| Sunday ServicesSunday, September 22: Services at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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All Are Welcome! Hmm…Really?
Guest Minister Rev. Carol Thomas Cissel
Unitarian Universalism claims to WELCOME ALL to our congregations and communities. We say that we embrace, engage, and WELCOME ALL genders, races, sexualities, classes, ethnicities, skin-tones, shapes, and sizes–regardless of class or education. We loudly proclaim that we can/will/do, “…take in the world in all its complexity and diversity…” (Rev. Rob Hardies). But, is this true? Have we lovingly flung our doors wide open to WELCOME ALL? If not, what is holding our hearts hostage? And, why are we pushing the world away?
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Rev. Carol Thomas Cissel is the settled minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County in State College, PA. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion and a Master of Science in Nonprofit & Association Management from the University of Maryland, University College. Before moving to Pennsylvania to join the UUFCC congregation, she served UU congregations in Maryland, California, Washington State, Oklahoma, and New Jersey.
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Bill's BlogLet Us Build TogetherThe theme of Radical Hospitality/Welcome this month has been an opportunity for truth telling about work we need to do. Our guest preacher this Sunday, Rev. Carol Cissel, will bring her own message about welcome to add to our resources as we engage this issue.
Neither the Unitarian nor the Universalist sides of our tradition provide great theological depth in this area, historically. Universal salvation (our Universalists heritage) was rarely translated into a radical welcome of difference in this world. It was the dramatic decline in Universalist membership during the early 20th century that impelled them to consolidate with the Unitarians. Through much of their history they were worried about keeping who they had rather than reaching out. Race was a particular problem for them.
The Unitarians, at the mid-point of the last century, were beginning to grow and engage questions of difference. It was called “Unitarian Advance” led by A. Powell Davies of All Souls in Washington, DC, whom I quoted extensively last Sunday. That growth was more geographic – into the expanding suburbs – than demographic. Davies argued that merger with the Universalists would drain energy around outreach and growth. And it did ...Continued
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Staff Recital SeriesOur music ministry program is thrilled to introduce a recital series, which will feature members of our talented music staff between services in Eliot Chapel, usually on the fourth Sunday of every month.
We begin this Sunday, Sept. 22, with our organist Joe O'Donnell, and works by Leo Sowerby and Russell Woollen. Please join us!
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Younger Adult Leadership MeetingSunday, Sept. 22, 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Channing Room
Join us this Sunday for our first YAC leadership meeting of the church year. Snacks, coffee, and tea will be provided. Newcomers are welcome. We invite everyone to our leadership meetings because every one of us is a leader in this group.
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First Share!Bring your overabundance of produce and flowers to exchange or give to the First Share table in Fuller Hall.
Everyone is welcome to take something home!
Details: Every Sunday through September.
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Climate Crisis: Take Action Together
Friday, Sept. 20, 9:30 a.m.
Meeting at the Eliot Chapel
We are joining Portland youth for a climate strike, rally, and march on Friday, Sept. 20, to demand meaningful climate action. On this date, youth from Portland and across the globe are striking in solidarity to end the age of fossil fuels.
Unitarian Universalists from across the region will gather on the front steps of Eliot Chapel at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, to walk together to Terry Schrunk Plaza, where we will join youth from around the city organized through ClimateStrikeOregon.org.
At 10 a.m., EcoFaith Recovery is organizing a brief service for faith communities to demonstrate our commitment to climate justice. The youth-organized rally will begin at 10:30, followed by a march across the Hawthorne Bridge to the Eastbank Esplanade near OMSI. Organizers plan for a full-day climate festival with speakers, artwork, music, climate movement orientations, and community-building activities.
For more information, visit the Community for Earth table in Margaret Fuller Hall, click here, email Linda Craig, or call 971-285-1505.
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The Transformative Power of GriefSaturday, Sept. 21, 2–4 p.m. (registration begins at 1:30 p.m.)
Willamette View, 12705 S.E. River Road, Portland 97222
Presented by Dr. Jessica Thomas, Professor, Lewis & Clark College and Joanne Smith Petrie, Hospice Chaplain.
