Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Learning Community Classes at 10:30 a.m.
Childcare is available during our worship service for children six months to 3 years old. (in the nursery.)
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service
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There’s plenty around us to fear. What do we do with that? Does fear hold us back or can it propel us forward?
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Minister's Column
Priorities for the Year Ahead
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We are meeting right now to discern the priorities for the budget for the year ahead. I have been involved in conversations with our Board of Trustees and Executive Team, with our Staff Team, and with many of you at the January Q&A update. We are discerning what we hope to be able to do together in the coming year, July 2024 – June 2025. (See the priorities below.)
We are very fortunate to be a congregation with about 800 adult members and 160 children and youth in our Learning Community. We have the people power and the pledging power to do a lot...continue reading.
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Interested in Serving as a Lay Minister?
IN-PERSON: Sunday, February 11, Noon 'til 1 p.m. //
Location: B101
ONLINE: Tuesday, February 13, from 7 - 8 pm via Zoom
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Lay ministers play an important role in the pastoral care offered in our congregation. They work in partnership with the called ministers of the church to companion congregants through difficult times including transitions, illnesses, and spiritual challenges. That support happens through one-on-one support as well as through small groups that lay ministers help to facilitate.
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PICK-UP REMINDER — Tamales are Here!
Sunday, February 11, after the service
Please come to the IJAG table to pick up your orders. Pre-orders only.
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A huge thank you to First Unitarian folks!
WFWA uses this money to support members in the winter months of low employment, high utility bills, monthly rent, and medical expenses. IJAG thanks you for your generosity.
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NEW! — Midwinter Awakening Labyrinth
Sunday, February 11, from 9:30 a.m. 'til NoonÂ
Location: Buchan Reception HallÂ
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It has been a time of deep darkness,
not knowing or seeing which way to go.
But now, day by day,
the light begins to grow.
— Kayleen Abso
February first marked the Celtic festival of Imbolc, the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is a time to celebrate the coming of spring and the reawakening taking place in the earth and ourselves. Musician and poet Kayleen Asbo calls it a “threshold time that transcends all opposites.” It is in this spirit that we will offer February’s labyrinth walk.Â
Walk the labyrinth, use one of our finger labyrinths, journal, or sit in contemplation as we discover what is blooming inside us as the light returns.
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GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE SEWELL LECTURE — Steve Phillips: Securing a Multiracial Democracy
Explore the vital mission of securing a multiracial democracy and ending white supremacy for good.
Tuesday, February 27
Doors 6 p.m. || Event 6:30 p.m. || Reception 8 p.m.
Location:Â First Unitarian Portland, Sanctuary (1211 SW Main St.)
From The Sewell Social Justice Lecture
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Following his talk, Steve will be joined by Oregon organizers Reyna Lopez of PCUN and Elona J. Wilson of Next Up to explore how liberation is being won in Oregon. Meet the speakers and join us for the reception after the event!
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Online tickets $15 || At the door $20
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NEW! — Poulenc, Mahler, Bernstein - A Lenten Concert
An Evening of Reflective Music
Wednesday, February 14, at 7 p.m.
Location:Â First Unitarian Portland, Eliot Chapel
From First Unitarian's Music Ministry
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First Unitarian's Music Ministry offers this reflective evening of music to help usher us into this Lenten season, taking stock of all we can release, all we can give, and all we have left to explore.
- Francis Poulenc - Quatre motets pour un temps de pénitence
- Gustav Mahler - "Adagietto" from Symphony No. 5
- Leonard Bernstein - "Meditation No. 1" from Mass
- Samuel Barber - Adagio for String
- Jake Runestad - Cello Songs
- First Unitarian Chancel Choir
- First Unitarian Parker Bells
- Erin Ratzlaf, cello
- Joe O'Donnell, organ
- Garrett Bond, piano
- DeReau Farrar, Director of Music
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NEW! — Name Tags Request
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Name tags can be picked up at the First Connections Table in Fuller Hall during the coffee hour after Sunday Services.  Watch for announcements that name tags are ready for pickup.
Your patience and understanding are much appreciated as we roll out this new system!
