Sunday Live Streaming Service
Sunday, April 5: 10:15 a.m.
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A Rebirth of Wonder
Rev. Bill Sinkford
“Some day, human beings will rise, they will reach the mountain peak, they will [arrive] strong and free, ready to receive, to partake, and to bask in the golden rays of love.” Emma Goldman, adapted.
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Bill's BlogLove Bigger
“All I can do is to LOVE bigger.” The young nurse being interviewed at home after her 12 hour shift at a New York hospital, exhaustion in her face, spoke to me with a needed reminder of what I know to be true. All we can do is to love bigger.
I offer her words not because they provide an easy antidote to the grief and fear that so many of us feel. Nor an antidote to the weariness I am already feeling as the health crisis tries to crowd out every other concern and undercut so many joys.
Being a person of faith is not for the faint of heart. The news of the morning includes a death toll that continues to rise sharply and a jaw-dropping number of unemployment claims. This is the new normal, at least for a time.
Like you I am ready to begin imagining recovery. But like you as well, I know that there is a long road down into the valley we must travel first. It will get worse before it gets better. Yes, we know that...Continued
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Holy Week Tenebrae service
In observance of Holy Week in the Christian tradition, we will offer a live stream Tenebrae service next Wednesday, April 8, at 7 p.m.
A Service of Tenebrae, or “Shadows,” is a tradition that dates back to the 12th Century and is an extended mediation of the journey of Jesus leading to Good Friday and the crucifixion. It is a somber, reflective service of music and words that will include passages from scripture and music for Tenebrae from 17th Century composer Marc-Antione Charpentier offered by DeReau Farrar and Joe O’Donnell.
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Updates From First Unitarian Response to COVID-19
We are doing all we can to stay connected as a community and to provide resources both within the church and in the larger community. Here are a few important updates that affect our life together:
Reaching Out
Thank you for the appreciation so many have expressed for the check-in calls that volunteers are making to every family, and for the reflections we have offered via email on Mondays and Fridays, and for quality of the virtual worship we have shared on Sunday from the Sanctuary.
Sunday Worship
Until further notice we will be doing only virtual worship. More than 750 computers were signed on at 10:15 a.m. last Sunday. The language of Governor Brown's recent stay-at-home order allows us to continue broadcasting from the sanctuary, with no more than 10 participants and appropriate precautions.
We cannot know how long we will need to worship "at a distance," likely for some time, certainly as long as the stay-at-home order is in force.
Coffee Hour with the Ministers
Next Wednesday, April 8, at 8 am, join the ministers and fellow congregants on zoom for a simple spiritual check-ins. Join us at 8 a.m. by clicking here.
Resources in larger community
Our Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO) shared this updated list of community services and resources for houseless and other vulnerable community members. These resources, and the adapted service delivery, may be useful to our congregants as well. You can view the list created by the Joint Office of Homeless Services here: Community-Created List of Programming Changes in the Wake of COVID-19.
Community Justice and Service Action Items
Our Social Justice Action Groups continue to provide opportunities for mutual aid in our communities as well as advocacy actions you can do from home below in the Social Justice and Service section of the e-news.
Workplace Safety Policy
Most of our employees are able to work from home. For those who do need to come to the church campus, we have adopted a Workplace Safety Policy:
- 6' Social Distancing/No physical contact
- Cleaning surfaces before and after use
- Washing hands before and after meetings
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Sunday Service Livestream
There are several ways to watch our on-line Sunday service. Clicking on any of these links will get you there once the service starts:
· BoxCast (this link changes every week!)
SAVE THESE LINKS! If there is a delay getting into the church website when the service starts, you won't be able to access the links unless you've saved them. If you have a YouTube account, you may want to "Subscribe" to First Unitarian Portland's channel to receive livestream notices. If you have a Facebook account, you may want to "Like" us and follow us to receive our livestream notifications.
To avoid logjams while everyone is trying to open the service at the same time, it’s helpful if viewers slightly stagger the times they click through. For example, if you tend to arrive early for appointments, feel free to tune in starting at 10:05 a.m. when our pre-service pictures are displayed. Click on one of the links above, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and then sit down to watch the service at 10:15 a.m.
