NO SANCTUARY SERVICE
Join us for General Assembly Sunday WorshipSunday, June 26, 2022 Â // Â 9:30 a.m. PT
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There will be no service at First Unitarian this Sunday, June 26, so that everyone can join in the General Assembly worship service in person (must register at least 24 hours in advance) or virtually at 9:30am Pacific Time.
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The Deal On Those Days
From Rev. Gretchen Haley
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The last few years have not been easy, including in our local congregations. Whole swaths of members have simply stopped coming; COVID is confusing, and polarizing; many ministers have joined the great resignation; and Pew studies and friends alike have pronounced the end of the local church. In this moment, when so many of us might be wondering if we should just give up, and relent, now’s the time instead to double down on our commitment to the local church–this unique community that saves us and also breaks our hearts–often much more of the latter than we’d like to admit. In the midst of our culture of death, the church is a place of life. Or it is, as long as we are willing to bring our own lives to it. Join us for a morning of celebration, witness, and future-visioning for the already and not yet power of the local Unitarian Universalist church.
Rev. Gretchen Haley is relentlessly curious about most things, especially the big stuff of theology, the magic of collaboration, and the great joy of pop culture. She has an audacious ambition for the liberal church, believing in its capacity to transform lives and our world by way of hyper-local relationships and partnerships that inspire the unleashing of courageous love. She finds solace in the trails in and around Fort Collins, Colorado, where she serves as one of the ministers of the Foothills Unitarian Church.
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NEW! - Summer Service Schedule
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Summer has arrived! And that means we're moving to our summer Sunday service schedule. Beginning next Sunday, July 3, we'll have one service at 10 a.m.
Please join us!
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Happening this SundayTimestamps are Pacific Time (PT) unless stated otherwise. Check out our Events Calendar for First U PDX gatherings.
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.
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UPDATED! - General Assembly: Public Events
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The Unitarian Universalist annual General Assembly (G.A.) provides UU’s and friends of our faith the opportunity to build connections, worship together, and engage in innovative learning and collaboration.
There are two remaining public events that are open to everyone virtually and in person. BUT PLEASE NOTE! If you plan to attend in person, a 24-hour-in-advance no-fee registration which includes proof of Covid vaccination is required.
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THIS SUNDAY! - Caregivers Support Group
Sunday, June 26, 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
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If you are caring for a partner or other family member with an ongoing health condition, you may benefit from the support of others in the same situation. A monthly Caregivers Support Group meets virtually every 4th Sunday from 9:30 a.m to 10:45 a.m. Facilitated by lay ministers, the format is confidential and informal: a check-in and time to share needs and concerns, discuss resources and give one another caring support.
Open to Newcomers! An ongoing commitment is not required.Â
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THIS SUNDAY! - Virtual Social Hour
Sunday, June 26, 12:15 p.m.Â
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Let's talk about Genral Assembly (GA) or whatever else is on your mind. If you’d like, bring some lunch and join us at 12:15 p.m. for informal conversation and fellowship.
Open to Newcomers! An ongoing commitment is not required.Â
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TAKE ACTION! - Youth vs. ODOT: A Public Witness at GAÂ Friday, June 24, 5:15-6:15 p.m.
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Join CFEÂ outside the Convention Center where hundreds of folks from GA will join the youth climate leaders to multiply their voices. A youth-led group, Youth vs. ODOT, has been rallying every other week for over a year in support of climate and transportation justice. Help us in protesting for their demands which include a full Environmental Impact Statement for the Rose Quarter Freeway Expansion.
Masks encouraged. You don't need to be registered at GA to attend this outdoor event.Â
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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SUMMER UPDATE! -Â Vesper Prayer Service
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Prayer Vespers will be on summer break on:
- June 24, July 1 and 8; August 19 and 26; and September 2
More information:
- This Friday, June 24, please consider virtually attending the G.A.'s Synergy Bridging Worship at 4 p.m. Pacific Time.
- We will begin fall/winter weekly services on September 9.
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SUMMER UPDATE! -Â Loving Kindness Meditation
Mondays at 8 p.m.
Loving Kindness will take a summer break. The last session prior to their break is this coming Monday, June 27. They will resume in September.
These sessions offer 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.
May all beings be happy, may we be surrounded by those we love, may we know peace.
An ongoing commitment is not required.Â
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In the midst of many, seemingly relentless attacks on human dignity and our shared Earth home, it is a joy to receive good news of First Unitarian’s justice efforts. Over the last few weeks, I’ve received two such messages for the congregation.
