| Sunday ServicesSunday, December 15: Services at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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The Master's ToolsRev. Bill SinkfordHow does a faith that proclaims all are worthy relate to a world of winners and losers? Charity? Resistance? Denial? Solidarity? What religious questions can empower our engagement as assumptions are called into question and we all search for hope?
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Bill's BlogCornbread & Gratitude
Cornbread was on the menu last night at my evening meeting. The host had made the cornbread the “right way,” the cast iron skillet heated in the oven first so that the batter sizzled as it was spooned in. Baked in the skillet. Served with butter.
The soup and the salad were excellent but it was the cornbread that filled my spirit. Made the way my mother and grandmother made it. The definition of comfort food for me.
It may not be cornbread for you, but almost everyone has foods that take them back, foods that smell and look like comfort, foods that taste like love ...Continued
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Winter Solstice ServiceFriday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.
Winter Solstice is a time of darkness moving toward light. What can we learn from this time of rest, renewal, and looking forward? As we gather on the longest night of the year, let us honor both the light and the darkness of this season of our lives. Please note, service is on Dec. 20 this year, not Dec. 21.
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Christmas PageantSunday, Dec. 22, only one service at 11:15 a.m.
All are warmly welcomed at this wonderful and joyous service put on by the children of our congregation. Originally presented in 1924 in honor of the first Christmas in our then-new church on the corner of SW 12th Ave. and Salmon, this pageant in its various iterations has been an annual tradition here at First Unitarian.
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Christmas Eve Services
Tuesday, Dec. 24
“Holy Night”
4 p.m. Family Service
8 & 10 p.m. Candlelight Services
‘Each night a child is born is a holy night.’ On this night when we light candles against the dark, we come together to affirm that each child born can be a redeemer and that all of us can be redeemed.
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Sunday, Dec. 29
One service only: 11:15 a.m.
"For a New Beginning"
Rev. Thomas Disrud
“We can never be born enough,” the poet e.e. cummings once wrote. As we approach a new year, what might each of us be preparing to birth in our lives? What invitations are we hearing and what are they asking of us?
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The Complete Alliance Greens Sale '19–LAST day!
Sunday, Dec. 15
Margaret Fuller Hall and Buchan Atrium
The primary site is Margaret Fuller Hall, but we have a selection of our items in the Buchan Atrium as well. You can buy holiday wreaths (only in Margaret Fuller), some of the wide variety of donated treasures, boutique items made by church members, and luscious goodies from Alliance kitchens.
Join in the fun that raises money to be quickly given away to social service agencies and for special projects here at First Unitarian.
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Social Justice Sunday: Holiday Giving TreesSunday, Dec. 29, 1–2:30 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
Join us in fellowship as we gather to sing holiday songs, sort our gifts from the Giving Trees, and learn about the organizations with whom we share our gifts. This is a family-friendly and open for all ages!
Grab some dessert or make a holiday card during the program!
Dora's Tamales for sale before the event from 12:30–1 p.m.
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Holiday Giving Trees–*LAST CHANCE!
Collecting Gifts through Sunday, Dec. 15
Sanctuary Narthex/Lobby & Buchan Atrium
In collaboration with the Learning Community and the Social Justice Program, First Unitarian Portland participates in gift giving for the holiday season. Consider bringing a gift on behalf of our community!
The Learning Community will be collecting mittens, socks, scarves, and hats for local organizations that focus on children and families.
Mental Health Action Group will be collecting gift cards for those living with mental illness for Central City Concern. They have very few choices in their lives; and you can empower them with up to a $30 gift card. Pick up a tag that has a specific request starting Sunday, Dec. 1 at the Sanctuary Narthex/Lobby Giving Tree. Please bring the gifts back to the Mental Health Action group table in Fuller Hall by Sunday, Dec. 15, with the tag attached.
Questions? Call Rosebud Kirwin-Alvord, 503-645-8227.