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Welcome to First Unitarian with Rev. Thomas Disrud
Sunday, April 19, 2–3:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual Class
Are you new to First Unitarian Church? We are so glad you are here. This 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.
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We Need Your Auction Donations
New Auction Dates: Aug. 16 and 23
Donation Deadline: May 1
Now is the time to be planning your events or what service you might be able to offer after September 1, 2020.
Donation Deadline: May 1
Please note: there will NOT be paper donation forms available.
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Over Our Heads: Listening to and Reflecting on Our Worship Music
Friday, April 10, 2–4 p.m.
In this virtual class, we will use hymnal music as prompts to guide us into reflective writing. Participants can respond to the music we watch by writing prose, memoir, creative nonfiction, songs, lists, or poetry.
Facilitator: Jennifer Springsteen is a writer, editor, and writing teacher in Oregon. Her first novel—a finalist of the Tuscon Festival of Books Literary Award— is out on submission. She is currently a seminarian at Starr King School for the Ministry.
Details: No charge. This is a virtual class via Zoom (video or telephone participation). Spaces are limited.
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Nourishing the Spirit: Practice for the Long Haul
Saturday, April 11, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: Virtual Class via Zoom!
In community we reawaken the hope, imagination, and passion that sustains us as we work to build the world we see in our dreams. Join us for a rejuvenating virtual class with Rev. Katherine Jesch.
Details: This is a virtual class held via Zoom. Spaces are limited. For log-in information and to RSVP, email Katherine here.
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How to Participate in a First Unitarian Zoom Gathering for Beginners
Saturday, April 11, 2–3 p.m.
Are you intimidated by technology? You have probably heard that most of our church gatherings and classes are now being held virtually through Zoom. If you have felt nervous about joining due to technological barriers, this information session is for you. We’ll compassionately guide you through Zoom basics so you can participate in upcoming church events.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Please Note:
We are in the process of creating novel virtual classes. Virtual classes and events will be posted in this e-newsletter as they become available.
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| | Social Justice and Service
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April 2020 Social Justice Service, Action and Learning
Our Social Justice Action Groups have long-standing community partnerships. Through these partnerships they are learning about specific and urgent requests for material help, advocacy actions, as well as resources to deepen our understanding of how the Covid-19 crisis is affecting our communities. Please look below for how you can help, take action and learn.
Urgent Community Resource Needs:
From the Immigrant Justice Action Group: Donate to these organizations that serve immigrants and farm workers.
Western Farm Workers Association: checks to WFWA. Indicate emergency relief fund for members in the memo line and mail to 725 SE 7th, Hillsboro, OR 97123
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Fight for Climate Justice Virtually
Community for Earth (CFE) is continuing the fight for climate justice virtually. The Covid 19 crisis underscores how interconnected we are as a planet, and how essential it is to be proactive in creating a network of care to sustain life and well-being.
April 22 will be the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Join CFE in celebrating this event with a virtual Procession of the Species. Send pictures of your child or grandchild (or yourself!) dressed as a favorite species to AllSpeciesUU@gmail.com by April 13th.
CFE’s next monthly business meeting is scheduled for April 12, and will hosted by Zoom from 9–10 a.m. If you would like to join this meeting, contact cfeuupdx@gmail.com for an invitation.
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The Intersectionality Issue of Speaking of Justice: Faith in Action E-Magazine
Our ninth issue was released Feb. 28
We are so glad you are joining us as together we explore intersectional organizing. What does it mean to strive for justice where we see and value the unique, lived experiences of those at the front lines of oppression, while also recognizing that our liberation is bound up in each other? We hope you will take time to read, reflect, and be changed by the many offerings in this e-magazine. Thank you for joining us here. Never miss an issue IG @speakingofjustice | More Info & Past Issues
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Please Note:
Learning Community class have been cancelled until further notice.
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Summer Chalice Camp Registration Is NOW OPEN!
