Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
RE Holiday/No classes for children and youth: Older children and youth are welcome to attend the service. Nursery and toddler care is always available during our worship service. Learn about our program and read RE news here.
Social Hour:Â Fuller Hall after the service.
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It is a beautiful thing to experience a sense of belongingâwhether it is the spiritual work of learning to belong to oneself, the joys of belonging to a community, or the moral awakening that comes when we recognize we belong to the earth and to one another. Poet David Whyte calls it âone of the great triumphs of human existence.â This week, weâll explore what that sense of belonging asks of us in return. What tasks and responsibilities are we called to once we recognize ourselves as a vital part of a greater whole?
This Sunday, the Portland SAGE Singers will provide our music in their inaugural public performance. Founded in October 2024, the Portland SAGE Singers is a Queer+ elder choir. Ages 55+, this chorus' mission is to promote the value of Q+ Elders and Allies and bringing joy to our world through song, storytelling and community building. Conducted by famed GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association) conductor, Dr. Timothy Seelig, the SAGE singers uplift the value and worth of all folks through the lens of Queer+ vocal excellence and joy.Â
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Ministerial BlogHighlights from the Year
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As we move towards the end of our third year of shared ministries here at First Unitarian Portland, I am conscious of all the ways that 2024 â 2025 has been filled with renewal, inspiration, and commitment.
Last Sunday was a prime example: We honored our Coming-of-Age Students (7th and 8th graders) in a special service celebrating the community they have built together and hearing their thoughts about the meaning of this church and the values that guide their lives. We were witness to a soaring presentation of FaurĂŠâs Requiem by our choirs and instrumentalists in our Music & Worship service. We shared in the business of running this spiritual village at our Annual Forum where we had the chance to hear how the staff and volunteers have furthered our work of putting love at the center of our lives.
There were a number of brief reflections shared that highlight all we have done together, the ways we are healing and growing, and the ways we are shaping a bright future with one another. I encourage you to click the links below to check these out, if you missed any of them on Sunday. Each link goes directly to that particular reflection...MORE
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NEW! â What is Your Response to the Nursery Rhyme that Asks...
Friday, June 6, 9 - 11 a.m.
Location: Salmon St. entrance
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How does your garden grow?
Do you have tea roses, lavender, zinnias, tulips, or peonies? We're accepting donations of these flowers to create arrangements for Danielle's ordination and reception on June 7.
Contact Marti Y. for details and additional information.
Flowers can be dropped off at our Salmon St. entrance on June 6 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Flowers used in the ordination will be used the following day (June 8) for the flower communion.
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Looking for Volunteers: First Share
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Each year we bring our garden treats
Apples, daisies, plums and beets.
Weâll share the joy of giving free
With this Beloved Community.
This year it starts June 28
And runs âtil fall â thatâs quite a spate.
Just show up right after the service
And help yourself â donât be nervous.
All that color, what a scene!
Would you be able to help Christine? (Email here!)
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SAVE THE DATE! â Danielle's Ordination
Saturday, June 7, 2 p.m.
Location: Main Sanctuary
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We are delighted to host Danielle Garrettâs ordination on June 7 at 2 p.m. in First Unitarian Portlandâs Main Sanctuary.
Please visit the Ordination page on our website to RSVP and for all the details and ways to help with the planning and volunteering.
You can also make a financial gift to help cover the cost of the ordination festivities at this link.
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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! SAVE THE DATE â Learn About Unitarian Universalism Beyond Our Walls
Sunday, June 1, 1 - 2 p.m.
Location: Fireside Room (A303)
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Gather together in the Fireside Room (A303) to talk about our relationships with other Unitarian Universalists beyond our church. How do we connect to neighboring UU congregations, the UUA Pacific Western Region, and the national Unitarian Universalist Association? Come help with the rejuvenation of the Denomination Relations Committee. How can our church fulfill our covenant with other UUs and congregations?
For questions, contact Art U.
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NEW! â Your Beacon Bookstore Has Hundreds of Gift Choices!