*Animal Ministries will be collecting pet food, dog coats, collars, jackets, etc. that will go toward the Paw Team to benefit low income and houseless pet owners. These donations will be extended to Dec. 29.
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All Church Holiday Vegan PotluckSunday, Dec. 29, 1 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
The event is free! Please bring a vegan dish or dessert to share that does not contain animal products (meat, dairy, egg, or honey). This can be a main course, side dish, or dessert; let your vegan intuition lead you.
This will be a fun event with songs of social justice from folk singer Daniel Redwood and an open mic to share your thoughts, resolutions, or reasons why you are trying out the vegan lifestyle. Paw Team donated items will still be accepted at this event! Please bring your new or gently used collars, leashes, doggie coats and sweaters, and other companion animal supplies and we will deliver them to the wonderful people at PAW Team.
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Mindful Movements for EveryoneThursdays, Jan. 2, 23; Feb. 6, 20, 6–7 p.m.,
Fireside A303
Have you ever wanted a spiritual practice that is dynamic? This joyful movement practice is for all bodies, ages, and abilities. Combined with a blend of world music, each class has a theme that will guide you through a simple intention for your practice.
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Pop-Up Pantry: Getting Involved!Sunday, Jan. 12, 10:30–11:15 a.m. (between services)
Channing Room
Interested in volunteering for our new on-campus food pantry program?
The Pop-Up Pantry will be held the second Tuesday of the month beginning Feb. 11 in A108.
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Registration Open! Seminary for a Day: Spiritual Practice for Difficult Times
Saturday, Jan. 25
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Are you yearning for greater depth in your spiritual life?
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BookstoreSpilling the Light, the 2019 UUA in Spirit Meditation Manual, has just been released by Theresa Soto. We have many other volumes in this series, including To Wake, To Rise by Rev. Sinkford. Each title is just $8.
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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History comes to life!The Archives and Mosaic Restoration Committees have installed a display case across from the information desk next to the Eliot Chapel.
Come see artifacts from the Children’s Mosaic: historical pictures, tiles, and rusted brackets.
Then check out the restored mosaic in the courtyard.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Look for our new Winter/Spring Paths to Engagement in late January.
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Help End Gun Violence Whereas the people of the state of Oregon find that gun violence is unacceptable at any level, and want to, among other actions, restrict the availability of high-capacity magazines, regulate the availability of semiautomatic assault firearms, institute a 5–day waiting period, reestablish a 21 year old age requirement and more.
Join the Economic Justice Action Group at their social justice table on Sundays in qualifying three new initiatives by Lift Every Voice Oregon for the Nov. 2020 ballot to do all of this and more.
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Runaway Inequality on Sale Just in Time for Holiday Giving!What causes the ever–increasing income/wealth gap between the very rich and the rest of us?
Find out why and what we can do about it with a copy of Les Leopold’s newest book, Runaway Inequality, an Activist Guide to Economic Justice. Now half price (just $10) at the First Unitarian Portland book store. 100% of proceeds go to support Oregon delegates to attend the Poor People's Assembly in Washington, D.C., June 2020.
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Our Eighth Issue of Speaking of Justice: Faith In Action E-Magazine Is Here!
This issue explores disrupting white supremacy culture. Learn why we believe transforming a culture and its system of white supremacy is liberating work, is spiritual work, and is important to help live out our faith as Unitarian Universalists.
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Christmas Tree Workers–Help Send Their Bodies to GuatemalaThe Immigrant Justice Action Group offers prayers to all who were injured in a crash in Salem on Nov. 29.
Pedro Sosa, Immigrant Rights Director of the AFSC, provided this information: A group of 13 Christmas tree workers were on their way home from work when their van collided with a pickup truck in Salem, OR. Andres Alonzo-Canil, Miguel Alonzo-Lucas, and Diego Lucas-Felipe lost their lives. The bodies will be flown to Guatemala City where they will be reunited with their families. Please help us help them; 100% of the funds will be given to their families.
