Join us for Sunday WorshipSunday, May 1, 2022
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Family Service 10 a.m. // In-Person & Livestreamed
Sanctuary Service 11 a.m. // In-Person & Livestreamed
Learning Community Classes // In-Person K-12
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Thresholds
In-Person & Livestream
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One of the few things we can count on is change. But we seem inclined all too often to resist change. What does it mean to cross a threshold? What are the tools we need to help us find our way?
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Family Worship
Wonderbox: The End or the Beginning?
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On this first Sunday in May, we will bring out the wonder box to see what’s inside that may help acquaint us with our new spiritual theme this month, threshold.
We’ll explore this theme in the context of endings and beginnings as we near the close of our church year. Cassandra will offer a story, Rev. Tom will share a meditation, and Dustin will lead our music.
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Staying Connected Blog
You Can Never Lose a Thing, if it Belongs to You – Abbey Lincoln
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This is a liminal time at First Unitarian. The candidate for the minister who will follow me has been announced, but Alison is not here yet. At the same time, the finish line for my ministry grows closer so quickly but is still weeks away. It is a liminal time in the world as well as we stumble out of Covid-time into whatever the new normal will become...continued.
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Meet the Candidates
THIS SUNDAY! - May 1
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Our Board of Trustees and Nominating Committee candidates will be introduced during Sunday's worship service, and there will be a special "Meet the Candidates" on Zoom at 1:30 p.m. Tune in to learn more about our candidates, and ask your questions. The names, photos, and biographies will also appear on your up-coming congregational ballot.
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YOU'RE INVITED! - Social Justice Community Gather-In
Sunday, May 1, Zoom at 1:30 p.m.
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This monthly gathering is for ALL community members concerned and/or engaged with issues of justice, whether or not you are part of a church action group.
Please join us for readings, music, reflection and conversation as together we embrace our church's ministerial transition and continue to live into beloved community.
From the Social Justice Leadership Team: Rev. Abigail Clauhs, Caitlynn Hill, Carter Smith, Dana Buhl, Leslie Pohl-Kosbau & Nikki Beezley
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ALLIANCE PROGRAM! - Rev. Bill Sinkford Reflects on His Portland Years
Wednesday, May 4, at 10:30 a.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel (enter on 12th) & Zoom
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Rev. Bill Sinkford will share stories from his time in Portland and what he is looking forward to in this next chapter of his life.
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NEW! - The Art Wall is Back!
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Come down to Fuller Hall to enjoy Judy Buffo’s fused glass exhibit in May. She balances art and technology, drawing inspiration from everything from cathedral tiles to Navajo weavings. You’ve never seen geometry and algebra look so good!
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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DRUUMM Public Worship: You Can Count on Thiswith Guest Preacher Rev. Tyler Coles & Musical Artist
Dr. Zanaida Robles!
Wednesday, May 4, at 5:30 p.m.
Sponsored by First Unitarian Portland
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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.
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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REMINDER! - Vesper Prayer Service
Fridays at 5 p.m.
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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.
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REMINDER! - Loving Kindness Mediation
Mondays at 8 p.m.
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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.
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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.
Curated by Ethel Gullette, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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Resonance Ensemble, Sydney Guillaume, Réfugié, mon frère
In a piece so appropriate for our times, the Haitian composer Sydney Guillaume beautifully addresses the refugee as his brother, and reassures him that there is a place where he belongs in this world.
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In the Community
A reminder that a memorial service will be held for Don Prather Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. in the Eliot Chapel (livestream it here). 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 would bring a flower to be part of an arrangement in honor of Don.
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General Assembly Delegates Sought
The UUA General Assembly is in Portland, June 22-26
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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.
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VOLUNTEER LEAD NEEDED! - The GA Ambiance Team
General Assembly: June 22-26
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Would YOU like to be the ambiance team leader? Or can you suggest someone who might?
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.
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Home Hospitality for General Assembly
Offer up a room for UU visitors for GA
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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.
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Do you have a reason to celebrate? Say it with flowers!
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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.
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Having trouble viewing our services through the website?
Find our Livestreams on Boxcast, Youtube or on Facebook.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A Reminder from the Nominating Committee
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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 tomorrow, April 29.
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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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| Sunday Livestream
& Social Schedule
In-Person Social Hour – in Fuller Hall after the service
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May Shared Plate
East County Rising Community Projects develops and harnesses the community’s power through civic engagement, organizing, and leadership training to create an equitable and livable community centered on the needs of the most underrepresented and marginalized residents. It has been the hub for successful coalition work to preserve and expand the tree canopy and green spaces for climate resilience and human health. Their work to build grassroots leadership utilizes an intersectional framework of race, gender, disability, sexuality, immigration status, age, and class, to advance policies that are good for the wellbeing of all community members.
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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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