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Upcoming Classes, Events & Gatherings
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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RESCHEDULED — Beyond Ceasefire: The Current Landscape and Future Horizon for Palestine and Israel
Monday, February 12, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location:Â First Unitarian Portland, Eliot Chapel
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| Dr. Mark Braverman is an author, speaker, and activist for Palestinian rights. Braverman is an American Jew raised with a strong attachment to Israel. He has come to understand the terrible costs of the Zionist project for the Palestinians and for the Jewish people.
Learn about:
- The context for October 7th: Jewish history, Zionism, and Palestinian resistance
- The furor over antisemitism
- The history of church struggles and why the churches matter today
- What’s next? Return to the status quo or a new future from the river to the sea?
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ONLINE WEBINAR — Palestine Teach-In for Health Equity
Tuesday, February 13, at 6 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom
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| Arab Healthcare Workers and Friends, in collaboration with First Unitarian Portland, invite you to a unique and insightful webinar focusing on health equity in Palestine.
SPEAKERS
This engaging event will shed light on the healthcare challenges faced by the Palestinian community and discuss ways to promote health equity.Â
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FILM — Advancing Racial Justice Action Group Presents…Stranger At The Gate: A Story Of Grace, Transformation, and HopeÂ
IN PERSON: Sunday, February 18, 12:15 p.m. (Snack and Social Time) || Film & Discussion 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland, Buchan Reception Hall
ONLINE: Tuesday, February 20 || Film & Discussion 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom (RSVP for the link)
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| A 2023 Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary Short Film, “Stranger at the Gate” is based on a true story. An Afghan refugee named Bibi Bahrami – and the members of her little Indiana mosque – come face to face with a U.S. Marine who has secret plans to bomb their community center. But Mac McKinney's plan takes an unexpected turn. This film, directed by Joshua Seftel, is a story of grace, transformation, and hope.
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NEW! — COP28: End of the Beginning or Beginning of the End?
Sunday, February 25, Food and tabling after the service || Talk begins at 12:30 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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| Cutting through the media hype, what did the COP28 Global Climate Summit actually accomplish? What work remains? What can people of faith do to accelerate climate action and justice?
Community for Earth is excited to welcome Michael Jung, founding executive director of the ICF Climate Center and Portland resident. He attended COP28 and will share his observations. Nora Apter from the Oregon Environmental Council will engage him in lively conversation. Come to participate in an insightful discussion and explore challenging questions, including your own, about climate challenges and opportunities.Â
Light lunch – cash donations appreciated. Childcare provided.
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FRIDAY VESPERS — Find a Space for Stillness
Offered each Friday from 5 - 5:40 p.m. via Zoom
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| End your week in a quiet online space of music, poetry, reflection, meditation, and prayer. If you would like a weekly reminder email, click here.
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Comprehensive Mental Health First Aid Workshops: Building a Supportive Community
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This two-part workshop aims to equip individuals with valuable skills to assist those going through challenging times. Open to ushers, greeters, hospitality volunteers, and all congregants interested in making a positive impact.
Part One – Building Foundations (via Zoom)
Wednesday, February 21, at 7 - 9:30 p.m.
- Explore often-overlooked factors influencing mental health.
- Enhance your ability to identify and support individuals facing mental health challenges within the congregation and beyond.
- Delve into the impacts of trauma and toxic stress on the brain.
- Discover how each person can make a meaningful difference.
Part Two – Mental Health Matters (In-person)
Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Engage in discussions about culture and mental health.
- Learn effective approaches for working with unhoused individuals experiencing chronic conditions and practicing harm reduction.
- Gain insights into working with those who have experienced trauma.
- Participate in group practice time to reinforce learning.
Attendance is required for both sessions. These workshops benefit church volunteers and impart skills that can be applied in personal lives and interactions with friends and family. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to the well-being of our community!
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Learning Community E-News — Love-filled News for You and Your Family! 💖 Get Connected with Us!
