Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
🌮 Community Lunch after the service 🌮
No RE classes this Sunday. Children and youth are welcome to join us in the Sanctuary. Nursery and toddler care available during worship.
Social Hour:Â Fuller Hall after the service.
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Join us for our annual multigenerational Martin Luther King, Jr. Day worship. This Sunday gives all of us – children, youth, and adults – an opportunity to reflect on themes that help us to grow into builders of the beloved community. What are the stories and the histories we are weaving about race? We are experiencing a backlash to the forward movement of freedom, and those in power are attempting to knock us down. What are some ways that we can respond in our efforts to continue to both celebrate diversity and deepen our commitment to anti-oppression and collective liberation?
Following the service, we will have a community building event – we will head down to Fuller for “Walking Tacos,” table conversations, and a chance to move around and learn how we can engage with our Social Justice Action Groups in 2026.
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Ministerial Blog
Midweek Meditation
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As we grapple with the state-sanctioned violence towards immigrants and citizens in our country, we offer a midweek meditation: the words of Isa Lopez from the Twin Cities. Isa is the 27-year-old child of Mexican immigrants and an indigenous poet, advocate, and organizer who shares that her life and art have been reshaped in the wake of being arrested by Federal agents last year and as she awaits trial in three months. To read the meditation written and delivered by Isa Lopez, click more...MORE
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NEW! — Take the Building Safety Tour!
This Sunday, January 18, after the service
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Join us for a special tour of our building this Sunday, January 18 — with safety in mind. This guided walk will highlight key areas including exits, safety features, and resources you may not have noticed before. Even long-time members often say, “I never knew this was here!”
Reed D., our Usher Coordinator, will meet you at the Welcome Desk in the Main Sanctuary Lobby following the church service to begin the tour. Come explore, learn, and feel even more at home in our shared space.
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NEW! — Make Your Voice Heard on the Invasion of Venezuela!
This Sunday, January 18, during social hour
Location: Fuller Hall
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Our Democracy in Action Team and the Peace Action Group invite you to visit either of their tables during the social hour to sign a petition protesting the immoral and unsanctioned invasion of Venezuela and similar power grabs. An identical petition will be at both tables. While you are there, please tell us if you would like to be part of a delegation of UUs meeting with our Congressional Legislators. The petition will be delivered to our members of Congress to let them know we are a concerned and active Unitarian Universalist church that is using the power of our faith to defend our democracy.
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NEW! — Letter from the Board: January 2026
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Happy new year to all, from your Board of Trustees!
The calendar is set for forums and meetings through the end of the year. Events will be held at noon in Eliot Chapel unless otherwise announced. Childcare will be available.
Plus, we're looking for another volunteer...MORE
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UUA Statements on Current Events
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Adult Our Whole Lives (OWL) 3-Session Class Forming NOW
Sundays, February 8, 15, and 22, 12:15 - 1:45 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian
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Facilitated by church member Bill C., Congregational Life Director Jen Thomas, and Lifespan Learning Director Rev. Leah Ongiri, Adult OWL is a holistic UU sexuality education program based in compassion, respect, justice, and spirituality. It balances knowledge-building with exploration of attitudes, values, and feelings about one’s own and others’ sexuality. Themes include Gender Identity, Intimacy, Reframing Sexuality, Consent, Boundaries and Boundary Violations, Family Matters, and Communication.
Class will meet 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 15, and 22. (Plus optional local field trip on March 15!)
Participants are asked to make a firm commitment to attend all sessions.
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Around the Church
Enjoyed coming to gatherings at First Unitarian Portland? Consider contributing to sustaining our community. Your support goes a long way in fostering meaningful connections. Thank you!
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NEW! — New in Your Beacon Bookstore
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We’ll be displaying a number of books related to the Our Whole Lives (OWL) classes for the next month. A couple for young people and more for adults. A few will be on the center display this coming Sunday, and more will show up over the next 2-3 weeks.Â
The new forest green First Unitarian t-shirts are in stock now for $25 each. We have all sizes from XS through 2XL. There are still some of the dark blue shirts left as well.
You may have seen New York Times best-selling author, John Fugelsang, on MSNOW last week (or check YouTube). His newest book, Separation of Church and Hate: A sane person’s guide to taking back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and flock-fleecing Frauds, is hitting the NYT lists. It’s only out in hardback at this time so we are taking orders for our store. The book is $30. That means $12 (40%) goes directly to the church if you order through us. We have an order sign-up at the Cashier’s table.
