Join Us for WorshipSunday, November 7, 2021
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FALL BACK! Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday.
Don't forget to change your clocks!Family Service at 10 a.m. // Sanctuary Service at 11 a.m.
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November 7: What You Need to Know About In-Person Worship
We will worship in the Sanctuary for the first time in over 18 months on November 7. Halleluiah!
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Reservations for this Sunday, November 7, are open until 9 a.m. November 5/tomorrow morning. Click here to reserve a space for November 7. As a Covid precautionary measure, a maximum of 200 people will be permitted in the Sanctuary:
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Reservations for the following Sunday, November 14, are also now open. The reservation deadline for the Nov. 14 service is Friday, November 12, at 9 a.m. As a Covid precautionary measure, a maximum of 200 people will be permitted in the Sanctuary:
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We are working to make this beginning of the return to the Sanctuary as safe and simple and satisfying as we can. These precautions and safety measures are new, however; and it is inevitable that there will be bumps on the road as we re-gather.
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Please treat each other and our dedicated volunteers and staff not only with respect but with KINDNESS. Every Sunday is a good day to have THANK YOU in your heart and on your lips but especially this first Sunday of the rest of the life of First Unitarian.
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Barbara Pescan writes:
Because of those who came before, we are;
In spite of their failings, we believe;
Because of, and in spite of their vision, we, too, dream.”
The liberal religious tradition is filled with insight and depth, but also with unexamined privilege and narrow vision. Most of us also have personal stories that include highs and lows. How do we deal with such complicated legacies? Must we insist on purity in the past before we can get to gratitude? Can we add compassion and forgiveness to our practice and discover that honesty need not rule out hope?
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Family Worship
The Wonder Box: Gratitude
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This Sunday we will bring out the Wonder Box to help introduce us to our new spiritual theme for November, Gratitude. We’ll talk about finding gratitude, even when difficult situations arise, and how we may share gratitude with one another.
Cassandra will offer a story, Dustin will lead our music, and Rev. Bill will lead us in prayer.
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All Souls Litany Re-recorded
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The All Souls Litany that was part of last Sunday’s service left out some of the names to be remembered. We offer this re-recorded version in memory of all those who have died in the past 12 months.
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Welcome to Our "Season of Giving"
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Heartfelt thanks go out to the generous and impassioned members and friends who make our church a beacon of light in these challenging times.
Every pledge and every gift helps fund the life and work of the church. Please know that your gift here is cherished.
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At this moment there is much to be thankful for. The church has so far weathered the pandemic well. But there are still many questions as to how we will fare in recovery and what the emerging church will look like.
Just how large a congregation will First Unitarian be post-Covid? How will we sustain both in-person worship and our new online ministry? How can we successfully invite participation and support from our online folks as well as younger generations.
Dedicated staff that we do not currently have will be essential, especially in our communication and social media efforts.
Agility is going to be required in the coming year. Your gift will help provide the church with the resources needed to respond to a rapidly changing environment.
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Please pledge your gift of support BEFORE Celebration Sunday, November 14!
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Staying Connected BlogBlessing for a New Beginning
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It was recently pointed out to me that this week marks the beginning of my fourth month as Intern Minister here at First Unitarian Church. Wow! In some ways it feels like time has been flying, like I’m still really new here and am just trying to get my feet on the ground. In other ways, it feels like so much has happened in this time, and this past August seems quite long ago. I’ve found the process of getting to know you all to be so fun and gratifying, and I’m sure it will be even more so once we transition to in-person community life...continued.
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What's Happening This SundayTimestamps are Pacific Time (PT) unless stated otherwise.
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ALL WELCOME! - Social Justice Community Gather-In
This Sunday, November 7, 1:30-2:30pm
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This monthly gathering is for ALL community members concerned and or engaged with issues of justice, whether or not you are part of a church action group. Join us for readings, music, reflection and time to get to know one another. Our justice work is done in community, and we hope you will consider yourself a part of our beloved justice community.
We look forward to being with you.
Rev. Abigail, Caitlynn, Intern Minister Carter, Dana, Leslie, Nikki and Sue.
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| Gmail Users: You may have to scroll down to the bottom of this message and click on "View Entire Message" to see the complete Front Steps.
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NEW! - Join UUs for a Nationwide Week of Action to Defend Democracy
November 8-13
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Join Side with Love and the Declaration for American Democracy coalition in distributed actions during the November 8-13 Senate recess, demanding that our Senators pass the Freedom to Vote and John Lewis Voting Rights Acts, and address the stranglehold the filibuster currently has over our democratic process.
Next week there will be multiple virtual events and phone bank opportunities to connect with voters in key states to their senators.
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In an effort to uplift the work of Side with Love and UU The Vote, we will be posting regular action opportunities in the Front Steps.
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Living with Loss: How Will I Get Through the Holidays?JOIN US - Saturdays Starting November 13, at 10:30 a.m.
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This class, facilitated by Rev. Wendy Fish and Kristin Guest, will offer support through sharing information on the grief process, listening to one another's stories, suggesting ideas for holiday plans and connecting with others. This class is directed toward those who have experienced the death of someone they love, or a divorce or estrangement.
Limited to 8 participants. Advance registration required.
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Alliance Annual Greens Sale
Wreaths are NOW for sale through November 14
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From the comfort of your own home, you can order aromatic holiday greens online. Choose from among 3 styles for safe pickup at the church garage on Friday, December 3, and Saturday, December 4, from 10-2 p.m.
Want to gift a wreath? There is one style available for shipping anywhere within the U.S., including Portland.
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Proceeds benefit women, children and marginalized groups.
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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TOMMOROW! - Beyond Categorical Thinking Workshop
Two-Part Workshop:
November 5, at 7:30 - 9 p.m. and
November 6, at 9 - 10:30 a.m.