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation & Family Ministries
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Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours. Read on for all the news--and let me know if you need help getting connected around here. We have lots of opportunities for people of all ages to get plugged in. I bet we can find the right one for you...continue reading.Â
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DONATION OPPORTUNITY — Donate Clothing for our Unhoused Guests
Drop-off: Fuller Hall (right of the kitchen door)
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The 13 Salmon Shower Project launched on Wednesday, January 24! Thank you to all who have helped us get off the ground by volunteering and donating to our efforts. We are now seeking clothing donations for our unhoused guests.
We are collecting new or gently used T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, jeans, coats, hats, socks, and packages of new men's large and medium boxer shorts.Â
Special requested item: BeltsÂ
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YOU'RE INVITED! — IJAG Community Building Schedule: Alternating Meetings and Lunch Gatherings
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In keeping with our eight principles and as social justice allies, our mission is to support and enhance the rights of refugees, migrants, and immigrants in our community. We provide information and promote understanding and engagement of our fellow UU congregants to these ends.
In order to build community for the work we endeavor to do together, IJAG maintains an alternating schedule of meetings.
The schedule for the rest of the program year:
- Lunch Gathering at Elephants
Monday, February 19 (Presidents Day Weekend) at 12:30 p.m. || Location: Elephants Delicatessen on S. Corbett. There is ample parking and easy access from most parts of the city. Pay for your lunch downstairs, and then join us in the big dining room upstairs for business and conversation.
- Social Justice Democracy Fair
Sunday, March 17 || We'll be tabling after the service. Come by and see what we're about!
- Lunch Gathering at Elephants
Monday, April 15 at 12:30 p.m. || Location: Elephants Delicatessen on S. Corbett
- Sunday Gathering at Church
Sunday, May 19, at 9:30 a.m. ||Â Location: Channing Room
- Lunch Gathering at Elephants
Monday, June 17 at 12:30 p.m. || Location: Elephants Delicatessen S. Corbett
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In the Community
Member Cindy Cumfer's brother, Neil Cumfer, died on January 27 in Columbia, South Carolina, at the age of 73, of prostate cancer. He was Cindy's "Irish-twin brother" (meaning he was born less than a year after Cindy). He was Cindy's companion through the many moves their family made during their childhood and a very sweet person. Cindy says, "I am really missing him."
Friends of former member Carol Gardner were saddened to learn of her death from liver cancer on January 9 in Vancouver, BC. A longtime Portlander and an energy efficiency engineer, Carol was active in the First Unitarian community before retiring to Canada several years ago. Her roles within our church included helping to found the Good Times committee and membership in a UU women's group that had an annual retreat at the Oregon Coast. At her request, her ashes will be scattered at Cannon Beach.
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An Ode to Barry Sutton: Smart, Intransigent, “Absolutely Unique”
By Daniel Forbes
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 The Oregonian declared Barry perhaps "the most unusual man in the city." An advisor, yes, to politicians and an effective homeless advocate, Barry was a member of numerous faith communities and an inveterate attendee of readings, lectures and concerts. He traveled the city by his bike draped with his possessions, a gentle, intransigent soul with a fierce yearning for Justice. As the hundreds of people who attended his memorial attest, he both enriched many lives and supped fully himself of what life has to offer.
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Barry with older brother Tim and cousin Linda, circa 1955. Credit: Courtesy of Linda Stief
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"Did he gaze down in grudging approval on the disparate throng in a lovely gray chapel Or was it all a bit much, a printed program even, two-hundred mourners usurping his story? For one of many things Barry Sutton insisted on was writing his tale with his own pen And just why did so many busy, accomplished, housed Portlanders gather thus To mark the passing of a seeming no-account with no roof – it begs explanation...Explore the New Mystics page to discover a compilation of poems honoring Barry Sutton, written by Daniel Forbes."
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Check Out our Beacon Bookstore in Fuller Hall During this Sunday's Social Hour!
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We have many new books, old favorites, and classics from which to choose...not to mention a wonderful assortment of greeting cards.
Your Bookstore is a perfect place to find gifts that will last a lifetime. Our selection of books for children and youth is top-notch! Some even become family heirlooms! Your coffee or tea cup is always welcome.
About 35% of our sales (100% of our proceeds) go to the general church fund.
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Are You Going Through a Tough Time?
Would it help to talk with someone?
