October 11, 2018

Sunday Services

Sunday, Oct. 14: Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. 

The Cost of Scarcity

Rev. Bill Sinkford

Is life a Welcome Table or a zero-sum game? Do we live in abundance or scarcity? These are theological questions as much as economic. Providing homes for the houseless is no more expensive than paying for all the results of a permanently houseless population. What habits of the heart prevent us from building Beloved Community?

Bill's Blog

Grievance or Gratitude

I am still reeling from the Kavanaugh appointment to our highest court. The rational part of my brain knows that this was simply the exercise of power. I am also clear that the best, in fact, the only effective response, will be for those on the progressive side to take back power, or at least regain a balance of power. Deadlock would be so much preferable to the damage the last 18 months have brought.

But I am still reeling. And we all need to be prepared to survive the onslaught of the mid-term elections…even those of us who try to avoid or block out the worst of this divisive process...Continued

This Sunday

Q&A Session with Rev. Bill Sinkford

1 p.m. Sunday, Eliot Chapel
Please join Rev. Bill Sinkford in Eliot Chapel for another in a regular series of Q&A sessions with your senior minister. After a very brief update on developments at the church, he will respond to the questions you bring about the church or about faith.

Social Justice E-Magazine

Inside is a letter from the editors, along with a deeper look into mass incarceration & how our congregation is living out the call for social justice action.
If you’d like to receive this directly to your email once a month, please sign up here. We look forward to sharing the journey with you.  

Nourishing the Spirit: Practice for the Long Haul

In a world of violence, injustice, and loss, the spirit struggles to stay hopeful when many of us feel burned out, discouraged, and exhausted. It is helpful to gather in community to share our journeys and affirm each other’s experience. This monthly gathering offers collective spiritual practices to strengthen the bonds among us. In community we reawaken the hope, imagination, and passion that sustains us as we work to build the world we see in our dreams.
Details: Second Saturdays, Oct.13Dec.8 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fee: No cost. Drop-ins are welcome. If possible, please register online or email kheintze@firstunitarianportland.org.

First Unitarian History Tour!

Portland’s history is interwoven with Unitarian history. First Unitarian members were instrumental in the early development of our city, in the establishment of the Portland library, the development of the Humane Society, and the founding of Reed College. This walking tour will cover First Unitarian Church and Portland history from our pioneer beginning in 1866 to the present. We begin in and around our church buildings, stroll through the Park Blocks and into Downtown to visit sites important to our church story. You will learn about our early leaders and important milestones in our long history here in Portland. This tour is wheelchair accessible and is held rain or shine.
Details: Sunday, Oct. 14 from 12:452:45 p.m. Meet at the Adult Programs table in Fuller Hall.
Fee: $10 per person / $15 per family
Registration: Email, kheintze@firstunitarianportland.org – drop-ins welcome.

New Program Guide

We are currently taking registrations for our fall classes, retreats, and small group offerings. To view a complete list of events and register visit our website. Hard copies of Paths to Engagement can be found throughout the church and in Margaret Fuller Hall on Sundays.

This Week

Men’s Social Event 

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 7–9 p.m.
Come join for fellowship and conversation at the Lucky Labrador Brew Pub. 915 SE Hawthorn Blvd. Portland 97214.

MOVIE NIGHT: Mental Health Action Group (MHAG) 
Film Festival 201

First Unitarian Observes Mental Illness Awareness

Oct. 17

Out of the Shadows
A provocative and courageous film, offering unprecedented insight into the day-to-day challenges of schizophrenia, not only for the person who suffers from it but for family and caregivers. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Mental Health America (MHA) have hailed the film as an important tool for raising public awareness
Film showings begin at 7:00 p.m. in Buchan Rooms B302 and B303