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“Will the new minister hear me? Will my concerns and needs be met? Will the minister understand what I’m living with? How will the community respond to our minister?’
In answering these questions, a picture of the “ideal minister” (categorized by age, gender identity, nationality, physical or cognitive ability, race, sexual orientation, etc.) comes to mind. With this picture in place, it can be easy to unintentionally exclude ministers who fall into certain categories. The BCT program is designed to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent unfair discrimination in the search process for a new minister.
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Welcome to First Unitarian with Rev. Thomas DisrudSunday, November 14, at 12:30 p.m.
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Are you new to First Unitarian Portland? We are so glad you are here. This virtual class will offer an orientation to the church, to Unitarian Universalism and what it means to be a member. This will be a chance to meet other newcomers and to have your questions about the church answered.
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Plan Ahead for General Assembly Portland 2022June 22-26, 2022
General Assembly registration begins November 15
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Registration for GA, the Unitarian Universalist Annual Meeting, will begin November 1. If you wish to sign up to volunteer at GA for 20 hours in lieu of the registration fee, be sure to sign up by November 1, because all positions fill up quickly.
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NEW! - In Gratitude For All that is Our Life: A Day of Mindfulness with Katie Radditz
Saturday, November 20, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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This is the time of year to celebrate abundance – of the harvest and the rain following a hot summer. We will learn practices for developing insight, touching happiness, and leading a more compassionate life.
It will be a time for deep relaxation, reflection, and peace connected in our beloved home community.
The day will include long breaks for walking, meditation, and lunch off the computer.
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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NEW! - Transgender Day of Remembrance Interfaith VigilSaturday, November 20, 5 p.m.
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Rev. Thomas Disrud and intern minister, Carter Smith will be speaking at this year's hybrid Transgender Day of Remembrance Interfaith Vigil. The vigil will include representatives from diverse faiths, musicians, and community leaders.
We invite all people, transgender or cisgender, to join us in this reverent observation.
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Vesper Prayer ServiceFriday's at 5 p.m.
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End your week with a brief quiet time of prayer, reflection, meditation and music offered by our Lay Ministers. Let this be a pause at the end of the week, to receive and to be held in love, without the need to converse. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. An ongoing commitment is not required.
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Art for Social JusticeThe Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and building the Beloved Community.
Curated by Ethel Gullette, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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Amber Mark - My People (Eddie Kendricks Cover)"It’s so amazing to see the world learning, growing and most importantly helping one another. We cannot let go of this feeling or this moment. We should use this positive mentality as the everlasting force driving humankind as a whole to greatness not just for the future of yourself but for the future of everyone around you."
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In the Community
Member Debby Ogden died on October 30 after entering hospice care just a few days before. Debby was 95 years old and joined our church in 2016. Debby was part of our Wellspring program, a member of the Alliance and a regular at our Friday vespers service. We hold her family at this time of loss.
Member Warren White asks for our prayers. Warren suffered a stroke, after an infection in his new kidney and he is now dealing with blindness and weakness. We hold Warren and send him healing energy and prayers for strength.
Elizabeth Britt is scheduled to have abdominal surgery on November 15. Cards and calls are most welcome. Please hold Britt in your thoughts and prayers.
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Do you have a reason to celebrate? Say it with flowers!Beginning November 7
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November 14: On this day, flowers will be provided by Bill Cunninghame and Steve Nelson in appreciation of the hard-working First Unitarian staff.
November 28: On this day, flowers will be in memory of Julia Spence's mother, Elizabeth Zumstein Banner.
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Fresh flowers will again grace the Chancel for Sunday services. Sponsoring those flowers is a way to support the church and acknowledge life events. Do you have something to celebrate from these last 18 months? If you had a birth in the family, graduation, a birthday, an anniversary, or a memorial, or other reasons, you can acknowledge it to the entire congregation by sponsoring a floral bouquet. As we reconnect with friends, say it with flowers on the Chancel.
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Moderator Letter: Dear Fellow Congregants
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Excited relieved, happy, and
nervous (a little bit)
were the emotions I felt when I heard the news from our ministers that in-person services will begin on November 7. It has been a long time coming (approximately 19 months) but I am deeply appreciative that First Unitarian took a measured, science-based approach to resuming in-person gatherings...continued.
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JOIN US! - Nominating Committee SearchCandidate suggestions needed by Wednesday, November 10.
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Would you or someone you know serve our church well as a Board member or a member of the Nominating Committee?
The Nominating Committee has begun its annual search for new Board and Nominating Committee members to replace those who are retiring. It’s the committee’s job to find candidates and propose them to the Congregation for election next spring.
Send your candidate's name and a couple sentences about why they qualify in an email to committee co-chairs Dean and Joyce.
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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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Having trouble viewing our services through the website?
Find our Live Streams on Boxcast, Youtube or on Facebook.
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Have a Submission for E-News?If you have a church-related submission you would like published in our weekly Front Steps (E-News), please submit it here with subject line “For E-News.”
Submission deadline is noon on Tuesdays.
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Sunday Live Stream
& Social Schedule
Join us LIVE from your computer or smart device.
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November Shared Plate For the month of November, we share our plate with the Immigrant Mutual Aid Coalition (IMAC). In September 2020 when devastating wildfires and hazardous smoke affected much of Oregon, IMAC quickly pulled together community members along with immigrant rights and social justice groups. IMAC set up a distribution site for emergency food and supplies in Clackamas County, accessible to many members of Latine and immigrant communities many of whom are farm workers and service workers...continued.
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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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Trying to find connection with those in the congregation with similar interests?
Contact one of the many groups run by members of the church and connect.
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Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
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