Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m. *NEW TIME*
Childcare is available during our worship service for children six months to 3 years old.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
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Hebrew Bible scholars sometimes describe the fourth commandment, to rest on the Sabbath day, as the bridge between the âloving Godâ and âloving neighborâ parts of the covenant. This Sunday, we will explore how we, as Unitarian Universalists, can incorporate radical rest into our own covenantal faith, understanding it as necessary before we can awaken to the presence of the divine or the injustices in our world.
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Ministers Column
How Do We Rest When the World is on Fire?
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âTreating each other and ourselves with care isnât a luxury, but an absolute necessity if weâre going to thrive. Resting isnât an afterthought, but a basic part of being human.â
â Tricia Hersey, Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto
I write this in the wake of several troubling Supreme Court decisions that could threaten the dignity and safety of our neighbors and the health of our democracy. And the alerts on my phone warning of an extreme heat wave keep distracting me from the tasks at hand. This week it feels like our nation and our planet are on fire, making it all the more difficult to lean into our summer theme of ârest, reflect, renew.â How can we possibly rest when there are so many urgent problems to solve and so much at stake?...continue reading.
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Young Adult Weekly Meetups All Summer!
Next Meeting: Sunday, July 7, immediately after the service
Location:Â Channing Room
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Expect fun social events, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities to connect.Â
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Join the Summer Pick-Up Choir
Arrive on Sunday mornings of your choice at 8:45 a.m
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Summer is here, which means we welcome the return of our annual Summer Pick-Up Choir.Â
The choir is open to anyone who would like to participate weekly. If interested, simply show up to the sanctuary on the Sunday mornings of your choice at 8:45 a.m. Music will be provided when you arrive, and we'll all learn together for the 10:15 a.m. service.
No experience or ongoing commitment necessary.
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NEW â Summer 2024 Activities at First Unitarian
Summer Spiritual Vibes: Rest, Reflect, Renew
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Summerâs slower pace is an opportunity for us to gather in community, have a little fun, and refresh our spirits! I invite you to lean into our summer church theme, âRest, Reflect, Renew,â with these low-commitment, laid-back offerings. Join us at one that sparks your interest, or come to all of them.
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Drop-In Brown Bag Discussions
Bring your lunch and join summer minister Danielle Garrett from 12 - 1:30 p.m. in the Buchan Reception Hall for informal conversation and community building.
- July 10: Spiritual PracticesâShare and learn new ways to stay grounded.
- July 24: Finding the Sacred in Pop CultureâDiscuss meaningful books, movies, TV shows, and music.
- August 7: UU History Grab-BagâExplore favorite moments and figures from Unitarian Universalist history.
- August 21: All We Kindred Pilgrim SoulsâTalk about pilgrimage experiences and spiritual travel.
Evening Community Gatherings
Join us in the Buchan Reception Hall and Courtyard.
- July 16: Sâmores and Campfire Sing-AlongâEnjoy treats and songs from 7 - 9 p.m.Â
- July 25: Poetry NightâShare a dessert and read a favorite or original poem from 7 - 9 p.m.
- August 9: Summer PotluckâBring a summer dish to share from 6 - 8 p.m.Â
Summer Vespers Schedule
Join our contemplative Vespers services on Zoom at 5 p.m. every Friday. This summer, services are on July 19, 26, August 2, and 9. Join us via Zoom.
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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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Third Act Oregon Presents: An Evening with Bill McKibben
Friday, July 5, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Main Street Sanctuary
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Donât miss this rare evening with one of the worldâs most beloved and important environmentalists and global thinkers. Mingle with Third Act Oregon volunteers and climate activists from all over the state after the main presentation.
Enjoy light refreshments in First Unitarian's Fuller Hall following the event.
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Pride Kick-Off: Tea and Treats
Next Meeting: Sunday, July 14 from 12 - 1 p.m.
Location: Channing Room
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Join us for "Tea and Treats" during pride kick-off week! All LGBTQ+ and questioning folks are welcome. Meet new friends, share experiences, and celebrate our vibrant community.Â
Hosted by the folks from First Unitarian's "T Time" meetup group.
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Learning Community E-NewsSummer RE Session!
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation & Family MinistriesÂ
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Join us on July 7th for Together Time in the sanctuary (preschool ages and above) and then head to Buchan to launch our summer RE program based on the 8 UU Principles...continue reading.
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UU the Vote Summer Letter Writing Update
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Thank you, letter writers! You've taken over 5,000 letters from the UU the Vote table to write at home. Our goal is 10,000 letters; we've received over 2,000 back for the October mailing.
