Join us for Worship
Live Stream Only //Â Sunday, January 30, 2022
Family Service 10 a.m. // Sanctuary Service 11 a.m.
| |
|
Following the Spirit Toward Beloved Community
Live Stream Only
| |
Rev. Bill and Rev. Janamanchi will reflect on the experience of trying to lead toward Beloved Community, of equipping those we serve to make that journey and preparing ourselves to survive it.
| |
Family WorshipÂ
A Breath of Peace
| |
How do young piggies find a peaceful place in a busy world? They meditate! They slow down and settle down. And just breathe. In and out. It helps them deal with whatever comes their way, and have time to notice all the beautiful things in life.
Guest minister Rev. Abhi Janamanchi will share a story about meditating pigs and offer a guided meditation. Dustin will lead our music, and Cassandra will assist.
| |
Staying Connected Blog
Is It Endemic Yet?
| |
I am finding my own relationship with Covid shifting. Perhaps you are, too.
The first year or so felt like a time to hunker down and wait for Covid to pass. Fear was what I felt most…and a kind of suspension of time.
Then as vaccines became available, my routine and my feelings changed. Checking vaccine status became standard operating procedure. Mask wearing in public spaces the norm. It seemed like we were moving toward the end of the pandemic. We were weary…but relief was what I felt....continue.
| |
| 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.
| |
|
NEW! - Voting Member… What’s That?
| |
Every spring, Voting Members are asked to cast ballots for the proposed coming year’s church budget; candidates for our Board of Trustees, Nominating Committee and Foundation; and any other special items that must come before the congregation. And this year, there is something very special indeed that will come before the congregation: voting to call a new Senior Minister!
| |
To be eligible to vote, our Church’s Bylaws and Governing Policies require the following conditions, which must be met by Monday, April 4:
- You must first become a member by signing our membership book (or, in these virtual times, “signed on” by being in contact with Rev. Thomas Disrud).Â
- A member must make and at least partially fulfill a pledge that is generous within their means to the annual operating fund of the church each year…Â
- Members must have made a pledge and a payment on their pledge within the preceding 12 months to be a considered a voting member of the church. Â
- Members who are ready to make the commitment to the church to be voting members but who are unable to make a financial pledge can obtain a waiver of the pledge from a minister.Â
| |
|
NEW! -Â Update from the Ministerial Search Committee
| |
The Unitarian Universalist Association Transition Office released the names of ministers interested in our congregation to the MSC.Â
We are moving forward and conducting interviews with 9 of these applicants, and feel optimistic about our options. This is the part of the search where we can't share much about our process, as we enter deep discernment on which candidates to pursue further.Â
After interviews, we will be narrowing the field to 3 or 4 ministers, holding intensive pre-candidating weekends, before bringing our final candidate to the congregation in May.Â
We are grateful for the advice in 2021 from the congregation and staff. Thank you for contributing to this process, and for entrusting us with this work.
| |
Welcome to First Unitarian with Rev. Thomas DisrudREMINDER! - Are you new to First Unitarian Portland?
Sunday, February 6, 12:45 p.m.Â
| |
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.
| |
| DON'T FORGET! - Antiracism Learning Circles
Winter 2022 registration links are now open!
| |
The Antiracism Learning Circles are small discussion cohorts that go through a book or podcast. These Circles were formed in the Fall of 2020 as an educational response to the unrest due to the murder of George Floyd.
| |
| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
| |
NEW! - Lay Ministers at First Unitarian Portland
Who They Are, What They Do, How They WorkÂ
Wednesday, February 2, 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 Â p.m.Â
| |
Join us to find out how you reach this important resource offering one-to-one pastoral care, vespers, on-call service, and outreach.
| |
TAKE ACTION! - Reproductive Justice Gather-In
Are you moved to answer the call to congregational organizing for reproductive justice?
Wednesday, February 9, 6 p.m.Â
| |
We will share spiritual grounding, get to know one another and share ideas and opportunities for how we can take collective action.
We plan to support the efforts that emerge from this conversation.
