Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Learning Community: Preschool through high school-aged are invited to our MLK Day Service Project from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Buchan Reception Hall
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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Weather Watch Update 🧊❄️🌨️
There's a winter storm watch this weekend. The church website, social media, and outgoing phone message will immediately post a notice if our in-person Sunday service and Sunday's various activities must be canceled. Your safety is our priority.
In the event of in-person cancellation, please enjoy our livestream service online at our usual time of 10:30 a.m.
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The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. asked us to decide between “creative altruism” and “destructive selfishness.” Let us reflect on the power of this choice as we remember Dr. King, celebrate his legacy, and our collective role in the work of liberation.
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NEW! — Community Circles Are Rolling Out As We Speak! Here Are Some Upcoming Options, And More To Come Soon…
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| Community Circles are an opportunity to get to know other members of the congregation as we explore the spiritual theme of Love at the Center of our church.
This Sunday, January 14, our Parents Circles begin following the service at 12:30 p.m. (We’ll be providing a simple lunch at noon for registered parents and children and childcare for registered children.) REGISTER HERE
Wednesday Evening, January 24, we will be launching LGBTQ+ Community Circles at 6:30 p.m. (Optional: You’re invited to bring your own dinner and gather at 6 p.m.) REGISTER HERE
Thursday Morning, January 25, we will begin one of the Open to All Community Circles at 10 a.m. (Optional: You’re invited to bring your breakfast and gather for fellowship at 9:30 a.m.) REGISTER HERE
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Rev. Alison's Q&A and Financial Update
Sunday, January 21, at noon
Location: Eliot Chapel
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| Please join Rev. Alison Miller in Eliot Chapel for another in a regular series of Q&A sessions with your senior minister. After a very brief update on developments at the church, she will respond to the questions you bring about the church or about our faith.
Immediately following the Q&A, members of our Finance Committee will bring a financial update.
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Antiracism Learning Circles - Winter/Spring 2024 Registration Are Open
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Learning Circles provide a transformative experience through small, intimate discussion cohorts centered around a chosen book or podcast. Participants gain crucial insights into white supremacy, racism, and our nation's history, cultivating trust and engaging in profound group discussions over an extended period. This setting fosters a safe space for tackling challenging topics and navigating discomfort while also offering a unique opportunity to forge and fortify meaningful relationships with fellow participants. Learning Circles offer connection, focus, and purpose in a virtual setting, creating a dynamic environment for shared learning and growth.
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This Winter and Spring 2024 Offerings
- My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Mending of our Bodies and Hearts - by Resmaa Menakem. Starting January 8
- The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story - edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones - a profoundly revealing vision of American past and present. Starting January 12
- Seeing White - the real history of the US, the one none of us were taught in school. This is where to start your journey! (podcast series). Starting January 16
- Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication - by Oren J. Sofer. Starting January 22
- The Sum Of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together - by Heather McGhee. Starting January 30
- The Conspiracy to End America: Five Ways My Old Party is Driving Our Democracy to Autocracy - by Stuart Stevens. Starting February 6
- Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law - by Leah Rothstein & Richard Rothstein. Starting February 6
- The Land That Has Never Been Yet - an examination of whether we have ever had a real democracy (podcast series). Starting March 12
- Shielded: How The Police Became Untouchable - by Joanna Schwartz. Starting tbd
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ALL CHURCH OPEN INVITATION — Narcan Training Session for Opioid Overdose Reversal
Sunday, January 28 at Noon til 1 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
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| Join us for an insightful training session on the use of Narcan, an essential tool for opioid overdose reversal. This session provides an opportunity to expand your understanding of Narcan and acquire valuable skills in harm reduction, potentially enabling you to save a life!
A representative from Project Red, an organization committed to health and safety will conduct the one-hour training.
Your presence and engagement in this training are crucial to building a safer, more informed community.