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| Our Lay Ministry team offers caring listening for people going through grief, illness, isolation, depression, job loss, relationship issues, or other life challenges. Meetings are confidential and can be one-time or ongoing, depending on the person's needs.
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I am Marilyn Mays (she/her), and I have the privilege to serve on your Board of Trustees. I joined the Board at the beginning of the Pandemic. When I woke up this morning, I had a song running in my mind. I could hear David Bowie singing “Ch-Ch-Ch Changes”. I have to say that when I agreed to be on the board, none of us knew what was in store in the near future. For me, the last few years have been an incredible learning opportunity, and I have my Board service and connection with the Choir and Social Justice Programs to thank for much of that. I also understand that these years during and since the pandemic have not been that for all, and so appreciate the work our congregation continues to do to help those whose lives have been devastated by the societal and personal changes...continue reading.
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Sharing Our Hearts' Treasure
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There's still time to pledge! A heartfelt "THANK YOU!" to all who have already pledged for the 2024 calendar. And if you haven’t given yet, you can help us with these efforts by making your pledge before the holidays if at all possible. EVERYONE'S support is deeply appreciated.
Make an online pledge below or pick up a paper form at the Board's table at Fuller Hall during social hour.
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MEET THE ARTIST! — Beyond Boundaries: The Artistry of Sandra Rowe
THIS SUNDAY, February 11 || Noon to 1:45 p.m.
Gallery Location: Fuller Hall
Activity:Â Art Wall will host Sandra Rowe, the featured artist for January/February, to discuss her artwork. All are invited!
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Sandra Rowe is a visual artist, writer, consultant, curator, and educator. Born in Richmond, Indiana, Sandra Rowe received a Bachelor of Arts from CSU Fresno in 1977 and a Master of Fine Arts from UC Irvine in 1980. She has exhibited in Japan, Paris, Cuba, and Nigeria, as well as in many museums across the United States. Rowe has also produced various public art installations in Southern California.
Rowe’s art focuses on the experimentation, questioning, and overall integrity of ideas. She goes beyond the usual standards of artmaking and breaks down boundaries to develop and display her ideas, such as those of race, gender, relationships, and human nature.Â
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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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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.
Curated by Ethel, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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Alliance Presents… Every first Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in Eliot Chapel. More information.
Beloved Community of Color: Every second Thursday evening and fourth Saturday morning of the month. Email for more info.
Caregivers Support Group: Open to Newcomers. Fourth Sunday of each month at 9 a.m. via Zoom.
Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD): We meet on the third Sunday of each month. From 12:15 – 1:45 in Fireside.
First Connections: We meet once a month on the third Sunday for all new and returning folks! This is set up as a brown bag lunch. And it is a terrific way to meet new folks that are just coming into the community. For questions and to RSVP, email Pat.
Sojourners:Â Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: Meets monthly on the second Thursday from 1 - 3 p.m. Email Lucy for questions.
"T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: Meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room at noon.
Women's Circle II:Â Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Questions? Contact Anne. (We are currently on pause from accepting new members.)
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Have a Submission for E-News?If you have a church-related submission you would like published in our weekly Front Steps (E-News), please submit it here with subject line “For E-News.”
Submission deadline is noon on Tuesdays.
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February Shared PlateÂ
This church year, First Unitarian shares our plate offering with organizations dedicated to uplifting the care and dignity of people experiencing homelessness.
Founded in 1999, Street Roots publishes a weekly social justice newspaper sold by people experiencing homelessness and poverty to earn an income. Each week, about 200 Street Roots vendors purchase copies of the newspaper for 25 cents each, then sell them on the streets of Portland for $1, keeping the profits. More than 800 vendors sell the newspaper during the course of a year. Some Street Roots vendors become ambassadors who are paid to do additional work, including public health outreach, surveys, and training. Based on these work experiences, Street Roots links ambassadors with community partners for new jobs.
Streets Roots advocates for systemic change by drawing on the expertise of vendors who experience homelessness and poverty and the editorial department's investigations.
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Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and  stay engaged!
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Trying to find connection with those in the congregation with similar interests?
Contact one of the many groups run by members of the church and connect.
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Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
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