The priority registration window for First Unitarian and regional UU congregation affiliated participants ends March 31.
Remaining slots will be offered to the larger community.
After a successful first year, we are thrilled to announce the return of Chalice (Day) Camp this summer!
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Trans Inclusion in Congregations
Location: Virtual Class
"Welcoming is a spiritual practice." - Transforming Hearts Collective
First Unitarian is offering this virtual class free of charge. You may complete this course on your own time. This educational opportunity is for everyone from novices on trans identity to those with decades of life experience. Rather than simply offering a “trans 101,” this class pushes participants to the next level of congregational welcome, relationship-building, and skills-building. It counters mainstream narratives about who trans people are; supports understanding of non-binary identities (such as genderqueer, agender, and two spirit); and employs a deeply intersectional approach.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Portland Homeless Family Solutions and Clay Street Table
Two of the social service agencies that COHHO (Committee on Hunger and Homelessness) has partnered with for many years desperately needs our help.
Clay Street Table needs cash donations to purchase food for the many homeless and low-income friends that live in our neighborhood. Dr. Paul Davis, the magnificent director will update us in weeks to come on additional needs. Please go to their website.
Portland Homeless Family Solutions is also in need of cash donations but they have some urgent "asks". Disposable masks, gloves, disinfectant spray and wipes, toilet paper, paper towels and single use thermometers. Please go to their website to see how to drop off needs without having to interact. Address 6220 SE 92nd Ave
COHHO has no doubts that our congregation will be there to help.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
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March 2020 Board of Trustees Moderator Letter
Greetings,
We are excited and pleased to have our Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) in place. They were presented to the congregation last Sunday and their names published in last week’s eNews. I want to acknowledge the work of the Nominating Committee in helping the board sort through all the many qualified applicants. The MSC is embarking on a year-long process to bring us a candidate for a congregational vote in the spring of 2021. Please support and contribute to their efforts. At this point, the MSC will drive the effort to bring a new senior minister to First Unitarian...Continued
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| Hello from your Ministerial Search Committee
Your Search Committee has begun to meet. After one in-person meeting, we have now shifted to virtual meetings using Zoom technology for the indefinite time ahead. But we want you to know that we have started to work: initially the very meaningful work of getting to know each other, reading the helpful reflections from the Search Committee 10 years ago and materials from the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) regarding ministerial transitions. We are in touch with a representative from the UUA and will have a regional “coach” assigned to assist us throughout the process.
We want to assure you that we plan to communicate regularly with the congregation throughout the Search Process. And we will provide numerous opportunities in the months ahead for your input.
Kristin Guest on behalf of the Ministerial Search Committee.
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Sunday, March 29 Attendance:
Livestream:
Boxcasat: 710
YouTube: 50
Total: 760
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Faked Email Messages “from Rev. Bill”
They’re becoming more frequent: “Spoofed” email messages that appear to be from Bill Sinkford asking for your help. Email spoofing is an actual thing! It is the creation of email messages with a forged email address for the purpose of fooling the recipient into providing money or sensitive information. In our case, the messages look like they’re from Bill. But they’re not. Spoofed emails are very prevalent because it is incredibly easy to spoof an address. Fortunately, a spoofed email message does not mean that your email (or Bill’s) has been hacked or compromised.
So how can you tell when a message is spoofed? A quick way to check if Bill is the actual sender is to carefully check the full email header. This is where important details are located. By reviewing the header of the email, you’re able to determine the actual email address of the sender.
Bill’s email address is bsinkford@firstunitarianportland.org. If the sender’s email isn’t EXACTLY this email address…and you really have to look carefully…it isn’t from Bill!
And sorry to say, email spoofing isn’t something that’s under our control to stop. So it’s up to each of us to pay close attention to the sender’s complete email address, not just the name.
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Add to Our Media Collection
Taken any nice photos of First Unitarian Portland or its events? Send them our way to help build our media collection! Sending us your photos gives us permission to publish and/or use images for publications, website content, and social media. If you'd like to limit your permission, just let us know. Please email your photos to us here.
