Sunday ServicesSunday, Sept. 2: Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.This will be the last Sunday of summer services in Eliot Chapel. We will return to the Sanctuary on Homecoming Sunday, Sept. 9.
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Like a Bridge-Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald
We are not always traveling along paths of sure footing. There are times when we have to cross bridges to move from one path to another or from one shore to the next. We will look together at some of the ways traversing these distances lead us ever more to fully integrated and full lives. (Rev. FitzGerald served as our intern minister in 2016-17)
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Support Our Learning Community
Calling all adults who are interested in the spiritual journeys of our young people! Co-leading a class in the Learning Community is a good way to explore your spirituality as well as help young people discover theirs. We are happy to work with your schedule and availability to support your involvement. Please contact Rev. Mary Gear or Cassandra Scheffman for more information.
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Membership Enrollment Ceremony
Sept. 2, 10:15 a.m., Channing Room (A101). If you’re ready to become a member, please bring your completed enrollment and pledge forms. Enrollment kits are located in our literature racks.
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Can you help First Unitarian to Open a Rapid Response Respite Center for Asylum Seekers?First Unitarian Portland has been asked to provide temporary shelter for asylum seekers who are released from detention at Sheridan Prison. Innovation Law Lab, in cooperation with APANO and the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ), has formed a rapid response Respite Network. First Unitarian is answering the call. We would like to open the First Unitarian Respite Center AS SOON AS POSSIBLE in the space formerly occupied by 13 Salmon Family Center. We need your help to make this happen. We will provide short-term (1–3 days) shelter for asylees as they transition out of Sheridan Prison. We expect there to be anywhere from one to six asylees at a time. With the advocacy of Innovation Law Lab, each of the men has secured a credible fear interview qualifying them for the asylum process. They will have been released on bond and need respite shelter until their travel date to their sponsor site outside of Oregon. Most of the men we will house are from Central America, and a few are from Mauritania and Eritrea. The need is immedate, and will likely run through the first or second week in October. Proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, or Eritrean are helpful, but don't let language stop you from stepping up to this call. The Law Lab can provide translation services where needed. Are you able to fulfill any of these roles? - Procuring single beds for the center (ideally 6 beds) and helping to set up the Center
- Staying overnight from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. (male volunteers especially needed; Spanish proficiency helpful)
- Serving a 4–6 hour daytime shift to welcome and host asylees, help with on-site laundry, serve meals
- Cooking meals to bring to the Center
- Providing rides to the airport, train, or bus station
- Coordinating material needs (clothing, toiletries, towels, care packages)
- Cleaning
Write to Lena Lee at helena.lee37@gmail.com as soon as possible to let her know which of these needs you can fulfill. Please help us answer the call of love! Thank you!
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You Can Ring Our Bells!
Enrollment for our handbell choirs is now open. All of our ensembles are now truly intergenerational, with opportunities for ringers at every age and every level. Reach out to our new Associate Director of Music for Handbell Programs, Amanda DuPriest, at adupriest@firstunitarianportland.org to get signed up!
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The Annual Summer Vegan Potluck Picnic Is Back!The signup list is full for the Sept. 2 Annual Summer Vegan Potluck Picnic. You can still contact idings@comcast.net to be put on a wait list, but otherwise we hope to see you at other First Unitarian Portland plant-based events.
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Alliance Luncheon
The Alliance will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch in Buchan will be catered by Elephant’s Deli with Italian fare. The price is $14 and includes dessert and beverage. To reserve: email allianceRSVP@firstunitarianportland.org or call Jean Omelchuck at 503-493-9412. In Eliot Chapel at 12:30, organist Joe O'Donnell will discuss the history of First Unitarian Portland organs, showing slides, and giving a demonstration. Then, let there be music!
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COHHO
The Committee for Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO) is accepting gift cards for families from 13 Salmon who have moved to Lents. Please help get their lives off to a great start by purchasing gift cards from Fred Meyer, Safeway, and Target. These can be purchased at the SCRIP table in Margaret Fuller Hall. That’s all you need to do. A COHHO member will pick up and deliver the following week.
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Soul Box Sundays
Each fourth Sunday, meet the Soul Box team in Daisy Bingham Hall during coffee hours, to make a box, or two, or more. Why are we making these boxes? The project is to bring more awareness to the scope of the public health issue of gun violence. We are contributing to a state-wide campaign to collect and display 36,000 boxes (representing the average number of people shot and killed per year in the United States) in the Art Gallery at the Oregon State Capitol in Feb. 2019.
