Join us for Sunday WorshipSunday, April 24, 2022
| |
Family Service 10 a.m. // In-Person & LivestreamedÂ
Sanctuary Service 11 a.m. // In-Person & Livestreamed
Learning Community Classes // In-Person K-12
| |
A Narrow Path Forward
In-Person & LivestreamÂ
| |
“No one is saved until we are all saved, where ALL means the whole of creation.” – former UUA President Bill Schulz. Questions of power and questions of theology are both involved in our commitment to environmental justice. As we mark the 52nd Earth Day, what have we learned and what path forward are we called to follow?Â
| |
Family Worship
Seed Stories
| |
|
This Sunday we will look at some seeds together to explore what they can teach us. Carter will share some stories about seeds from her life and one from the Christian tradition.
Dustin will lead our music, and Dana will offer a meditation.
| |
Staying Connected Blog
Turn, Turn, Turn
| |
As we look to the end of our church year, I’m very much aware of the endings as well as the beginnings in our community. Rev. Bill Sinkford just preached his last Easter sermon here. He’ll be in the pulpit just two more times before he retires in June. We’ve been talking about his retirement for quite a while now and still it seems to suddenly be all too near.
Rev. Alison Miller arrives in a couple weeks for her Candidating Week to be the new Senior Minister. She will preach, meet and greet, and begin her ministry in this congregation. This getting-to-know-each-other time between ministers and congregations is precious time. It is a time to imagine the future and what this church might be going forward. At its best, this is a fertile, creative, hopeful process...continued.
| |
|
DEADLINE: SATURDAY! - Honoring Rev. Bill As He Retires
| |
Submit your contributions by this Saturday, April 23.
| |
As we welcomed Rev. Bill to First Unitarian twelve years ago with our hopes for his time with us, we now want to wish him well as he leaves to begin the next chapter in his life.Â
We’re putting together a book of memories, photos, stories and well wishes. Please take a bit of time and join us to create a lasting gift of love for Rev. Bill and Maria by sharing your words, memories, photos.
Please submit your contributions by Saturday,April 23 so the book is printed in time for the Farewell Reception honoring Rev. Bill on June 19.
| |
IN-PERSON! - Social Hour Has Resumed
| |
We've taken another exciting step in our return from Covid times:Â Social hour has resumed in Fuller Hall after the Sanctuary service on Sundays. Here's what you need to know:
- Masks and proof of vaccination are still required to attend.
- The bookstore will be open.
- There will be some tabling.
- Beverages (but no food) will be available. Masks are required except when actively sipping on your beverage.
 We hope to see you there!
P.S. And you Virtual Social Hour attendees...never fear! Our Virtual Social Hour continues as usual at 12:15 p.m.
Come and make new friends or reconnect with old ones. Whether you are a long-time member or new to First Unitarian, our Virtual Sunday Social Hour is for everyone. If you’d like, bring some lunch and join us at 12:15 p.m. for informal conversation and fellowship. An ongoing commitment is not required.
| |
EJAG Collecting Signatures to Appear on the November 2022 Ballot
Sunday, April 24 During Social Hour After Church
| |
We have two initiatives dealing with ending gun violence in Oregon. These are from the efforts of Lift Every Voice Oregon.
- One of these will ban the future sale and manufacture of assault weapons in Oregon.
- The other will ban ammunition magazines over 20 rounds and require a permit to purchase a firearm.
- create a fund to distribute rebates of approximately $750 annually to each person in Oregon.
- The funds would come from an increase in the OR corporate activities tax on corporations with revenue generated in Oregon over $25 M and the tax would apply only to the revenue over $25 M.
- All your favorite Mom & Pop businesses on Main Street Oregon would be exempt from the tax increase.
| |
Necessity: Climate Resistance & the Thin Green Line
THIS SUNDAY! - April 24
Movie at 1 p.m. // Panelist Discussion at 2 p.m.
NOW IN PERSON! - Eliot Chapel, First Unitarian Portland
| |
Grounded in people and places at the heart of the climate crisis, Necessity traces the fight against corporations transporting highly toxic flammable fossil fuels across the Pacific Northwest.
This new documentary follows activists and Indigenous leaders as they enlist the necessity defense after being prosecuted for a non-violent demonstration at the Zenith Energy facility in Portland.
| |
| 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! - DRUUMM Public Worship: You Can Count on Thiswith Guest Preacher Rev. Tyler Coles &Â Musical Artist
Dr. Zanaida Robles!
Wednesday, May 4 at 5:30 p.m.
Sponsored by First Unitarian Portland
| |
We particularly encourage our DRUUMM members in multiracial families and White antiracist allies to join. We are at a sensitive moment after two difficult years of pandemic and loss in our communities. Your witness and solidarity are greatly needed to help us thrive into the future. Our goal is to connect more deeply with our wider Unitarian Universalist community to share DRUUMM’s mission, highlight some of our key activities, and raise funds in support of expanding our chaplain and pastoral care work with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in Unitarian Universalism.
| |
| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
| |
REGISTRATION OPEN! - Antiracism Learning Circles
| |
The Antiracism Learning Circles are small discussion cohorts that go through a book or podcast. This sessions' titles:
| |
Men's Retreat Summer 2022
Friday, June 10, through Sunday, June 12
Join us for the annual retreat of the First Unitarian Men's Community. It will be a weekend of fellowship, spiritual growth, and community. You do not need to be a member of the group to participate. All Men and Non-Binary individuals are welcome. Â
| |
|
Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
| |
REMINDER! -Â Vesper Prayer Service
Fridays 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.
| |
REMINDER! -Â Loving Kindness Mediation
Mondays 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.
| |
SOLIDARITY ACTION! - Earth Day/Passover Action in Solidarity with Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action
Friday, April 22 from 12 - 1 p.m.