While we initially had until fall, we've realized that we need more time to prepare the letters for mailing. We kindly request that you start returning your completed letters on Sundays this summer. This will help us avoid a last-minute rush and ensure we can effectively meet our goal. Your commitment to this schedule is greatly appreciated!
UU the Vote will be at Social Hour every Sunday through the summer. Look for the blue tablecloth and keep writing!
Reminders:
- Postage rates increase on July 14, so buy your stamps now.Â
- Tuesday morning sessions will resume in September.
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Support LiftUp This Summer
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We are supporting LiftUp throughout the summer, from June 16 to Labor Day. Please place in the COHHO bins in Fuller Hall by the kitchen any of the following most needed food items: brown rice, whole grain pasta, shelf-stable milk, canned protein (tuna, chicken, salmon), nut butter, any low sodium broths, canned veggies, and sauces.
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How to Support the Shower Project!
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The Shower Project is going well, and our guests appreciate the service, especially the clothing donations. We urgently need the items listed below to continue providing for our guests. Your donations of these specific items will make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your support!
- Men's boxer briefs M/L
- Chocolates (our guests really love sweets), gummy bears, etc.
- Granola bars
- Single-serving, microwaveable snacks like mac and cheese, oatmeal, ramen
- Snacks like protein bars
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In the Community
Member Benno Phillipson died on June 23 at the age of 87 after suffering a stroke some weeks before. Benno and his wife, Gail Durham, joined the church in 2007. Benno was known for wearing his signature red beret. He was trained as an architect, worked for years for an engineering firm, and was an artist. He was also part of several choirs in town, including the choir here at the church, for many years. We hold Gail and their extended family at this time. A memorial is planned for Benno on Sunday, August 11, at 2 p.m. in Eliot Chapel.
We hold member Linda Arata. Lindaâs father, Richard Arata, died on June 27 at the age of 96 after a brief hospice stay. Linda says her father was an intermittent Unitarian and constant fan of all his children. He and her mother frequently attended church here, particularly to hear the music during the years Linda sang in the choir.
Audrey Whitlow, grandmother of our summer minister Danielle Garrett, died on June 21 at 92 in Mithian, VA. Danielle says Audrey watched our service every time Danielle preached. She was a fan of the Green Bay Packers, the Washington Nationals, and country music. Danielle and her wife Mari were back in Virginia for the service last week.
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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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đźđż The Community for Earth (CFE) is delighted to provide flowers for the Bill McKibben event, which will adorn the Sanctuary this Sunday.
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âA New National Anthemâ Reading by Ada LimĂłn
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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
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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.
SUMMER BREAK â Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD): We meet on the third Sunday of each month from 12:15 to 1:45 in Fireside. Contact Marni for summer activities.
First Connections: We meet monthly 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.
Vespers will be on break on July 5 and 12 and again on August 15, 23, and 30. It will resume on July 19 through August 9 and then again on September 6.Â
NEW â Good Times: Movie Group Sunday movie meetup this Summer on July 14 and August 11, 4 - 6:30 p.m., at members' homes to discuss current films in theaters or streaming. Contact Christine for details and to join our group email list.
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.
"Tâ Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: Meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room at 12 - 1 p.m.
EVERY SUNDAY â UU the Vote: Join Us For Community and Letter WritingÂ
The blue tablecloth will be available every Sunday until October. Letters can be dropped off and picked up at the church office.
Letter Writing Schedule:
Women's Circle II:Â Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
EVERY SUNDAY â Young Adult Summer Meetup! Every Sunday at 12:15 p.m., the meeting room may vary. Expect fun social events, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities to connect. Questions? Contact Caroline.
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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 noon.
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| Livestream Schedule
Friday Vespers â 5 - 5:40 p.m.
via Zoom (Vespers will be on break on July 5 and 12 and again on August 15, 23, and 30. It will resume on July 19 through August 9 and then again on September 6.)
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For July and August, we will be sharing our plate with several UU-focused organizations.
DRUUMMÂ (Diverse Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries) is a UU People of Color ministry and anti-racist collective bringing lay and religious professionals together to overcome racism through resistance and to transform Unitarian Universalism through our multicultural experiences. DRUUMM serves hundreds of UUs of color (and counting) through chaplaincy, community-building, worship, and leadership development.
Many UUs of color find DRUUMM to nourish their wholeness in their spiritual lives. Sharing our plate with DRUUMM is part of our annual promise to support this ministry. First Unitarian Portland is one of dozens of congregations that sponsor the annual DRUUMM Public (open to non-POC as well) Worship service. Watch the 2024 Public Worship Choosing Joy: Living with Intentionality and Purpose. Â
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