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Board Forum: Proposed UUA Bylaws Changes
Sunday, January 28, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland, Buchan Reception Hall (1226 SW Salmon St.)
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| Explore the proposed UUA Bylaws changes alongside the First Unitarian Portland Board. Engage in discussions with potential delegates. For additional details, visit uua.org and the Board page. Ensure you're part of this important conversation.
The vote will be in June 2024.
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VOLUNTEER — Join Our Team as a Tuesday Volunteer!
John Rosette, Executive Team Assistant / Receptionist
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We're seeking a friendly individual with basic computer skills for our Tuesday volunteer slot from 1-4 p.m. Duties include typing, answering phones, and opening the office door. Feel free to use our computer and desk for your own projects.
Join our welcoming team!
Interested? Questions? Email John or call our office (503) 228-6389.
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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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Beyond Ceasefire: The Current Landscape and Future Horizon for Palestine and Israel
Thursday, January 18, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland, Eliot Chapel
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| Dr. Mark Braverman is an author, speaker, and activist for Palestinian rights. Braverman is an American Jew raised with a strong attachment to Israel. He has come to understand the terrible costs of the Zionist project for the Palestinians and for the Jewish people.
Learn about:
- The context for October 7th: Jewish history, Zionism, and Palestinian resistance
- The furor over antisemitism
- The history of church struggles and why the churches matter today
- What’s next? Return to the status quo or a new future from the river to the sea?
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| Support fieldworkers this winter by placing an order or volunteering to make tamales!
During winter, rising utility costs pose a dilemma for low-income members of Western Farm Workers. They must choose between heating their homes, feeding their children, seeing a doctor, or paying rent. Western Farm Workers Association (WFWA), a self-help membership organization, assists members in meeting survival needs while advocating for dignity for agricultural workers.
With support from First Unitarian, members contribute to fundraising by making tamales, and the proceeds provide essential supplies like food, blankets, heaters, and winter clothes during lean months without fieldwork.
How to Order Tamales
STEP ONE: Order Tamales after these Sunday Services
- Sunday, January 21, Fuller Hall
- Sunday, January 28, Fuller Hall
- Sunday, February 4, Buchan Reception Room
STEP TWO: Choose your Tamales/Pre-Orders Only
You can purchase by the dozen/$20 or half dozen/$10. There will be chicken, pork and vegan options.
STEP THREE: Pick Up Your Tamales!
- When: Sunday, February 11
- Where: At the IJAG TABLE in Fuller Hall (Just in time for your Super Bowl Party!)
Interested in volunteering to make the Tamales?
Join us for tamale-making! Sign up at the Pre-Orders Table for two kitchen helper days (dates TBA). Folks had a blast making tamales last year, and we hope you'll enjoy it too!
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FRIDAY VESPERS — Find a Space for Stillness
Offered each Friday from 5 - 5:40 p.m. via Zoom
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| End your week in a quiet online space of music, poetry, reflection, meditation, and prayer. If you would like a weekly reminder email, click here.
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SAVE THE DATE! — Steve Phillips: Securing a Multiracial Democracy (Annual Sewell Social Justice Lecture)
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m. || Event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland, Sanctuary (1211 SW Main St.)
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Steve Phillips, author of How We Win the Civil War and NYT Bestseller Brown is the New White, will share his Liberation Battle Plan for building a multiracial progressive majority and ending white supremacy for good. Following his talk, Steve will be joined by a panel of Oregon organizers to explore how liberation is being won in Oregon.
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Learning Community E-News — Join the Snack Squad!
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation & Family Ministries
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In the spirit of this month’s generosity theme, I have a special invitation for any individual or family who might benefit from exploring a new practice of giving. Please consider joining our Exclusive Snack Sharing Ministry. Applying is extremely complex and requires extensive dedication. To be among the lucky few allowed to take advantage of this elite opportunity, you must do one or more of the following things...continue to see the whole e-newsletter.
