy
Sunday, March 17, from Noon 'til 3 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland, Buchan Reception Hall (1226 SW Salmon St.)
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| An important part of living our UU values is learning to share our beliefs and convictions and make them public. Deepen our connections to one another and learn essential skills to strengthen our democracy at this critical time. We’ll have skills workshops on Witness, Advocacy, & Community Organizing and an education session on American Militarism.
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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NEW! – 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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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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NEW! — Do You Love To Garden? Join Our Church Grounds Transformation Team!
Tuesday, March 12, from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. and
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 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.
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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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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Learning Community E-News
Get Ready for Summer Fun: Help Us Plan Learning Community Programming for July and August with a Quick Survey! 🌞
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation & Family Ministries
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It may only be March, but summer will be upon us right quick! We’re starting to plan religious education for July and August. It would support the program tremendously if you would take this super simple four question survey to let us know what might support your family this summer...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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INVITATION — Preventing Refugee Crises Abroad and Helping Refugees Here At Home
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Our UU values call us to recognize every person's inherent worth and dignity, create a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all, and recognize and respect the interconnected web of all existence of which we are a part.
We know that trade agreements, internal crises, our relationship with the governments of many of our southern neighbors, the exportation of guns and importation of drugs, and the ravages of climate change have all contributed to the current migration crisis on this continent. We deplore that the issue has become a political football.
IJAG is dedicated to service projects with our immigrant neighbors and advocacy with and on their behalf. We are not alone in our concerns! Join others and hear faith leaders discuss the issue:
Preventing Refugee Crises Abroad and Helping Refugees Here At Home
- A Conversation with Rick Santos, President and CEO, Church World Service
- Augustana Lutheran Church
2710 NE 14th Avenue Portland - When: Monday, March 11, at 7 p.m.
- Free event. Please RSVP here.
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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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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.
The plan provides information about how to deal with emergencies, including medical, weather (including earthquakes, floods, severe storms, etc.), fire (including prevention and evacuation procedures), and civil disturbances (including active shooters). While much progress has been made, we need your help to finalize 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.
Thank you for your dedication to our community's safety.
If you are interested in working with us in any of the capacities, please email Ronnie.
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I am Marilyn Mays (she/her), and I have the privilege to serve on your Board of Trustees. I joined the Board at the beginning of the Pandemic. When I woke up this morning, I had a song running in my mind. I could hear David Bowie singing “Ch-Ch-Ch Changes”...continue reading.
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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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Sunday's flowers are dedicated In loving memory of Alice Strong Leonard from her daughter, Mabsie Walters.
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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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The Resistance Revival Chorus (RRC) is a collective of more than 60 women and non-binary singers who join together to breathe joy and song into the resistance and uplift and center women’s voices. Self-filmed during quarantine at the height of the pandemic, this video illustrates how our intrinsic individual and collective joy can never be locked up, shut down, or taken away, even during our darkest struggles. Lead vocals: Abena Koomson-Davis.
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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.
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.
THIS SUNDAY — "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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March is our annual Foundation Month, and we share this Sunday’s offering with First Unitarian Church’s Foundation. The Foundation, led by congregant Board members, is a separate nonprofit organization that operates solely for the support and benefit of our Church and its mission. Through the many generous bequests over the years and the Foundation's annual gifts to the Church, the Foundation helps ensure that we remain strong and vibrant for generations to come.
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