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Why Pronouns Matter
At church and elsewhere, it’s becoming more common for people to introduce themselves with the pronouns they use, and to ask, “What pronouns do you use?” Though this may be an unfamiliar question for you, becoming comfortable with it is a way to live our UU principles.
Here’s why:
Gender is a primary way our creative identities interact with the world. Many people feel comfortable with the gender assigned to them at birth based on their genitals, assigned male or female, and are called cisgender. (Cis means “on the same side of,” so for these people, gender and sex-at-birth align.) For many others, their assigned gender is not a true or comfortable identity. Read more here.
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Ongoing Groups
Please Note: Most of these groups are cancelled until further notice, although some may be meeting virtually. For information on a specific group please contact the leader.
The following church groups meet on a regular schedule during our program year (approximately September through May or June). Many groups meet on an irregular basis or take the summer months off, so if you are unsure about a particular group's schedule, please contact the individual listed.
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| Africa Connections
This church social justice group supports advocacy and outreach work in communities in Kenya and Zimbabwe that have been deeply impacted by HIV AIDS. We do this through support of the IMANI Project, Zimbabwe Artists Project, and Quilts for Empowerment. Questions? Email Annie Bennett.
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Aging Together Learning Group
We use books, movies, poems, and various art forms to catalyze group dialogue about our personal experience of aging. Meetings are held monthly on the first Monday from 1–3 p.m. For more information or to register, please contact Lucy Garrick.
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The Alliance
The Alliance meets September through May, usually on the first Wednesday of the month, for a luncheon, business meeting, and program. Visit the Alliance web page. Questions? Email Alliance.
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BIPOC (Black, Indigenious, Persons of Color) Social Caucus
Congregants who identify as Black, Indigenious, Persons of Color or Bi-Multiracial gather for monthly gatherings. Email Lia Nagase for more information.
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Caregiver Support Group
We usually meet on the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May.
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| Children's Mosaic Restoration Group
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Committee on Hunger & Homelessness (COHHO)
We meet monthly September through May on the fourth Sunday from 12:30–2 p.m. in the Fireside room in A303. Visit our table in Margaret Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays.
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Contemplative Practice
We meet the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, 6:30–8 p.m. We begin by meditating for 20 minutes, in any style you are comfortable with. Then we discuss a spiritual check-in topic. We finish by sharing a poem related to the topic. We read it aloud twice with a pause in between, giving people time to reflect on a word or phrase that struck them. Afterward we discuss our reaction to it. We usually meet in the Channing Room, but check the schedule in the Buchan building to be sure. All are welcome.
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| Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG)
The Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG) educates and advocates on issues of economic justice. Watch for our speaker, book, and movie events. Stop by our table for the latest information on fair trade, health care, democracy, and inequality and its dimensions. We meet the third Sunday of every month, September to June, at 9 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Questions? Michael Wade || Website
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Ending Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial Justice (EMI/ARJ)We provide special events and sponsor community events at the church. These are announced in our e-newsletter, which includes other upcoming community events and reading/viewing recommendations. For more information, to sign up for the newsletter, or for answers to questions, contact Kathryn Scotten. || Website
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Good Times Committee
Join with fellow congregants for social gatherings, from happy hour to hikes, from dinners to plays. Learn more and sign up with Good Times during social hour on Sundays. Questions? Laura Gadley, 847-525-8700.
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Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG)
The Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) meets on the fourth Sunday of the months of September–May, from 1–2:30 p.m. in room A108.
Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. Our meetings include time for reflection, sharing, and information about the many dimensions of the immigration challenge. We also share opportunities for engagement and collaboration with our partners in the community and develop strategies and arrangements for our participation.
Through the IJAG Google group, we disseminate recommended actions. Join us for the important work of immigrant justice!
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LGBTQIA+ Pride
Find out the latest social events by picking up a flyer at our Pride Table in Margaret Fuller Hall for our monthly movie game night, monthly PDX roller skating, potlucks, and any projects being planned. Visit our Facebook page for all of our events and the LGBTQIA+ events we are supporting in the Portland area.