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INFORMATIONAL SESSION — Exploring Ways to Support Asylum Seekers in Portland
Sunday, February 28, from 2 - 5 p.m.
Location: Room A-108 (In the Buchan Building)
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Have you wondered how you might help asylum seekers or work with neighbors, folks from your workplaces, and folks in this church to sponsor people coming to Portland? Join our informational session to find out!
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13 Salmon Shower Project Opening January 17 and Spotlight on Our Project Intern
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We are thrilled to share that the 13 Salmon Shower Project was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Fund for Unitarian Universalist Social Responsibility! The timing is wonderful as we will open our doors to shower guests on Wednesdays starting January 17.
Much of the grant has allowed us to hire intern Kelly Clendenon as the Shower Project Coordinator. In addition to his work to get the Shower Project off the ground, Kelly just completed his first semester of graduate school at the University of Oregon as a mixed media journalism student. His focus is sharing stories of people living on the fringes of society. He just released Episode 1 of a podcast that tells the story of a local author who has repeatedly attempted to get his homeless friend off the streets and into housing, to no avail.
Here are a few ways you can help:
- Volunteer with the Shower Project. All folks who would like to volunteer, either as an onsite volunteer or in other ways (e.g., doing laundry or collecting supplies), please fill out our volunteer interest form.
- Sign up for onsite training and lunch on January 10: We will hold a required operations training for onsite volunteers on January 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided. RSVP here. Please note that for now, onsite volunteering requires availability during the day on Wednesdays.
- Supplies: We still need some important supplies before opening day. You can order directly from our Amazon Wishlist. If you'd like to bring items to the church, please look at our Holiday Giving at First Unitarian list for specific needs.
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NEW — Transformation Team Announcement
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The Transformation Team is pleased to introduce itself to the congregation. In May 2021, First Unitarian voted to include The 8th Principle in its bylaws. Approximately half of the church’s members voted (460 votes cast) with 93% approval to adopt The 8th Principle. The Transformation Team is the group charged with supporting First Unitarian Portland to live into the commitments of The 8th Principle. Its members are Cynthia Casas, Cindy Cumfer, Mai Fee, Jody Feldman, Julie Grice, Ethel Gullette, Cindy McEnroe, Kalissa Scopes, and Ellen Zacny, and it is staffed by Dana Buhl, Director of Social Justice.
In the spring of 2022, the Transformation Team was formed, and it began meeting in the fall of 2023. It explores how it can be helpful in the process of dismantling racism and other oppressions while moving our congregation ever closer to fully realizing the goal of being a multicultural, welcoming Beloved Community. The team will give periodic updates to the congregation as it continues to define how it can best be a resource to the whole congregation.
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In the Community
Member Joanne Hagensick died on New Year’s Eve after suffering cardiac arrest. Joanne had just returned home after having emergency surgery for an abscess on her throat and then spending time in a rehab facility recovering. Joanne was 70 years old and was a faithful volunteer in our office on Tuesday afternoons. She sang in our music program and also was part of the knitting group here. We hold her sister Nancy as she takes in the suddenness of Joanne’s death. A memorial is planned for Joanne on March 3 at 2 p.m. in the Eliot Chapel.
Member Lucy Garrick asks for prayers for her dear brother and his wife, who have been struggling since a cancer diagnosis over the past two+ years. Appreciation for all positive thoughts and prayers on behalf of healing, courage and strength for both of them.
Member Chris Gates is pleased to announce the birth of Lucy Mae Gates to Chris’s son Matt and daughter-in-law Mandi Gates on December 21, 2023. Lucy joins brother Benjamin and three older siblings, Clara, Cate, and Nate. The family lives in Central Point, Oregon. Chris is very excited to have Lucy join the family. All are doing well.
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Check Out the Beacon Bookstore in Fuller Hall During Social Hour!
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We have many new books, old favorites, and classics from which to choose...not to mention a wonderful assortment of greeting cards.