An Evening with Shaka Senghor: Transformation & Second Chances 


Thursday, Oct. 18, from 6:308 p.m., Eliot Chapel; reception in Fuller Hall
Hosted by: Pathfinders & Ending the New Jim Crow, ENJC 
Shaka Senghor will speak in the Eliot Chapel, followed by a reception at which his book, “Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death, and Redemption in an American Prison” will be available for sale and signing. Suggested donation $10-$25
For more information and to register: http://www.thepathfindernetwork.org/shaka-senghor/ 

Upcoming

MOVIE NIGHT: Mental Health Action Group (MHAG) 
Film Festival 201

First Unitarian Observes Mental Illness Awareness

Oct. 24

A Beautiful Mind
Winner of four Oscars, this drama charts the life and work of famed economist John Forbes Nash Jr., a brilliant man plagued by the anguish of mental illness.
Film showings begin at 7:00 p.m. in Buchan Rooms B302 and B303

First Connections Class on Oct. 21

Sunday, Oct. 21, 1 pm. Are you new to First Unitarian? Come and meet other newcomers and get to know more about Unitarian Universalism, First Portland and what it means to be a member. Class will include an optional tour of Church campus. Bring your questions!

Mosaic Restoration and Relocation Project

The Mosaic Committee is happy to announce the completion of the mosaic restoration and relocation project. Please join us after either service on Oct. 21st for a rededication ceremony and celebration n the Buchan Courtyard and reception rooms! You all helped make this dream come true and we wish to thank you with refreshments, gifts, children’s activities, and music!

Savoring Sabbath: Finding Balance in Our Busy World

Join Jules Williams, MA, APR for this four week Sabbath class to reconnect with what matters most to you. Long before 24/7 living, there was 24/6: A weekly ritual of making sacred space for connection and renewal, of Sabbath — no work, no plans, offline. Just being. This is how we maintain balance in life—with equal parts effort and rest. Through fun weekly activities, our weekly Sabbath Circle gatherings and your own practice, you’ll remember what it feels like to look forward to each week. By the end of the four weeks, you’ll have the wisdom, skills and commitment for momentum on your spiritual journey (whatever that looks like for you!) and enjoy the rich gifts that a Sabbath practice has to offer you every week. Join us as we explore and practice together, inspired by an interfaith, personal approach to this universal tradition.
Details:  Sundays (4 days),  Oct. 21, 28, and Nov. 4, 11 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. 
Registration: $40, Please register online or email, kheintze@firstunitarianportland.org

Men’s Half Day Complimentary Workshop

Does #MeToo really have something to do with me. . . too? After all, I'm no Harvey Weinstein!
The First Unitarian Men's Community is sponsoring this half-day complimentary workshop to explore this and other questions related to the #MeToo movement.
This workshop is for individuals who identify as male. We will reflect on the male cultures in which we were raised and discuss the need to recovenant with the women in our lives in response to the December #MeToo service and broader issues raised by the #MeToo movement. During this intergenerational workshop, we will examine our past, present, and future roles as partners, fathers, sons, and grandfathers. Using video clips and guided questions as prompts, we will focus on personal reflections in small group breakout sessions followed by whole group sharing. A resource list on #MeToo will be provided to encourage further study, discussion, and action.
Details: Saturday, Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Fee: There is no charge and child care is provided given notice in advance. Register online, in Margaret Fuller Hall on Sundays, or email, kheintze@firstunitarianportland.org 
Prerequisite: Before the workshop, please view the December 10  #MeToo Service: http://www.firstunitarianportland.org/services/12345-i-believe-you-23456789/ 

Interested in being a Lay Minister?

Oct. 28 and Nov. 4
Lay Ministers play an important role in how we build Beloved Community in our congregation. Lay Ministers offer compassionate listening and support for congregants in times of special need that could include a spiritual crisis, bereavement, major life changes, health issues or other personal concerns.
Support can happen through one-on-one support and through the facilitation of small groups. If you are interested in serving as a Lay Minister, come to informational meetings on Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 after both services.
You can learn more about what Lay Ministers do as well as the application process. Applications will be accepted this fall and training will begin in 2019.

