Join us for Sunday WorshipSunday, December 11, 2022
~ This Sunday's Worship service will be held in Eliot Chapel at 10:30 a.m. ~
Learning Community Classes 10:30 a.m.
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Childcare is available during our worship service for children two and under (located in the nursery).Â
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Music and Worship: This Love Between Us
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Reena Esmail’s work, This Love Between Us, combines scriptural texts (many in their original languages) from India's seven major religions, all of which call on us to center love in our living and understanding of each other. Our choir and orchestra will perform the work in its entirety, and we invite you to join us as we reflect on this great set of ancient wisdom.
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This Sunday Worship Location Changed to Eliot Chapel
Please note! This Sunday, December 11, our usual Sunday worship will be held in Eliot Chapel due to a malfunctioning elevator in our Sanctuary Building. We appreciate your patience and assistance in this last-minute change. Thank you!
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Staying Connected BlogThe Magnificent Magnificat and the Advent Revolution
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Dearest friends,
Like many of you likely do, I have some complex and conflicting feelings about the Christmas season. These feelings have been around since my journey as a spiritual seeker began in my teenage years. At times, I’m not afraid to admit that I’ve been grinchy enough to turn even the most cheerful celebrant’s eggnog sour with a well-placed sneer and snarky rant about the senseless commercialism of it all...continued.
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Holiday Services at First Unitarian
Sunday, December 18
10:30 a.m. –  “Multigenerational Worship: Love Shines Through"
Wednesday, December 21, Solstice
7 p.m. – “Winter Solstice Celebration: Honoring the Dark"
Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve
4 p.m. – “Family Candlelight Service and Christmas Pageant”
8 p.m. – “Candlelight Service: Gifts that Matter"
Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day
10:30 a.m. – “Lessons and Carols for Christmas Morning"
Sunday, January 1, New Year's Day
10:30 a.m. – “Welcoming in the New Year”
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Happening This Sunday
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.
Covid Reminder: As we head into winter and into the cold and flu season, please remember: If you are sick we hope you will attend church online. It’s a gift that we have that option, and it’s a gift to your fellow congregants when you attend virtually when you are not feeling well. And finally a reminder that if you haven’t gotten your COVID boosters we hope that you will!
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VIDEO & DISCUSSION - The Urgency of Intersectionality
Sunday, December 11
We are offering TWO facilitated options:Â
- In Person: Sunday, December 11, 12:30 p.m. in A108, with light snacks starting at 12:15 p.m.
- Via Zoom: Sunday, December 11, at 1:30 p.m. Go to the RSVP link below for the link.
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As adopters of the 8th Principle, it is essential that we understand “intersectionality.”
Join ARJAG to watch and discuss KimberlĂ©Â Crenshaw’s (15 min) Ted Talk and the implications for our church. In this moving talk, Prof. Crenshaw explains intersectionality, and she then calls on us to bear witness to its reality and speak up for victims of oppression.Â
***Note that there is some depiction of violence, so the video is not appropriate for children.Â
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Upcoming Events, Workshops & ClassesÂ
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Matins for Advent Â
You are invited to these special virtual services to help you prepare for the holiday season with a spiritual focus.
Zoom gathering: Monday mornings, December 12, 19, from 8 – 8:30 a.m.
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| Offered by members of the Spiritual Directors Guild, the services provide a 30-minute space with music, poetry, meditation, and prayer for the Advent season. Join us in private contemplation without conversation or expectation.
Ongoing participation is not required.
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Your Giving Guide This Holiday SeasonThis holiday season, we invite you to give back! First Unitarian Portland takes great pride in giving back to the community. Each year our congregation comes together with a spirit of generosity and service to give back in various ways. Whether it's volunteering, donating, or fundraising, we want to help you find a way to make a difference.Â
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Alliance Treasures and Bake Sale
Sunday, December 11, After Church in Buchan Reception
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| Join us for a unique shopping experience! We will have gifts and baked goods to enjoy while knowing that you are supporting marginalized women and children with your purchases. A true sweet spot!
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DONATE! - Give to the Mitten Tree!
Collecting Items through December 11
Mitten Tree is located in the Buchan Atrium
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| The Learning Community is collecting donations as part of our annual holiday season community giving projects.
Please bring winter accessories for adults and children, including new, gently used, or handmade hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, and new socks, all sizes, that will go to Home Free Domestic Violence Services.
Drop off items next to our “mitten tree” in the Buchan Atrium. You may hang donations on the tree or place more oversized items in the adjacent box.