The first piece of good news comes from our community partner the Portland Poor People’s Campaign to update us on their progress. In January 2020, First Unitarian shared our Sunday plate collection with Portland PPC to support their planned trip to Washington that year. Our gift was over $4,000. We had also supported them by providing space in our Buchan Reception Hall for a large organizing meeting and also opened classrooms over a two-month period where members of the PPC delegation could workshop their stories...continue reading.
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NEW! - The Power of Climate Justice Workshop at GA
Saturday, June 25, 1:45-3:15 p.m.
Location: Portland Ballroom 252-253
Available only to those who have registered for General Assembly
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Oregon frontline communities have created “Green New Deal” programs to address the impact of climate change. This workshop will describe how they have succeeded, and explore whether similar efforts can be replicated in other communities.
Rev. Bill Sinkford will moderate the panel with rising figures Gresham City Council President Eddie Morales, State Representative Khanh Pham, and Jaimes Valdez, deputy administrator of the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF). Morales is a driving force in East County Rising, a grass-roots movement to help residents of one of the poorer urban regions in the nation. Pham helped organize PCEF, which is raising tens of millions of dollars annually to promote green jobs and cushion the effects of climate change, especially among people of color.
For GA registrants: Visit Booth #400 in the Exhibit Hall, staffed by CFE members, to learn more about East County Rising Community Projects, which is the recipient of a portion of the GA Sunday worship service offering.    Â
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Speaking of Justice
Human Rights &Â International Law Must Be Respected Universally
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Russia has been rightly condemned for international law and human rights violations in its invasion of Ukraine. Massive sanctions as well as boycotts and divestment have been imposed on Russia, and Western media has given all this constant attention. But there is hypocrisy here. Similar violations by the US and its allies have not been sanctioned and have received much less attention...continue reading.
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In the Community
Longtime member Nancie McGraw died on June 5 at the age of 92. Nancie joined the church in 1946. Through the years Nancie has been very generous to the church. About 20 years ago she gave the money to seismically retrofit our Eliot Chapel. And she was part of the family that donated the organ in the Eliot Chapel. She leaves five children and nine great grandchildren. We hold them at this time of loss.
Member Donna Richards is recovering at Providence hospital where she had surgery earlier this month to remove a tumor on her spine. She awaits more information about her cancer diagnosis. Her spirits are positive and she is grateful for the excellent care. Donna welcomes cards, prayers and positive thoughts.
Jill Duren recently had another fall and was taken to Emanuel Hospital for surgery to repair a fractured knee cap and shin bone. After 10 days at Emanuel, she was discharged and transferred to Holladay Park Plaza for skilled nursing/rehab where she will be continuing with necessary therapies. She is immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers she has received throughout these past four months, and asks that you continue to hold her as she works toward complete recovery.
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NEW! - June Moderator’s Letter
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Last Sunday was a bittersweet goodbye to Rev. Bill. Many of you had an opportunity to say goodbye as Rev. Bill took time over the last month to visit for the last time with many groups in the church. At the goodbye reception we celebrated the many things we have accomplished during our shared ministry with Rev. Bill...continue.
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Are UU an Interior Decorator or Designer? Our Music Program hopes you’ll help!
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Did you know there are some nice big rooms behind the area of the church sanctuary where the choirs practice and perform during services? Music is stored in some rooms as are Learning Community supplies, but large sections of the room are just empty. As we all return to church and recreate community within these walls, we are eager to empty and transform one large room. We’ve surveyed music program participants and there is high enthusiasm for a lounge with comfy seating for a dozen or so people to meet or socialize, adjacent to an area where small groups can practice with the piano already there. We need a place to store coats and valuables while we perform. Members have volunteered to help paint, sew, help with minor construction and move items.
There are modest funds earmarked for this and some members who have offered to make a direct donation to the project. We imagine an uplifting décor with perhaps even a custom painted mural! We are hoping this might be a project you’d help design as a volunteer or at a reduced fee.
Our timeline is to make this happen over the summer! If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact Joyce.
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NEW! - Emma's Revolution
Sunday June 26th 7pm PT/10pm ET - IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
Sponsored by the Music Committee, First Unitarian Portland
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Join this live event in person (vaccinated and masked) or on Zoom. Get tickets here.
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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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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 LivestreamÂ
& Social Schedule
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June Shared Plate
 For the month of June, we share our plate with the Northwest Abortion Access Fund that serves Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. NWAAF provides a toll-free hotline staffed by trained volunteers and they help people pay for their abortion care including travel, safe lodging and clinic fees...continue.Â
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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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