UU children might just be better at embodying our values than grown folks.
UU children might just be better at embodying our values than grown folks.
Thursday, August 5, 2021

Join Us for Worship this Sunday

Sunday, August 8, 2021 // 10:15 a.m.

Live Stream Sunday's Service Here

The Kids Are Alright
First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor

Unitarian Universalist children might just be better at embodying our values than grown folks. Join two UU parents in a discussion of how we’ve learned some of this practice from our children.
This service is part of a collaboration between the Portland and Ann Arbor congregations. Last Sunday Portland offered worship for both and this coming Sunday Ann Arbor will do the same. 
No Order of Service. Ann Arbor, Michigan will offer worship.

Deer on the road.

Staying Connected Blog

New Neighbors // Rev. Bill Sinkford

A few evenings ago, stepping out my front door, I was surprised to find two deer at the top of my driveway. Both were young males with new antlers budding on their heads. They were “playing” with each other, butting each other, head-to-head, as if testing strength and testing what these new growths could do. 
They looked toward me across the 40 or 50 feet that separated us and decided that my presence was not reason to stop their play. Their testing of one another reminded me so much of the wrestling that my cousin and I thought of as play when we were boys. All a part of testing out what our bodies could and could not do.  
Were these two siblings, or cousins, making their way and searching for their place in the world together...continued.

Featured News & Events

Timestamps are Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) unless stated otherwise. 
Check out our Events Calendar for First U gatherings.

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ADDED DATE! - Air Conditioner & Fan: Drive & Drop-Off
Saturday, August 14 // 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Location: 301 NE Knott, Portland, OR

The Emanuel Displaced Persons Association (EDPA2) will be collecting new fans, air-conditioners and air coolers again. They will be delivered to vulnerable Portland residents.
Reports say, that some died in their homes because they did not have air conditioners and/or fans. This does not need to happen again! 
Can't be there to drop-off? Consider donating!
For questions contact EDPA2. // Facebook Event

Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes

BIPOC Models of Ministry: Forum with Rev. Jen Simon

Tuesday, August 17, at 5 p.m.
First Unitarian's Beloved Community of Color invites people of color to join the Rev. Jen Simon, Racial Justice Minister, for a DRUUMM members forum and discussion on BIPOC Models of Ministry--specifically the Mountain Top, a BIPOC ministry co-created out of a collective of Colorado congregations.
Become a member to attend. // Questions about the event? Want to join and get plugged-in to First Unitarian's BCC? Contact Lia.
More Info

Welcome to First Unitarian with Rev. Thomas Disrud
Sunday, August 29, 11:30 a.m.

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.
Register for the Zoom Gathering!

Program Resources

Adult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts

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. An ongoing commitment is not required.
Receive a Zoom link

In the Community

Jeff Stier, husband of member Jennifer Johnston, died on July 19 at the age of 68, not long after entering hospice care. Jennifer joined our church just last year and she and Jeff had just recently relocated to Birkenfeld, Oregon, so she has had a lot of change in recent months. We offer her our condolences.
Member Sarah Vandehey is mourning the death of her cousin, Eric Wieber. Eric was struck by a car in a hit and run accident while bicycling near the Aurora airport. She appreciates prayers and warm thoughts for her family.

Other News

Do you have a reason to celebrate? Say it with flowers!
Beginning September 12 

Fresh flowers will again grace the Chancel for Sunday services.
Do you have something to celebrate from this last 18 months? If you had a birth in the family, a graduation, a birthday, an anniversary, or a memorial, or other reasons to pause and reflect, you can acknowledge it to the entire congregation by sponsoring a floral bouquet. Sponsoring those flowers is a way to support the church and acknowledge life events.
As we reconnect with friends, say it with flowers on the Chancel. 
Contact Marsha for specifics.

Naming First Unitarian Foundation in Your Will or Estate Plan

Help assure the long-term sustainability of this beloved congregation by including First Unitarian Portland in your will or estate plan.
Please fill out our Intent Form, or for more information, visit our website.

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 Stream 
& Social Schedule

Join us LIVE from your computer or smart device by clicking on the links below. 
Family Worship returns in the Fall.
10:15 a.m.  –
Worship Service
11:30 a.m. – Virtual Social Hour
5 p.m. Fridays – Prayer Vesper

DONATE

August 15 Shared Plate

The Association for Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries supports music and worship arts professionals, leaders, and those they serve through advocacy, education, and inspiration. Since 1985, we have been connecting Unitarian Universalist music leaders throughout the United States and Canada to the resources they need and to colleagues who bring new insights to their work. 
Through enthusiastic online discussions and a robust annual conference, AUUMM provides resources for musicians who wish to create transformative worship.  (See it here.)
Sharing Our Bounty
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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.
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Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
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