We’re always looking for recommendations! If you received a great new book for the holidays and think we ought to carry it, let us know! We have suggestion slips at the Cashier table.
Thank you to those newcomers who came to the bookstore last week! It was nice to welcome you and hope you come back soon!
To the “Oldcomers” – come on in and see what you’ve been missing!
Your coffee cup is welcome.
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CHECK WEEKLY — January 18 Newsletter
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and Family Ministries
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Everyone in our community is invited to worship on Sunday in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. After our all ages service, please stay for a community lunch in Fuller Hall. Visitors welcome! Regular full RE program will resume on 1/25...MORE
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Winter Antiracism Learning Circles
Dates & times vary, starting January 19
Location: Zoom
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You are invited to join an Antiracism Learning Circle this winter. It’s on Zoom, so you can join from anywhere. Invite your friends, too. Circles start the week of January 19.
Full descriptions, schedules & registration information are HERE.
A printable flyer is HERE.
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This Winter 2026 we are offering:
- Seeing White - Start your journey here!  The real history of the US, the one none of us were taught in school.  Documentary podcast series from Scene on Radio.
- The Land That Has Never Been Yet - an examination of whether we have ever had a real democracy. Documentary podcast series from Scene on Radio.
- Doughnut Economics - seven ways to think like a 21st century economist to thrive, not just grow
- Master Plan - The 50-year plot to legalize corruption in the US
- It’s Not You, It’s Capitalism - a guide to budding anti-capitalists
- This Chair Rocks - a manifesto against ageism
- Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America - and how to solve it
- The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story - a revealing vision of American past and present
LEARNING CIRCLESÂ are small discussion cohorts based on a book or podcast that provide:
- Important learning about white supremacy, racism, and our national history
- The opportunity to build trust and go deep in small group discussions over time
- A safe place to have difficult discussions and deal with discomfort
- An opportunity to create and strengthen relationships with others
- Connection, focus and purpose in a virtual setting
How Do LEARNING CIRCLES Work?
- Each cohort (typically 4-12) gathers for a series (from 6-12 sessions) of facilitated Zoom discussions.
- Register for specific Learning Circle(s). Meeting dates & times vary.
- Everyone is given the opportunity to share reactions, then discuss as a group
- We ask that you plan to attend all sessions so we can build bonds of trust and insight
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NEW! — Faithful Resistance: The Power of Noncooperation
Sunday, February 1, 12 - 2 p.m.
Location: Daisy Bingham room
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Join Dana Buhl, Director of Social Justice, and Mary Ann B. to explore how we Unitarian Universalists can participate in the larger movement to resist authoritarianism, grounded in our faith commitment and connected to our communities. We’ll learn about the local and national movement to build people power through the nonviolent strategy of “noncooperation.” This will be a 2-hour interactive workshop, and childcare is available.
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CARD Potluck
Saturday, January 17, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: SW Portland
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Join us for an informative potluck on Saturday, January 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Nancy P.’s house in SW Portland. Our in-home potlucks are a fun blend of socializing, eating homemade dishes, and collaborating on ways to continue improving access to reproductive healthcare. In this meeting we plan to focus on community fundraising.
Also make sure to visit our CARD table during the social hour on Sunday, January 18, to learn more about our social justice group. Please email Nancy P. for street address and your food offering. For general information regarding CARD or this meeting, email Marni T.
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NEW! — It's Tamale Time Again!
Orders accepted on Sundays, January 18 and 25, during social hour
Location: Fuller Hall
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For the last several years, members of IJAG have taken orders from First U congregants for tamales made by members and friends of Western Farm Workers Association in Hillsboro.
WFWA is an all-volunteer membership association of farm workers, seasonal workers, landscapers and others working in low-income, service positions. Agriculture is second only to high tech in its importance to the Oregon economy. Farm workers’ labor produces this economic and cultural value, yet farm service workers are treated as second-class citizens. When you purchase tamales, you are making a donation to fuel fairer working conditions and better living for our neighbors, so many of whom have been targeted by ICE in these times.
Food prices have gone up and the price of the tamales has to reflect that increase. Cash or check payment only.
The prices are as follows:Â
- $30 a dozen (12)
- $15.00 half-dozen (6)
Available in Chicken, Pork, Vegan—No mixed orders.
TAMALE PICK-UP: Sunday, February 8.
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Many Thanks from Avalon Village and Lift UP
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Staff from WeShine's Avalon Village and Lift UP wish to thank those of you who contributed to the COHHO holiday gift drive for Avalon Village residents and community and food drive for Lift UP recipients.