2018 Collins Summit will explore Human Migration


Thursday, Nov. 1
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s 2018 Collins Summit, Human Migration: Claiming roots in an uprooted world," will be held on Thursday, November 1, at Concordia University in Portland. The Summit will explore the causes, challenges and opportunities of human migration in an increasingly global society. Join a diverse group of refugees, immigrants, advocates and scholars to develop an informed and compassionate approach to human migration both within and across borders.
The event will include an afternoon seminar with a plenary and workshop sessions followed by an evening lecture by The Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy, President of the Pacific School of Religion, and Ellen Rosenblum, Oregon Attorney General. The evening Collins Lecture will address the theological and legal aspects of human migration.
Registration for the Collins Summit (includes afternoon seminar, dinner, evening lecture) is $60 ($30 students with ID); for the Collins Lecture only, the cost is $25 ($15 students with ID). Register and learn more at emoregon.org.

October's Art Wall - 2 Artist Special:

Janet Lindell is showing her rice paper watercolor batiks created using layers of colors that evolve as wax is applied.
John Cline is showing his delicate architectural drawings that create spaces the viewer can define. 
Their very different styles blend into an exciting combination.
Come see for yourself! 
See more here.

Bookstore

Most books for Wellspring 1 and Wellspring 2 classes are now available – some are discounted. 
We have limited supplies of some titles, so don’t delay.
Lots of other great books to choose from also. 
The new Chinook Books and apps are now available!
See you at the bookstore! 

Program Events

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

Learning Community

Parents of Teens Support Group

Connect with other parents of teens to talk and share around parenting topics and the joys and challenges of navigating this phase of life as parents, with the guidance of a lay minister. We are an open group and parents are welcome to come as you are able. Childcare provided. Gather in Buchan (B301) at 12:30 after second service, and meet formally from 12:451:45 p.m. every other week. If you’d like to be added to our contact email list, please reach out to Sara Robertson, sara.seely@gmail.com.

Family Samhain Celebration

Saturday, Oct. 20, 2-4 p.m. A Samhain Celebration of folktales and legends guaranteed to put just a little chill in the bones. Join storyteller Will Hornyak as he weaves together a wide variety of tales from Native American legends and Irish myths to lively participation stories for all ages.  Will was named Young Audiences Artist of the Year by Young Audiences of Oregon and SW Washington. Everyone of all ages is invited! 

Announcing Sunday Afternoon Child Care!

Each Sunday afternoon, we'll be offering childcare from 13 p.m. for group meetings and events happening after services. Please check in at the Eliot Center Info desk if you need care for children ages 4 months and older. Please note that when care is not requested by 1 p.m., staff will be released. Contact cscheffman@firstunitarianportland.org with questions. 

Teachers Still Needed

We still need volunteer teachers to complete a few of our teaching teams. Co-leading a class in the Learning Community is a good way to explore your spirituality as well as to help young people discover theirs. Larger teaching teams allow for more flexibility to work with your availability. Please contact Rev. Mary Gear or Cassandra Scheffman for more information.

Seeking Paid Childcare Providers

We're expanding the number of classes and events for which childcare is provided. Please click here for Childcare Provider job description and instructions on how to apply.

Get Involved

Make a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community

Soul Box News

Thanks to a great turn out for coffee-hour-soul box-making on September 23rd and from individuals who made boxes at home, we have reached our goal of 2,000 boxes thus far.
To reach our ultimate goal of 4,000 by the end of January, we need to make 500 per month. We can’t do that with just the coffee hour, so our appeal is to you folks who support this The Soul Box Project's goal to display 36,000 boxes February 15th inside the Oregon State Capital (one box represents one person killed by gunfire in our country each year). Sound impossible?  The SBP has already received over 22,000 boxes!
Participate by holding box-making parties at home, or set personal goals for yourselves. Bring your boxes to the Peace Action table any Sunday, or drop them off at the Church office on SW 13th during business hours. You can get instructions at the Peace Action table, or find them at Soulboxproject.org. MAKE A BOX, BRING IT IN, IT COUNTS.  

New Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) Meeting Time

The Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) will begin meeting the second Sunday of every month starting Oct. 14 from 1:303:00 in Buchan Room 302. Our focus will be on making connections, education and action on immigrant justice.
In order to make the meetings of the Immigrant Justice Action Group accessible to all who are interested, we will meet monthly on the second Sunday, beginning on Oct. 14. Our meetings will include time for reflection and sharing, and an educational program about one of the many dimensions of the immigration challenge. We’ll also share opportunities for engagement and collaboration with our partners in the community and develop strategies and arrangements for our participation. Please put Oct. 14 from 1:30 to 3 pm on your calendar. We hope you’ll join us for the important work of immigrant justice!

Social Hour Helpers Needed Sunday Mornings

With two services continuing throughout the year, we need a few more beverage service helpers and subs on Sundays in Margaret Fuller Hall. Choose one Sunday each month, either 8–10:50 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m., with time to attend service in between. Please contact Emily at 541-408-1516 or ewh1960@gmail.com. Training provided by experienced volunteers.

Seeking Ushers

Here's a great volunteer opportunity: Become an usher and connect more deeply to members of our congregation. Won't you join our team? Contact usher coordinator Dev Dion or call 503-805-5899. Thank you.

Time-Limited Projects Await!

While there are many opportunities for long-term commitments within our congregation, there are also myriad options for people desiring time-limited projects for a contribution of effort and energy. Stop by the House and Grounds table on Sunday following both services to learn more about the possibilities both within our complex and around our church campus. Working on projects is a wonderful way to meet new people or strengthen existing relationships.

Spiritual Director Training Program

Might the next step in your spiritual journey be participating in a spiritual director training program? New 10-month training programs have just started. They meet on the first Tuesday morning or second Tuesday evening each month. 
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Jim Galluzzo, director of the Urban Spirituality Center, at 503-241-1751 or diversityasgift@comcast.net or Patty Clement, First Unitarian congregant, at pattyclement@gmail.com.

Seeking Sunday Welcoming Volunteers

If you like to greet people and make them feel welcome, this volunteer opportunity is for you: become a Welcome Desk or Newcomer Table host before or after a Sunday service.
This is a great way to connect with congregation members and newcomers. Contact Membership Chair Ed McClaran or call 971-279-2778.

Sunday Drivers Needed

Can you provide an occasional ride to Sunday services for a neighbor? Do you, or someone you know, need help getting to church?
Our First Unitarian Neighborhood Connections rideshare program helps match riders with drivers in Portland and Lake Oswego and is organized by ZIP code. To learn more, contact Leslie Comnes, 503-236-2963.

In the Community

Community milestones, joys, and sorrows
Member Dave Roberts took his own life on Oct. 1. Dave lived with depression much of his life. Dave was involved in many ways—as an usher, as a chalice choir member and as a volunteer at our 13 Salmon Family Shelter. He was also active in our men’s community. We hold Dave’s son, Kevin, during this difficult time.
 
Brian Vanderslice, brother of member Ellen Vanderslice, died unexpectedly on Oct. 1 while on vacation kiteboarding with friends.  He was 63 years old.  Please hold Ellen and her family as they grieve this loss.
 
Member Isabel Sheridan is living with metastatic breast cancer and is looking forward to "extended quality time," in the words of her oncologist. She is hoping for years.  Both radiation and pharma have made a difference - and so has the love of this dear community.  She welcomes your prayers and healing energy for the journey.
 
Member Cynthia Hale recently fell down an outdoor flight of stairs and suffered a concussion. She is recuperating at home and appreciates our prayers for her full and speedy recovery.
Please email parishconcerns@firstunitarianportland.org if you have any joys or concerns to share.

Leadership News

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.