The Peace Action Group has accepted the challenge to contribute 400 boxes per month by Feb. 2019. Help us meet and exceed that goal by coming to the coffee hours, but also by making boxes at home. In fact, we at First Unitarian Portland have already contributed over 1,000 boxes, and the majority of those boxes came from individuals, some of whom hold box-making parties at home. Stop by the Peace Action table for a flyer on how to hold a party, and instructions on box making.
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Immigrant Justice Action Group
Join us, Wednesday, Sept. 12, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. for an informative meeting about Ballot Measure 105 which, if passed, would overturn Oregon’s sanctuary state law. Speakers from Oregon United Against Profiling will help us learn about how this measure would impact our 30-year history as a sanctuary state. Let’s support the No on Measure 105 campaign and resist tactics of hate and fear. Tamales and chips will be served. Location TBD. Questions and RSVP to Ann Zawaski at annzawaski@gmail.com
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Men’s Community Evening Out
McMenamins Raleigh Hills Pub, Tuesday, Sept. 11, from 7–9 p.m. This is the first of the Men’s Community monthly get togethers of the new church year. Will keep you posted on the when and where.
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Where Will You Be on Sept. 15?The board of Oregon Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice hopes you answer, “At the annual OR UU Voices for Justice Meeting." OR UU Voices for Justice strives to unite all the UU congregations in Oregon to give voice to our shared desire for economic, social, environmental, and political justice. And therefore, we gather once a year to bring our voices together at our annual Justice Meeting. This year’s theme is: Our Children, Our Future We will feature a youth panel discussion. Additionally, there will be time for raising up our voices in song, for lunch, and breakout sessions. Take a look at our conference agenda here.
Learn more here.
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Africa Connections Is Hosting a Sale by Quilts for EmpowermentSunday, Sept. 16, in Margaret Fuller Hall, following both services. Proceeds go toward strengthening self sufficiency in Kenyan female survivors of obstetric fistula surgery and sexual abuse.
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Report Back from Faith Floods the DesertSunday, Sept. 16 from 1–2:30 p.m. in Buchan Reception Hall.
Please join members of our First Unitarian Portland delegation to the border for an inside look at their journey. There will be an opportunity to ask questions after they reflect on their call to action. Faith Floods the Desert was an action of solidarity with No More Deaths/No Más Muertes, a volunteer organization that provides humanitarian aid to migrants crossing from Mexico to the United States by foot through the desert. We returned earlier in August and are excited to share a more in-depth presentation.
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Interested in Wellspring Program This Fall?Wellspring is a 10-month program of spiritual deepening that will be offered beginning next month. In the program, participants are asked to work towards a daily spiritual practice; to meet twice a month with a small group to engage with topics ranging from UU history to world religions; to prepare for those gatherings through readings; to meet with a spiritual guide or mentor; and finally, to reflect on how all of those things affect our spiritual lives. We still have some spaces in the program for this year. There will be a Tuesday afternoon group and also a Tuesday evening group. They will meet on the first and third weeks of the month, beginning in October. There will also be an introductory retreat on Sept. 22.
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Register now for the Fair Housing Council of Oregon Historic Bus TourTuesday, Oct. 9 from 7:45 a.m.–12 p.m. Optional debrief and brown-bag lunch 12–2 p.m. Thanks to a generous gift from a First Unitarian Portland congregant, our Social Justice, Family Ministries, and Adult Faith Formation programs are collaborating to offer this inter-generational tour of the Civil Rights Housing History of Portland. The tour is run by the Fair Housing Council of Oregon and is designed to look at Portland civil rights history and how it relates to the challenges we face today. The four-hour bus tour visits sites throughout Portland and features personal stories from guest presenters with first-hand experiences to share. Adults (18 & older): $35; 22 seats available. We invite those who are able to pay more to help support the Summer 2019 YRUU Civil Rights History Pilgrimage to Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Financial ability should not be a barrier. Seats are limited, so we recommend adults register here as soon as possible. For questions about adult seats, please contact nbeezley@firstunitarianportland.org.
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September's Art WallJan Katz is featured on the Art Wall in September. Come see the range of her work, from abstract to realistic, all filled with joy and energy. See more here.
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BookstoreWhite Fragility by our own Beacon Press has just been published, and it is already #8 on the New York Times bestseller list. It is recommended reading by our Social Justice Group, and we’ve got copies. Justice on Earth has just been chosen as the 2018–2019 UUA Common Read. We have copies of that, too. Lots of other great books to choose from also–see you at the bookstore.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Learning Community, Music & Arts, Social Justice
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#MeToo Women's CirclesThis fall we will be offering Reflection Circles for women who want to connect with other women and explore their experience of patriarchy. We'll begin registration in September, with circles beginning later in the month. Stay tuned for more information!