Free event sponsored by the Oregon Memorial Association, founded by members of First Unitarian Portland.
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Nourishing the Spirit: Practice for the Long Haul with Rev. Katherine JeschSaturday, Sept. 28, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Room A108
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Poets at the TableSunday, Sept. 29, 4–6 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
Please join the Committee on Hunger & Homelessness (COHHO) for a fundraiser to support Clay Street Table, which feeds the downtown homeless. Three distinguished Oregon poets will be reading their poems and talking about why they became poets. The three poets are Andrea Hollander, Oregon Poet Laureate Emerita Paulann Petersen, and John Brehm.
Tickets are $25. Email an RSVP for the event here.
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Removing the Mystery: Gender Diversity 101Tuesday, Oct. 1, 6:30–9 p.m.
This workshop, led by TransActive Gender Project, is designed to assist in a better understanding of gender identity development, cultural gender myths and stereotypes, and their impact on gender diverse and transgender children.
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Family Pumpkin ProjectSaturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m.
Dear families, join the fun for our 10th annual family social service project. We will be meeting Saturday, Oct. 5, to pick pumpkins at Al's Garden Center in Wilsonville. We’ll then wash them at the Stewarts' home with a snack to follow.
On Sunday we will need help unloading the pumpkins at church and selling them after each service. This is a great way to have your children involved doing a social justice project with the church. The proceeds will go to our Immigrant Justice Group.
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A Walking History Tour, Unitarians of River View CemeterySunday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m., River View Cemetery
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Transforming Hearts: Welcoming in CongregationsSaturdays, Oct. 12, 26, Nov. 2, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
First Unitarian Portland’s Lay Ministers will facilitate this program for allies. This course, which explores gender and welcoming at First Unitarian, was created by transgender Unitarian Universalists with UU congregations in mind.
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Oregon Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice 10th Annual Meeting
Register now and join with others! Our voices are needed to help stem the tide of fascist growth, global warming, racism, sexism, human rights violations, and economic hardship.
Speakers:
- Human Rights: Reverend Richard Davis, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem
- Immigration: Alaide Vilchis Ibarra, Executive Director, Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ)
- Climate Justice: Leonard Higgins, Climate Activist, Board Member UU Ministry for Earth
- Deepening Our Democracy: David Delk, Board Member Oregon UU Voices for Justice, Co-Founder of Oregon Honest Elections
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Art WallStan Carpenter's photography is featured on the Art Wall in September. Come see the dramatic shots of architecture, landscapes, and nature.
The Art Wall’s mission is to integrate art into the spiritual life of First Unitarian Portland by providing a venue for congregants to be moved by quality artwork from artists within the church and throughout the metro region.
Come down to Margaret Fuller Hall any Sunday and see it in person!
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BookstoreA new church year, a new selection of books.
Wellspring books are in stock; books to support experiences of transgender individuals; and wonderful new children’s books.
Bring in your expiring ChinookBooks to share last-minute coupons in Margaret Fuller Hall after both services Sept. 29 and Oct. 6. New ChinookBooks and apps are also on sale at our bookstore.
Our bookstore (which started life in a closet in the 1960’s) has grown to a vibrant, welcoming respite for all congregants and visitors to First Unitarian Portland.
It supports the spiritual mission and principles of our church with offerings to stimulate and broaden our thinking as we move along our spiritual path, and help us better understand Unitarian Universalism.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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The Learning Community 2019–2020 Registration Is Now Open!If you are a returning family, check out our website to find our online form, or just click below to register your child/children for the 2019–2020 church year classes.
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Interested in Becoming a Learning Community Teacher?
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Sunday Afternoon ChildcareWe offer childcare for all ages each Sunday from 1–3 p.m. while you attend an event or meeting at church. Request care for your child(ren) at the Eliot Info Desk by 1 p.m. that day. Staff are released at 1 p.m. if no one has requested care by then.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Join Our Sunday Morning Hospitality Team!Imagine the smiles on our congregants’ faces as you serve up fresh coffee on Sunday mornings. Offer a variety of teas, juice, and occasional crunchy snacks. Become a member of our Sunday coffee host team by choosing a regular Sunday each month to volunteer, or offering your help as a substitute when called upon. Either one would be much appreciated. Excellent training is provided by our experienced volunteers.