September Moderator's Letter

Please make sure to check out  Kathy Ludlow’s September Moderator’s Letter.  She shares the board goals and notes the work we’ve done this summer.  
For the latest updates on Board activities, please visit the Board's webpage, which includes the latest time/location for all Board-related events

Other News

Sunday, Sept. 30 Attendance

1st Service: 252
2nd Service: 378
Musicians: 50
Total: 680
Livestream: 133
Grand Total: 813

Young Adult Facebook Group

We are happy to announce our new Facebook group, Younger Adults of First Unitarian Portland! This group is a place for the Younger Adults* of First Unitarian Church of Portland to come together for conversation, fellowship, and sharing of events and ideas. You may join the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/550560912070099/
**A note on ages: some UU spaces identify young adults as 18-35, and others as 20s and 30s+. We are less interested in how many years you’ve been on earth and more interested your experiences here. So, if you identify as being on the younger end of adults in THIS congregation, especially if that has meant that you’ve found it hard to find your place here, this community is for you!

Emergency Preparedness Team

Attention!  We’re looking for two or three individuals to join with two other already-signed-up congregants to form an Emergency Preparedness Team. This group will be tasked with assessing our current capabilities and proposing a plan for First Unitarian. Fortunately, there are lots of resources and help available, so there’s no need to reinvent the wheel!  If you’re interested, please contact Kathryn Estey in the church office. 

Interested in Joining a Women’s Circle?

Women's Circle II is welcoming new members. All women are welcome 2nd and 4th Monday evenings at Church in the Channing Room from 7 to 8:30 pm. Contact Kim Streuli 503-869-1486 &/or streulik@gmail.com

Attention LiveStream Viewers

Do you regularly watch First Unitarian’s Sunday services in real time on Sunday mornings? Are you adept at sending and receiving text messages?
Our Sunday morning sound and video technicians could use help from a couple of techy types out in cyberland to let them know when there is a livestream glitch while the service is being streamed. Please email the church office (office@firstunitarianportland.org) if you’re interested in volunteering for this important job. We need you!

Spare Bedroom

Do you have a spare bedroom you could make available to other UUs visiting Portland? Our Bed & Breakfast program is in need of hosts. You provide a bed and a simple breakfast. Proceeds go to the church. To learn more, contact Ruth Robinson: mickrob@comcast.net or 503-246-2131. 

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 photos@firstunitarianportland.org or click here.

Help Wanted!

A team of volunteers has formed to address the unrelentingly vigorous weeds in the beds around our church campus, and we need more help! Projects will be planned to control weed growth and highlight our native plants. If you would like to spend a couple of hours with the team, please contact Marti Yoder at marti.yoder@gmail.com and have your name added to the notification list. More hands are needed to make this light work.

Ongoing Groups

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. Many groups take the summer months off, so if you are unsure about a particular group's schedule, please contact the individual listed.

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.

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.

Animal Ministry Group

Normally meets on the fourth Sunday, 12:45 p.m., A303. Visit the Animal Ministry web page for special meeting times. Questions? 503-520-9012.

Caregiver Support Group

We usually meet the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May.
We gather to provide support, inspiration, and information relevant to those caring for a loved one. Email facilitator Helena Lee.

Children's Mosaic Restoration Group

First Monday, 45:30 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Leslie Pohl-Kosbau, 503-245-6087. More info on the Children's Mosaic at First Unitarian Portland Facebook page. 

Committee on Hunger & Homelessness (COHHO)

Meets monthly September through May on the third Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in A303, the Fireside Room, or visit our table in Margaret Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays. Questions? Email co-chairs John Elizalde, Ingrid Gjestvang and Cynthia Sulaski.

Community for Earth (CFE)

The Community for Earth (CFE) is again selling the eco-friendly and community supportive Chinook Book—each with its own app ($25)—and individual apps ($15). Use of the wide variety of coupons frequently more than covers the cost of the Chinook Book and/or app. Buy yours today in our Beacon Bookstore. Cash sales at the CFE table. Questions? Susan Weinstein at 360-440-0564.

Contemplative Practice Group

Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., A301. Offers a regular opportunity for building community through silent meditation, mindfulness poetry, and deep discussion on church themes. Questions? Ron Walker.