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Meditation Group
Group meets in the Eliot Chapel, 7–8:30 p.m on Wednesdays. Silent meditation for 30 minutes, followed by reading and discussing a book by a Buddhist author. Questions? Contact Robert Schroeder or Mary Ann Harman.
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Mental Health Action Group (MHAG)
MHAG exists to educate the congregation about mental health issues and to support those in the congregation living with mental illness or whose relatives live with mental illness. We meet every fourth Sunday at 1 p.m. in the B310.
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Quilts of Love Group
Third Thursday meeting is 10–11:30 a.m., B310. Sew-in is on the first Thursday at Modern Domestic, 1408 NE Alberta St., from 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. This group creates quilts for families served by Portland Homeless Family Solutions as they transition from the shelter to a permanent home. Questions? Contact Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
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| Peace Action Group (PAG) Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Contact Tess Beistel || Website
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| Sunday Morning T'ai Chi Chih
Sunday morning T'ai Chi Chih, 8:30–9 a.m.; check the sign board in the Buchan building for meeting locations. Questions? Email Adult Programs.
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| UU Animal Ministry (UUAM)
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| UU Men's Community
Third Saturday, 9 a.m., Channing Room. This is an open group where men of all ages can share life experiences, learn from each other, develop friendships, support one another, and have fun. Questions? Richard Turner, 503-734-5854; more info here.
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| UU Movie Group
Meets on the fourth Sunday of the month over a potluck meal at members’ homes. For more information, contact Nancy Panitch, 503-318-0776, or Ellie Kirkham, 971-544-7003. More info at the Good Times table in Margaret Fuller Hall.
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| UU Poetry Group
Twice monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Rodger Blackburn, 503-519-3494.
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UU Yarn Crafters
Second and fourth Thursdays each month, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
The Yarn Crafters are wanting to expand to include crocheters. Yarn provided. All levels welcome.
Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.
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| UUA Outreach Group
Monthly on the last Wednesday at 7 p.m., usually in B310, but check the sign board when entering.
If your interest lies in the larger picture of UU ministry, join us! Questions? Bill Pryor, 503-894-9945. We'd love to hear from you.
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Women’s Circles
I: First and third Mondays at 7 p.m. Questions? Tess Beistel, 503-257-2042.
II: Second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. Now welcoming new members. Questions? Kim, 503-869-1486.
III: First and third Wednesdays at 10–11:30 a.m. Now welcoming new members. Questions? Dorothy, 503-292-1337.
IV: Twice a month on Wednesday evenings. We are looking for participants of all ages for supportive sharing and discussion about such topics as parenting and spirituality. Questions? Amy, 503-241-5451.
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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.
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Update Your Records with Us
Have you moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail address?
Anything else you'd like to let First Unitarian know?
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Do You Have an Item for E-news and/or the Sunday Bulletin?
If you have an item you’d like published in our weekly Front Steps (eNews) or the Sunday Bulletin, please submit it here and include in the subject line “For eNews” –or– “For Sunday Bulletin” –or– “For eNews and Sunday Bulletin.”
Deadline for submissions is noon on Wednesday.
Because space is limited in our Sunday Bulletin, we’re unable to run articles for more than a week or two in advance, depending on the number of submissions. Articles may need to be shortened if space is tight.
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| Sunday Livestream
Join us LIVE from your computer or smartphone on Sunday at 10:15 a.m.
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April Shared Plate
Farmworkers are now, and have always been, the foundation of our food systems. In this health crisis, the conditions under which they, and other essential service providers, work and live put them at high risk. Many farmworkers may also be undocumented which places them at even more risk since they are being excluded from public systems of emergency support.
For the month of April, we share our plate with the Emergency Relief Fund of our community partner, Bienestar that provides quality low-income rental housing and programs for farmworkers and their families. Approximately 1000 adults and 1000 children are currently served by Bienestar. Most of these families are undocumented and therefore ineligible for unemployment and other benefits. It is with gratitude to our siblings in the Bienestar community and with our prayers for their good health and wellbeing that we share our offering.
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