Email John in the front office or call him at 503-228-6389 x102. Or just stop by the Fuller Hall kitchen on Sunday morning and add your name to the list.
This is a great way to get to know folks!
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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 Maina Ptolemy at 503-803-8991.
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| Seeking UshersUshers are needed. Looking for a way to serve in our community? Consider being an usher one Sunday a month. You’ll be part of a team that is the welcoming face of the congregation. For information, see Dev Dion after services on Sunday or contact him by email.
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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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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
Member Melinda McGann had successful surgery on Sept. 12 to repair a leaky mitral valve in her heart and is now continuing her recovery at home.
Sara McKenzie happily and proudly reports the marriage of her daughter Jenny to Zakir Parpia on September 1.
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Welcome back to the new church year!
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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, September 15 Attendance:1st Service: 198
2nd Service: 351
Musicians: 39
Total: 588
Livestream: 90
Grand Total: 678
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Putting Radical Hospitality to the B & B Test
A UU couple from Hawaii/Rhode Island is seeking accommodations for themselves and their two chocolate labs for a month to six weeks beginning in early October. They are considering a move to Portland and want to investigate our city. They (and the dogs) have excellent references from Airbnb hosts they’ve stayed with in the past. If you could help them, or want more information, contact Ruth Robinson.
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Give the Joy of Flowers for Sunday’s Service
Have you ever wondered where the beautiful Sunday morning flowers come from each week? You can be one of the generous donors of the chancel flowers.
If you have an upcoming birthday, anniversary, or memorial that you’d like to recognize, what better way than to provide flowers in honor of your loved one?
For details about giving flowers for the chancel, contact Marsha or call her at 503-954-3534.
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Help Us Be a Welcoming CongregationDo you have a spare bedroom you are willing to share with other UUs visiting Portland for a few days? You would provide a bed, a bath, and a simple breakfast. We often have more requests than hosts! More hosts are needed in NE Portland, but anywhere in the city is good.
Remember our program if you are having out-of-town guests who need housing. For details, contact Ruth Robinson.
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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 MatterAt 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 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 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 GroupWe 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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| Animal Ministry Group
We normally meet 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 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 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.
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| Contemplative Practice Group Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., A301. We 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 Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial JusticeWe usually meet 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)The Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) meets the first Wednesday of the months of September–May, from 2–3:30 p.m. in the Channing Room.
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! Questions? Contact us here.
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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 nights
Group meets in the Eliot Chapel, 7 –8:30 p.m. Silent meditation for 30 minutes, followed by reading and discussing a book by a Buddhist author. Please email with your phone number if you are considering coming. Mary Ann Harman.
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Mental Health Action GroupMHAG 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 third Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Buchan Building.
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Quilts of Love GroupThird Thursday meeting is now 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 Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Tess Beistel, Terri Shofner, Brianna Bragg.
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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. 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 at 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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| 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. We are currently welcoming new members. Questions? Kim, 503-869-1486. III: First and third Wednesdays at 10–11:30 a.m. Now welcoming new members. Questions? Call Dorothy at 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.”
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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Traffic from Race For the Cure This Sunday!
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Sunday Parking ReminderU-Park: SW 12th between Main and Salmon: No charge Sundays, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. NOTE: This parking lot is free only on Sundays until 4 p.m.
City Center: SW 11th and Main: No charge Sundays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m
Lawyer’s Lot: SW Main between 12th and 13th: No charge Sundays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. This lot is never available weekday evenings.
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In the spirit of September's spiritual theme of "Radical Hospitality," we share our collection plate with Rahab's Sisters. To create community with those marginalized by poverty, houselessness, sex work, violence, or substance use, every Friday Rahab's Sisters open their doors to anyone who identifies as a woman, or whose gender identity makes them vulnerable. All are encouraged to come as they are to share a homemade meal seated together. The heart of Rahab's Sisters is the community created together every week through activities, conversations, and human connection.
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