If you can’t attend, but want to get involved or have other questions, contact Carter.
| |
NEW! - EDPA2 &Â FutureLab are at it Again, &Â This Time We Want to Hear From YOU Monday, February 14, 6 p.m.Â
| |
What stands out to you? What questions do you have? What do you want to discuss further? Better yet, What did you learn?
| |
|
Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
| |
Vesper Prayer ServiceFriday's at 5 p.m.
| |
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.Â
An ongoing commitment is not required.
| |
Loving Kindness MeditationMonday's at 8 p.m.
| |
Join us for a moment each week to extend Loving Kindness to yourself, to those around you and to the world. Surround yourself in the blessings from those who have loved you and those who love you now. With this Meditation, over time, one can cultivate feelings of happiness and dispel loneliness, while letting go of fear and anxiety. No previous meditation experience necessary. An ongoing commitment is not required.
| |
YOU'RE INVITED! - Get Involved with Africa Connections
Tuesday, February 8, 10 a.m.
| |
Africa Connections, is the only First Unitarian Social Justice Action Group working in Africa. We have several new ways to get involved and are looking for people who would like to learn more about what we do.
| |
TAKE ACTION! - Gun Violence Increases Each Day. What Can We Do to Reverse This Trend?
| |
Lift Every Voice Oregon is an effort headed by people of faith to enact two ballot measures in November 2022 to end gun violence.
Sign those initiative NOW in the comfort of your home.
- IP 17 Bans the future sale of ammunition magazines over 10 rounds, requires a permit to purchase a firearm, and a fully completed background check.
- IP 18 Prohibits the future manufacture, import, purchase, transfer, possession, and use of semiautomatic assault firearms. Â Â
| |
NEW! - 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.Â
Curated by Ethel Gullette, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
| |
what if this body, By Adrienne Maree Brown
In honor of the sanctity and resilience of women's bodies.
| |
Celebrate 30 Days of Love, 2022!
| |
30 Days of Love is an annual UU tradition hosted by Side with Love, running approximately from Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to Valentine's Day. It is an opportunity to collectively nurture our spirits, deepen our understanding, and take action on our values for collective liberation.
This year, 30 Days of Love is focusing on a different intersectional justice priority each week: Reproductive, Gender & LGBTQIA+ Justice; Democracy & Voting Rights; Decriminalization & Racial Justice; Climate Justice. Each week, Side With Love will share opportunities for communities and people of all ages to ground, grow, and act together for justice
In an effort to uplift the work of Side with Love and UU The Vote, we are posting regular action opportunities here in E-News. If you have any questions or plan to attend these events, please touch base with Carter.Â
| |
January Moderator Letter
From Mindy Clark, Moderator
| |
It was wonderful to gather in person for Christmas Eve candlelight service. We greeted old friends and welcomed those new to First Unitarian. And so it was with disappointment that the difficult decision was made to return to virtual services. At the Public Health Team's recommendation, and the Board’s support, the Executive Team decided to keep us as safe as possible as we weather the omicron variant.Â
The extreme transmissibility of omicron has also led to the postponement of our annual auction for the time being. As soon as it safe, the Auction Committee will regather and begin thinking about what’s next...continue.
| |
GA Portland Needs a Leader for Ambiance & Atmosphere
| |
The overall goal is to decorate the spaces used by GA. Duties include the display of banners, set-up of conversation spaces, and designated common areas in the exhibit hall. Also help with stage decoration, and oversee decor setup for event space, meditation areas and staff and volunteer break rooms.
| |
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.
| |
Having trouble viewing our services through the website?
Find our Live Streams on Boxcast, Youtube or on Facebook.
| |
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.
| |
|
| Sunday Live StreamÂ
& Social Schedule
| |
January Shared Plate In January, we share our plate with the The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. RCRC is a broad-based, national, interfaith movement that brings the moral force of religion to protect and advance reproductive health, choice, rights and justice through education, prophetic witness, pastoral presence and advocacy...continued.
| |
Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and  stay engaged!
| |
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.
| |
Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
| |
|