Location: Fuller Hall
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The Bookstore is a great source of thoughtful gifts for Mothersâ Day, Fathersâ Day, for kindergarten or university graduation, for someoneâs special birthday, or just to let someone know you are thinking about them. We have some recent arrivals in the Poetry and Meditation sections, in Childrenâs Books, and in current hot topics. We carry several brands of greeting cards, including lovely one-of-a-kind art cards.
If you havenât browsed our Bookstore in the southwest corner of Fuller Hall recently, youâre in for a treat! There is something for everyone. Bring your coffee cup and take a look.
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CHECK WEEKLY â May 25 Newsletter
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and Family Ministries
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Dear Ones,
One of my favorite neighborhood walks is through a tiny historic cemetery, where holiday-specific grave dĂŠcor helps mark the time of year. In honor of Memorial Day, American flags have already popped up at the gravesites of US military who died while serving.
Whether or not you and your loved ones mark Memorial Day with traditional observance, this might be a season where parents and other caregivers find themselves in the position of wanting to have frank, kind conversations with their young people about war-making and how to live in a world that contains violence...MORE
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NEXT WEEK â Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub and Statewide Impact
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Join CFE for an online presentation and dialogue on how the Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub is a ticking time bomb.
Why it is a statewide danger? The Hub stores 90% of the liquid fuels used throughout the state. Storage tanks sit on unstable ground within two earthquake zones. Millions of gallons of combustible fuels border Forest Park. In the event of an earthquake, the area would be prone to fires, releases and emissions which would travel down the Columbia River. It would be extremely difficult to transport these fuels elsewhere in Oregon.
Learn about bills pending in the legislature right now that could help mitigate this risk and how you can help get them enacted.Â
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NEW! SAVE THE DATE â Come Learn How You Can Protect Democracy!
Every Sunday during summer starting June 1, during social hour
Location: Fuller Hall
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Are you concerned about the nationâs slide toward autocracy? Are you looking for things that you can do to protect democracy at all levels of energy and time commitment? Whether you're interested in protesting, contacting your legislators, learning more about a particular issue, or finding fellowship with like-minded congregants, we have you covered!
Starting June 1, please come visit the Democracy in Action Corner after the service to learn more.
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UUJME Information & Events
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Learn more from UUJME on recent actions and relevant upcoming events:
- Petition to end U.S. military aid to Israel
- Benefit concert for the people of Gaza (May 30)
- Meeting of First U's UUJME chapter (May 27)
- Showing of the film The Palestine Exception (May 29)
- "A History of Palestine and Israel" course (June 2 - 30)
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NEXT WEEK â EMO Collins Lecture on "A Call to Justice: How Faith Communities Can Support LGBTQIA2S+ Rights"
Thursday, May 29, 7 - 9 p.m.
Location: Pendleton Center for the Arts or online
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Ecumenical Ministries of Oregonâs 2025 Collins Lecture will explore the duty and responsibility of faith leaders to protect the human rights of all people and what that looks like specifically for our LGBTQIA2S+ neighbors. Guest speakers from the faith community will share their unique perspectives on LGBTQIA2S+ rights. Following a brief presentation from each speaker, they will engage in a facilitated question and answer session.
Click here to visit the EMO website for event details and registration.
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NEXT WEEK â Benefit for the People of Gaza
Friday, May 30, 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6)
Location:Â Main Sanctuary
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Join Our Food Drive
Location: Fuller Hall
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Thank you for helping to make a difference in the health and well-being of the many who are food-insecure by responding to our request for food donations.
We delivered them to Lift UP, a local non-profit that distributes food to individuals and families in the pantry they operate (Prestonâs Pantry) and in 50 affordable housing buildings in Northwest and Downtown Portland.
Sadly, the need continues. So, please remember that fact the next time you go food shopping. And purchase whole grain pasta; brown rice; low-sodium broths, veggies and sauces; canned tuna, salmon or meat; nut butters, and/or shelf-stable milks. Then drop off the items in the COHHO bins located in Fuller Hall by the kitchen. Every two weeks we will gather your donations and deliver them to Lift UPâs warehouse. Or, you can make a financial donation directly to Lift UP.
Thank you so much!
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CHECK WEEKLY â 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.