Your Bookstore is a perfect place to find gifts that will last a lifetime. Our selection of books for children and youth is top-notch! Some even become family heirlooms! Your coffee or tea cup is always welcome.
About 35% of our sales (100% of our proceeds) go to the general church fund.
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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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Important: Beware of Email Scams
Be alert! We've noticed a surge in email scams posing as ministers, asking for purchases. Some even claim to be from Rev. Alison via voicemail. Remember, always check the FULL EMAIL ADDRESS and be cautious. Stay safe online!
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Empowering Change: Alliance Grants Recommendation Requests
From the Alliance
Only Alliance members are eligible to submit nominations.
The deadline for submissions is January 22.
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Keeping with our long-held tradition, the Alliance will again use holiday sales proceeds and individual contributions to make small grants to not-for-profit organizations supporting our mission.
Each year, the Alliance donates thousands to community groups serving women, children, and marginalized communities, and the proceeds from the Holiday Sale all go toward new grants in 2024! Thanks to all of you, we have $12,000 to allocate this year!
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During this time of year, I find myself feeling in the holiday mood. I love the decorations, smells, flavors, and holiday festivities. Often, this is a time to see people I haven’t seen for a while. Connecting with new people and reconnecting with old friends.
As a member of the Board of Trustees, this has been an interesting time. We are engaged with several challenging issues. Bill Sinkford used to say that we are in liminal times. This continues to be true. We no longer have the certainty of the church that was and is yet to define the church that is or what will be...continue reading.
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Sharing Our Hearts' Treasure
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There's still time to pledge! A heartfelt "THANK YOU!" to all who have already pledged for the 2024 calendar. And if you haven’t given yet, you can help us with these efforts by making your pledge before the holidays if at all possible. EVERYONE'S support is deeply appreciated.
Make an online pledge below or pick up a paper form at the Board's table at Fuller Hall during social hour.
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Sandra Rowe's Artist Talk — Beyond Boundaries: The Artistry of Sandra Rowe
Sunday, January 14, from Noon to 1:45 p.m.
Gallery Location: Fuller Hall
Activity: Art Wall hosts artist Sandra Rowe, featured artist for Jan/Feb, to discuss her artwork on display. All are invited!
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Sandra Rowe is a visual artist, writer, consultant, curator, and educator. Born in Richmond, Indiana, Sandra Rowe received a Bachelor of Arts from CSU Fresno in 1977 and a Master of Fine Arts from UC Irvine in 1980. She has exhibited in Japan, Paris, Cuba, and Nigeria, as well as in many museums across the United States. Rowe has also produced various public art installations in Southern California.
Rowe’s art focuses on the experimentation, questioning, and overall integrity of ideas. She goes beyond the usual standards of artmaking and breaks down boundaries to develop and display her ideas, such as those of race, gender, relationships, and human nature.
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Sunday's flowers are offered in loving memory of Joanne Hagensick from her friends in the knitting group.
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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 Gullette, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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A virtual collaboration performance by The Listening Choir (members of several different social justice, professional, and community choirs). It was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's 1967 speech "A Time to Break Silence," written by Cheryl B. Engelhardt.
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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Alliance Presents… Every first Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in Eliot Chapel. More information.
Beloved Community of Color: Every second Thursday evening and second 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.
First Connections: Third Sunday of each month at noon in Daisy Bingham. For questions and to RSVP, email Pat.
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: Meets monthly on the second Thursday from 1 - 3 p.m. Email Lucy for 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.
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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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January Shared Plate
For January, we share our plate with Project Red. It is an initiative from the Alano Club of Portland dedicated to raising awareness around overdose prevention and increasing the availability of overdose prevention supplies and training. Project Red focuses on equipping bars, restaurants, strip clubs, entertainment venues, and community-based organizations with skills and supplies. We are grateful to Project Red for offering two training sessions here at First Unitarian this month.
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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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