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. Contact: Michael Wade for more information.

Ending the New Jim CrowHealing the Justice System

Usually, monthly on the fourth Tuesday, 6:30–8 p.m., B302. Questions? Kathryn Scotten.

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.

Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG)

We offer quarterly educational meetings on topics of relevance to the congregation, focused on issues/needs of immigrant and refugee communities. Through the IJAG Google group, recommended actions are disseminated. 
In order to make the meetings of the Immigrant Justice Action Group accessible to all who are interested, we will begin meeting monthly on the second Sunday, starting on Oct. 14. Our meetings will include time for reflection, sharing, and an educational program about one of the many dimensions of the immigration challenge. We’ll also share opportunities for engagement and collaboration with our partners in the community and develop strategies and arrangements for our participation.  Please put Oct. 14 from 1:30 to 3 pm on your calendar. We hope you’ll join us for the important work of immigrant justice! Contact Ann Zawaski for questions: annzawaski@gmail.com
See our webpage for more info.

LGBTQIA Pride Group

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: First Unitarian Pride, Portland, OR for all of our events and the LGBTQIA events we are supporting in the Portland area.

Meditation Group

Wednesday Night Meditation Group continues every Wednesday, 7–8:30 p.m., Eliot Chapel. Beginners welcomed. Questions? Mary Ann Harman.

Monthly Grief Group

Grief is a common thread that connects many of us in our community. This drop-in group will hold compassionate organic space for listening, learning, and resources to live with the many forms of grief and caregiving. The group meets the third Sunday of each month from 1:152:45 p.m. in room B304 of the Buchan building. Facilitated by Rev. Rick Freeman and Sophia Douglas.

Parents of Teens Support Group, 1–2 p.m.

Second and fourth Sundays 
Connect with parents of teens to talk and share parenting topics and the joys and challenges of navigating life as parents, with the guidance of a lay minister. We are an open group. Childcare provided.

Peace Action Group

Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Tess Beistel, Terri Shofner, Brianna Bragg.

Quilts of Love Group

Third Thursday meeting is now 10 to 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. More. Questions? Contact is Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001. 

Sunday Morning T'ai Chi Chih

Sunday morning T'ai Chi Chih, 8:309 a.m.; check the sign board in the Buchan building for meeting locations. Questions? Email Adult Programs.

UU Knitting Group

The knitting circle meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month during the church year. Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.

UU Men's Community

Third Saturday, 9 a.m., Channing Room. 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.

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.

UU Poetry Group

Twice monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Rodger Blackburn, 503-519-3494.

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. 

Women’s Circles

I: First and third Mondays at 7 p.m. Questions? Tess Beistel, 503-257-2042.
II: Second and forth Mondays at 7 p.m. Currently welcoming new members. Contact Kim, 503-869-1486
III: First and third Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. Questions? Dorothy Lewis, 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.
Spiritual Circle: Second and fourth Thursdays, 7–8:30 p.m. Questions? Sylvia Hart Landsberg.

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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 to:
Communications@firstunitarianportland.org and include in the subject line “For eNews” –or– “For Sunday Bulletin” –or– “For eNews and Sunday Bulletin.”
This will get to all the right people. 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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Music Notes
Each month, First Unitarian shares our plate offering with a community partner aligned with our UU principles.
October's recipient Oregon Justice Resource Center (OJRC) works to promote civil rights and improve legal representation for underserved communities; people living in poverty and people of color among them. They collaborate with other like-minded organizations to maximize their reach to marginalized populations, to train future public interest lawyers, and to educate the community on civil rights and current civil liberties concerns.
OJRC believes “mass incarceration has failed. ...Attempting to address social problems such as poverty, homelessness, and mental illness by incarcerating more people has not worked.” To achieve criminal justice reform, OJRC integrates direct legal services, public awareness campaigns, strategic partnerships, and other legal and advocacy tools. You can learn more about their areas of focus here:
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