Location: Chase Bank at 811 SW 6th Ave, Portland
| |
Join members of First Unitarian and assemble in front of Chase Bank to deliver a letter demanding that they commit to ending their investments in fossil fuels–coal, oil and gas–and instead move their money toward clean energy.Â
Jews and allies are invited to join!
| |
REFLECTION - Peace Action Group Offers a Poem
| |
The members of the Peace Action Group invite you to reflect on this timely and tender poem by the Irish poet John O'Donohue. Perhaps you could include the poem in your meditation practice.
| |
For Peace
As the fever of day calms towards twilight
May all that is strained in us come to ease.
We pray for all who suffered violence today,
May an unexpected serenity surprise them.
For those who risk their lives each day for peace,
May their hearts glimpse providence at the heart of history.
That those who make riches from violence and war
Might hear in their dreams the cries of the lost....continue.
| |
Banksy Has Come to Portland!
| |
BANKSY is among the most creative of social critics. He uses his art to comment on war, peace, refugees, inequality, and human rights.
BANKSYLAND is an international touring exhibition that immerses audiences in the works of the world’s most infamous and elusive artist.
| |
NEW EVERY WEEK! - 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
| |
We Rise Again, sung by Choir of Women Physicians
| |
In the Community
We hold Signe Lusk, our staff pianist. Her mother, Signe Virginia Lusk, died on April 8 at the age of 97. She had been in declining health for some time. She leaves Signe and her brothers Morgan and Regan.Â
A reminder that a memorial service will be held for Don Prather on May 1 in the Eliot Chapel at 2 p.m. Don died on February 6, 2020, and his memorial was originally scheduled for that spring. In honor of Don’s love of colors, his wife Holly would love it if people could bring a flower to the service to be made into a bouquet in honor of Don.
| |
General Assembly Delegates Sought
The UUA General Assembly is in Portland, June 22-26
| |
The church is seeking 19 delegates to represent First Unitarian Portland at this year's General Assembly. Participation is possible both in-person and virtually.
This is a great opportunity to become engaged in the larger work of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. And, it is not all work; there will be the Ware Lecture, on-line worship, speakers, and workshops. As GA draws nearer much more information will become available here.
Interested? Contact Stan or Bill for an application.
| |
VOLUNTEER LEAD NEEDED! - The GA Ambiance TeamÂ
General Assembly: June 22-26
| |
Would YOU like to be the ambiance team leader? Or can you suggest someone who might?Â
The local ambiance team for General Assembly in Portland is looking for a leader. First Unitarian has a robust team of members eager to help with making the Oregon Convention Center welcoming to the attendees.
| |
Home Hospitality for General Assembly
Offer up a room for UU visitors for GA
| |
First Unitarian Portland will offer home hospitality for the UUA General Assembly taking place at the Oregon Convention Center on June 22-26.
If you are able to offer a room or two to UU guests, please let us know. Visitors will contribute $100 per room per night to the church. You may offer a simple breakfast, but that is optional.
| |
Do you have a reason to celebrate? Say it with flowers!
| |
Do you have a birth in the family, a graduation, an anniversary, a memorial, or other reason to celebrate? 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.
| |
Having trouble viewing our services through the website?
Find our Livestreams on Boxcast, Youtube or on Facebook.
| |
We are all so excited to meet our candidate for Senior Minister, Rev. Alison Miller. She will be joining us for Candidating Week May 15-22. More details about her visit will be forthcoming from the Ministerial Search Committee (MSC).
Ballots for voting to call Rev. Alison will be mailed to all voting members shortly. The important thing to remember is that if you return your ballot by mail, it must be in the church office by Thursday, May 19. You can also return it in person on Sunday, May 22. Ballots will be counted on May 22 and the results will be announced that day...continued.
| |
We are planning for a transition time and learning how to do it well. Candidating Week will happen May 15th-May 22, and will culminate in a vote to call our next senior minister for First Unitarian Portland that will be counted on May 22nd.
If you missed the April 10, 2022 Zoom forum held by the Board and MSC, or you want to watch it, please click here. The slides presented during the Zoom forum may be viewed here.
Key Learnings:
- Be kind to yourself and others as we say goodbye to Rev. Bill Sinkford and welcome a new senior minister.
- Hear Rev. Alison Miller preach in person and online May 15 and 22. There will be times to meet Rev. Miller in person and virtually during that week; dates and times TBA.
| |
In this transition year, your input is especially valuable because it will give the new Senior Minister a picture of First Unitarian as they begin their new ministry here.
Thank you so much for taking a moment to share your thoughts about the ministry of First Unitarian Portland.
| |
A Reminder from the Nominating Committee
| |
Any voting member who wishes to self-nominate as a candidate for a Board or Nominating Committee position may do so by petition. Forms are available here.
Petitions are due back to the committee chairs or church office by April 29.
| |
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 LivestreamÂ
& Social Schedule
In-Person Social Hour – in Fuller Hall after the service
| |
April Shared Plate For the month of April, we share our plate with the Braided River Campaign, a community-based organization dedicated to environmental justice for communities in the North Portland Harbor, from the Broadway Bridge to Sauvie Island. Braided River refers to the natural course of an unchanneled river, a meandering, rich ecosystem for fish and river life. It also refers to the braided interests in that watershed: clean river, fishing, river transport, jobs and industry, livable space with clean air and water.
The activists, artists and organizers continue to champion a community-driven vision of an economic paradigm that centers environmental justice.
| |
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.
| |
|