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First Share Every Sunday
Enjoy every Sunday through September. Bring your overabundance of produce and flowers to exchange or give to the First Share table in Margaret Fuller Hall. Everyone is welcome to take something home!
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Nursery and Childcare Available
The Learning Community Summer Program ended last Sunday. Childcare for children 3 years and younger is available this Sunday during both services. Regular programming for our children and youth resumes next Sunday, Sept. 9.
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Homecoming Sunday Is Sept. 9!Classes for preschool through high school kick off on Sept. 9. Returning families are encouraged to register children in advance to avoid the lines on Homecoming Sunday. You may register online at www.firstunitarianportland.org/learning/children-youth/. If you're new, please plan to visit before deciding to register. Go to the Eliot Info Desk for more information. Teaching Positions Still AvailableWe still have a few volunteer teaching positions to fill before we kick off the new church year. Co-leading a class in the Learning Community is a good way to explore your spirituality as well as help young people discover theirs. We are happy to work with your schedule and availability to support your involvement. Please contact Rev. Mary Gear or Cassandra Scheffman for more information.
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Seeking Paid Childcare Providers
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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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 start the first Tuesday morning or second Tuesday evening in September. Program classes meet once a 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.
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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 bed and a simple breakfast. Proceeds go to the church. To learn more, contact Ruth Robinson: mickrob@comcast.net or 503-246-2131.
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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.
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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!
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| 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! As the summer progresses, 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
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Board of Trustees—The Board has been on summer break and will resume regular monthly meetings on Sept. 6.
As always, please check out the Board's main webpage for the latest time/location for all Board-related events.
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Naming First Unitarian Foundation in Your Will or Estate PlanHelp assure the long-term sustainability of this beloved congregation by including First Unitarian Portland in your will or estate plan.
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Sunday Attendance1st Service: 122
2nd Service: 179
Live Stream: 92
Musicaians: 25
Total: 418
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Yarn Donations Needed
The UU Knitters, who meet at the church on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month to work on projects for the benefit of the community, is getting low on donated yarn. We are looking for yarn of any type–wool, cotton, and synthetics. Please bring donations to the church office, and staff will get them to the right place. Thank you!
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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 photos@firstunitarianportland.org or click here.
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Ongoing GroupsThe 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.
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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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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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| 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.
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Caregiver Support GroupWe usually meet the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May. We do not meet during the summer and will resume Sept. 23, 2018.
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| Children's Mosaic Restoration Group
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| 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 Mary Andrews and Ellen Vanderslice.
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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.
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| 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.
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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. Contact: Michael Wade for more information.
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| Ending the New Jim Crow—Healing the Justice System Usually, monthly on the fourth Tuesday, 6:30–8 p.m., B302. Questions? Kathryn Scotten.
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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)
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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.
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Meditation Group
Wednesday Night Meditation Group continues every Wednesday, 7–8:30 p.m., Eliot Chapel. Beginners welcomed. Questions? Mary Ann Harman.
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Monthly Grief GroupGrief 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 1:15–2:45 p.m. in room B304 of the Buchan building. Facilitated by Rev. Rick Freeman and Sophia Douglas.
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| 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.
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| Peace Action Group Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Tess Beistel, Terri Shofner, Brianna Bragg.
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| Quilts of Love Group
Monthly on the third Thursday, 12–1:30 p.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? Anna Thorn, 503-720-1984.
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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 Knitting GroupThe knitting circle meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month during the church year. Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.
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| 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.
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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? Albert Starr.
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UUA Outreach GroupMonthly 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 CirclesI: First and third Mondays at 7 p.m. Questions? Tess Beistel, 503-257-2042.
II: Second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. Questions? 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.
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Update Your Records with UsHave 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 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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Sunday Livestream
Join us LIVE from your computer or smartphone on Sunday at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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For the month of September, our shared plate recipient is Innovation Law Lab, a team of lawyers and advocates who work where the threat to human rights is greatest, where people and legal systems are most vulnerable to attack. Lawyers from ILL are representing 80 asylum seekers currently held in Sheridan Prison. They have secured positive decisions on 100% of credible fear interviews for these detainees and are working for their immediate release. Our church is partnering with ILL to transfer the asylees from prison to their sponsoring hosts. Our witness, words and actions make a huge difference by focusing on the need for due process–elevating humanity over fear and liberty over tyranny.
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