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DONATE! - Let's Keep Them Warm! Support the WFWA Holiday Gift Drive
Collecting: Sunday, December 11
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| Immigrant Justice Action Group invites you to support farmworkers this holiday!Â
About Western Farm Workers Association (WFWA)
WFWA is an all-volunteer, independent, unincorporated membership organizing drive of low-income farm and seasonal workers. Members can access our free-of-charge self-help benefit program – built by members for members – which offers emergency food, clothing, preventive medical care, legal advice, and more. This benefit program is supported entirely by WFWA allies throughout the community. WFWA accepts no government money or other money with strings attached.
The following items (new only) are needed:
- Pajamas: children's sizes 2T - 12
- Hoodies: adult sizes S, M, L, XL
- Gloves: adult sizes S, M, L
Drop off gifts at the IJAG table after the service.
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DONATE! -Â Last Week to Take Action: Path Home Holiday Gift Drive
Drop-off: Sunday, December 11
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| COHHO invites you to participate in our Holiday Gift Drive for Path Home (formerly Portland Homeless Family Solutions - PHFS) families. The link below has the list of items you can purchase and details about dropping them off.
COHHO thanks you for your generosity and help in making this particular time of the year very special for Path Home families!
Drop off gifts at the COHHO table after the service.
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| Thank you to all of you who have made your pledge or gift. If you haven’t done so yet, there is still time.Â
Following our celebration last Sunday, Rev. Alison and the Board collaborated on an informational meeting about the draft of proposed changes to Article II of the UUA bylaws. This is the section that lists our purposes, principles, and sources. Congregations across the country are reviewing the new language, and we encourage everyone to....continue.Â
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Friday Vesper Prayer ServicesÂ
Every Friday at 5 p.m.
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Gather for a quiet time of prayer, reflection, meditation, and music.
An ongoing commitment is not required.
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Loving Kindness Meditation
Mondays at 8 p.m.Â
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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. No previous meditation practice necessary.Â
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In the Community
Longtime member Arnie Pickar died on November 29 after taking ill just a few days before. Arnie was 95 years old and first came to the church in the 1960s after discovering Unitarianism at All Souls Church in Washington DC during the ministry of A. Powell Davies in the 1950s. Arnie was a wise and principled person who strived to live out the principles of our faith all through his life. He served this church in many roles, including as a board member, denominational affairs committee, and the archives committee. In his career, he was a physics professor at Portland State for many years. Arnie leaves Ann, his wife of over 50 years, and his children Jennifer and David. A memorial is planned for Arnie on January 14 at 2 p.m. We hold his family at this time.
Member Brenda Bell was hospitalized over the weekend and is undergoing tests. We hold her in our prayers.
Carter Smith, our intern minister last year, saw the Ministerial Fellowship Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Association on December 3 and was granted fellowship as a UU minister. All she needs to do is complete her chaplain training in two weeks, and it will be official. Congratulations Carter!
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Are You Going Through a Tough Time?
Would it help to talk with someone?
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| Our church’s Lay Ministry team provides caring listening for individuals experiencing grief, illness, isolation, depression, loss of a job or relationship, or other life challenges. Meetings may be one time or over time, depending on the need—and are always confidential.
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Karen Miller blended her lifetime passions of science and fiber art to create her "Octopus Garden." Japanese culture and techniques also inform her work as she brings out the patterns nature creates.
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Do you have a birth in the family, a graduation, an anniversary, a memorial, or other events 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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"WITNESS Stomp & Sing: Freedom Land II. I'm On My Way III. Oh Freedom, Come by Here" by Melanie DeMore, with the Patrick Henry High School Concert Choir
Melanie DeMore (she/he/them) is a Vocal Activist whose thirty-year career has been dedicated to teaching, lecturing, mentoring, conducting, directing, and inspiring children and adults about the power of song as social and political change.
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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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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
Schedule
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December Shared Plate
For December, First Unitarian shares our offering with Next Up. Dedicated to amplifying youth voices from marginalized communities, Next Up develops and strengthens youth-led movements across Oregon. Their advocacy efforts have helped to expand voting rights, including voter pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds, while their leadership programs create opportunities for young people to build practical organizing skills.
Nationally, November’s midterm elections saw the second-highest voter turnout in the last 30 years among young people. We're grateful for this opportunity to support young leaders in Oregon who are working toward an inclusive and equitable democracy.
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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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