Rising Appalachia is an American Appalachian folk music group, led by multi-instrumentalist sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith. Their commitment to uniting art with activism and community engagement led to the inception of the Rise Collectiveâa diverse assembly of performers, educators, activists, and artists. The Smith sisters' dedication to leveraging their art for positive change and cultural development remains at the core of their creative ethos. To watch the music video for their song "Resilient," click the video below:
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In the Community
Travis Lay and his family, who just moved to Portland this spring, are mourning the death of Travisâs dad. Larry Lay of Somerset, Kentucky, died earlier this month at the age of 86.
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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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May/June Art Wall Exhibition
Artwork by Julian Hunter
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Julian Hunter has been painting for the past sixty years. He has developed a painting method that harnesses the latest color pencil & acrylic layering, a technique to empower the painter with a high degree of artistic control that has never been possible before.
As an artist, he has come to believe that beauty is not out there waiting to be discovered. Rather, beauty is created by the human act of noticing and appreciating natural wonders. He feels that his primary task as an artist is to notice and to appreciate the hidden secrets of natural beauty in nature's purest form, and only then to share his experiences with others through his interpretation.
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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The Alliance: The Alliance provides regular opportunities for fellowship, life-long learning, and spiritual growth for its members as well as service to the church and larger fellowship. Learn more about our program and monthly presentations here.
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 fourth Sunday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Fireside and via Zoom. Contact Marni T.
Connect & Reflect:Â Join Rev. Alison Miller and Jen Thomas on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of most months through June from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. on Zoom. Come share in conversation centered on the topic of the most recent sermon. Look for the discussion question during Sunday morning preservice slides and our weekly Order of Service.
Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO): We meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month after services. Contact Cynthia S. for details or to be added to our email list.
Community for Earth (CFE):Â We meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month before worship services (hybrid) and on the 4th week of the month at rotating times. Contact our group or visit our calendar for details.
Contemplative Practices: First Thursdays and third Thursdays from 1 - 2:30 p.m. This is a drop-in group. Any silent sitting practice is welcomed and no prior meditation experience is needed. Contact Patty C. and Ron W. or visit the event page for more information.
Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG): Check the IJAG page on the church website for ways to get involved and groups that need our energy and gifts. For meeting info, contact Laurie L.
Lotsa Helping Hands: A care calendar that enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times. To join, send a request here. For questions or to receive support, contact Leslie C. or Susan P.
Mental Health Caregivers Group: Second Wednesday every month via Zoom 7 - 8:30 p.m. Email Ellen Z. for more information.
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: Sojourners and Sojourners 2 are two groups that meet for two hours at First Unitarian. Members support each other through aging with facilitated discussions, activities, personal stories, and social events, fostering growth and friendship. All are welcome, but both groups are limited in size; no drop-ins, please. Email Lucy G. with questions.
"Tâ Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: A group for anyone who identifies along the transgender spectrum. There are no requirements for medical transition status or gender presentation to attend. People who are questioning their gender and parents of trans kids (and their kids, too!) are welcome. We meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room, shortly after the service until around 1:00 PM. Questions? Email Aileen.
Wednesday Night Meditation: Every week from 7 - 8:30 p.m. All mindfulness and Buddhist-based meditations. Beginners welcome. A thirty-five-minute meditation followed by a member-led discussion to increase understanding and integration of Buddhist principles into our daily lives. For the link, contact Robert S.
Women's Circle II:Â Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim S.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month. Email Anne M.
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Got something for Front Steps? Send in your church-related submission for our weekly publication. Use "Front Steps" as the subject line and email us here.
Deadline: Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
If your submission is urgent and couldnât be sent before the deadline, please include âURGENTâ in the subject line.
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| This Week's Shower Project Requests
Since opening our doors last year, the Shower Project has had over 1,200 guest visits, 600+ showers, and 1,050 clothing closet visits!
Your donations make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. All donations are greatly appreciated. At this time, we are in special need of the following items:
- Snacks (chips, granola bars, etc.)
- Packs of men's white t-shirts (M & L)
- Boxer briefs (M & L)
- Colored pencils, pencil sharpener, drawing paper, watercolor paints
- Men's pants (32-36)
- Hoodies
- Backpacks
- Blankets
Please bring your items to donate to the cabinet in Fuller Hall, next to the kitchen. Thank you for your support!
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