Because of your generosity, all residents received and opened the gifts they asked for on Christmas Eve. One resident wrote to her 'Elf': "I am so grateful for your kindness and will pass it forward."
We're happy to report that Lift UP received 80 pounds of food from First Unitarian in December, a 60% increase in the amount of food typically donated each month. đź’–
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Change in COHHO Meeting Time and Location
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We have changed our monthly meeting to the first Sunday of the month from the third Sunday. Our meeting location has consequently changed as well. For the rest of this church year, we'll gather at noon in the Fireside Room. Please feel free to join us; you don't need to RSVP.Â
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| UPDATED — Shower Project Requests
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Each week we offer unhoused neighbors a secure space to shower, enjoy a meal, get clean clothing, and experience refuge from conditions on the street.
We are always looking for more helping hands. Volunteers sign up for 2-hour shifts that work for their schedule - and enjoy meeting other congregants this way. If you're interested, please click here.
Your donations make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. We are in special need of the following items:
- Men's clothes, especially jeans/pants/sweats (30 - 36)
- Hoodies, sweatshirts, coats, and rain gear
- Boxer briefs - NEW (M, L)
- Women's underwear - NEW (S, M)
- Direct monetary donations
Drop off your items in the marked cabinet in Fuller Hall during Sunday church hours or during Shower Project hours (Wednesdays and Thursdays between noon and 4 p.m.).
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CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel G., Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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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.
Recorded live in Stockholm, 1968, Nina Simone dedicated her performance to King's memory. The song was written by her bass player, Gene Taylor.Â
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In the Community
Rev. Tom Disrud had his second hip replacement last week. After an overnight stay at the hospital, Tom is home and recovering well.
Member Julie Grice continues her rehab at Chehalem Health and Rehab Center in Newberg. She says she is getting better every day and actually enjoys her physical therapy and occupational rehab. She welcomes phone calls and visitors. She thinks she will be there for another couple of weeks.
Member Steve Kelley had a heart defibrillator inserted last week. He was discharged from the hospital on January 9 and is doing well.
The flowers last Sunday were in loving memory of member Jean Robinson. They were provided by Jean’s friends from her book club, which she was a part of for decades. Jean’s memorial was Saturday, January 10.
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- Contact a Minister: Our ministers are available for pastoral support to congregants in need and to officiate at rites of passages including memorial services and weddings. Call the church office at 503-228-6389, or send an email.
- Contact a Lay Minister: Lay Ministers support the pastoral work of the ministerial staff. They are church members who offer one-to-one caring and support for folks in times of need. Call the church office at 503-228-6389, or send an email. You can learn more here.
- Friend to Friend Outreach Program: This program provides connection to seniors and individuals who may be homebound and unable to attend church regularly. It offers members up to four in-person visits per year from a Lay Minister. Send an email to Lay Minister Steve K.
- Lotsa Helping Hands Support Network: This care calendar enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times. For support or questions, email coordinator Leslie C. To volunteer, send a request here.
- Join an Affinity or Support Group:Â Build community through our identity-based affinity groups and experience-specific support groups. Learn about them here.
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Do you have a birth in the family, a graduation, an anniversary, a memorial, or other milestones 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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January & February Art Wall ExhibitionÂ
Paintings by Nancy Helmsworth
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For the past seven years, Portland artist Nancy Helmsworth has found inspiration in Forest Park. She began looking to the trees as examples of longevity and resilience at the same time they are under assault by climate change and over-harvesting by humans.Â
She has since shifted her gaze to the creek running through the Bird Alliance and along Lower Macleay Trail in Forest Park, kulla kulla Creek, which means bird in the chinuk-wawa language...MORE
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Got something for Front Steps? Send in your church-related submission for our weekly publication. Submit it here (preferred) or email us here with "Front Steps" as the subject line.
Deadline: Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
If your submission is urgent and couldn’t be sent before the deadline, please include “URGENT” in the subject line.
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| January's Plate Share
This church year, we are focusing our Sunday plate offerings with organizations and coalitions with which First Unitarian Portland collaborates directly. For the month of January, we share our plate with the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty, of which we are a member. The Interfaith Alliance on Poverty is a faith-based community of congregations called by our shared social justice values to alleviate poverty. The Alliance works to educate ourselves and others about the systemic causes of poverty and advocate for changes in policies in partnership with experienced organizations.
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| Want to know what this church has to offer? Visit our Calendar by clicking above to see our list of events/classes/socials!
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