Click here to give. Thank you to all for your generosity.
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Planned Parenthood Annual 2020 LuncheonFriday, Jan. 24, 11:30 a.m.
Hilton Portland Downtown
This year’s theme is a powerful one … “ WE WON’T GO BACK” Keynote Speaker is Judith Arcana, Reproductive justice activist, member of the pre-Roe underground abortion service known as JANE, poet, and author. This event provides much-needed financial support for the work of our local Planned Parenthood organization serving the Portland area. Tickets are $150 each and you can purchase your ticket online or by check in the mail or credit card over the phone with Rachel Monfils at 503-788-7274. However you choose to submit payment, please indicate to PPCW that you are purchasing a seat at a First Unitarian Table and indicate any dietary restrictions when you purchase your ticket.
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Interested in Becoming a Learning Community Teacher?
Visit the website to learn more about our classes!
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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. Contact Aaron for more information.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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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.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
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Doris Kuhns, mother of member Victoria Fairham Wheeler and grandmother of former member Laura Klysek, died on Dec. 2 at the age of 96. Doris’ daughter, Grace Kuhns, died just seven weeks ago. Doris was the mother of four children, six grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. A memorial is planned in Michigan in the new year.
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Nancy Weisel, sister of member Sanderson d’Salix, died on Dec. 6, after living with ALS for two years. She had joyfully travelled around the sun 67 times. Please hold her children in your thoughts and prayers.
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Member Marilyn McFarlane welcomed a great-granddaughter into the world on Dec. 3. Evelyn Elizabeth Raffety, was born prematurely, weighing 2 pounds, 12.2 ounces. She will be in the hospital for some time but is doing well and her lungs are fine, if a lusty cry is an indication. Her parents Jamie and Logan attend the UU Fellowship in Corvallis. Our prayers for her well-being are appreciated.
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From Your Board of Trustees: Senior Minister TransitionDear Congregants,
Our Senior Minister Bill Sinkford has recently shared that he will be retiring in less than two years, at the end of our church year–June, 2021.
It has been a wonderful journey with him as our Senior Minister since 2010. Our lives and our church are blessed with his leadership and spirit. Like many of you, I am sad when I think of his leaving. And yet, I’m heartened when I think about what our church has accomplished in the last decade, and I realize that our future with a new senior minister can and will be a bright one!
The Board of Trustees has been preparing for this transition since last year. We’ve looked internally at the health of our church and our progress toward our mission and goals. We’ve consulted externally with the UUA (including the UUA’s Western Region Office) to make thorough plans for our transition period. We’ve hired as consultant, Susan Beaumont, a nationally known expert in large congregation ministerial transitions ...Continued
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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, Dec. 8 Attendance:1st Service: 266
2nd Service: 390
Musicians: 27
Total: 683
Livestream: 93
Grand Total: 776
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Contribute to Chancel PoinsettiasSponsor beautiful greens and poinsettias for our Chancel seasonal display in honor or memory of a loved one.
Write a check for $16 to First Unitarian Portland and send it to Zaida Cooper at the church office. Include your name and the person you are honoring or memorializing.
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Help Welcome Out of Town VisitorsDo 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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| UU Animal Ministry (UUAM)
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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 fourth Sunday from 12:30 –2 p.m. in the Fireside room in A303. Visit our table in Margaret Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays.
Questions? Ingrid Gjestvang. || Website
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Contemplative Practice Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., Channing Room. We start with a 20-minute meditation session and then discuss a check-in topic about a spiritual value. Then we do a modified version of lectio divina, using a poem instead of a religious text. We listen as one person reads the poem, focusing on a word or phrase that catches our attention, then we look over the text and listen while another person reads it aloud. After that we share how we reacted. All are welcome. Questions? Connie Cleaton.
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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. Questions? Michael Wade || Website
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| Ending Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial Justice (EMI/ARG)
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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 1:30–3 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.Starting in February, 2020, IJAG will meet on the fourth Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. in room A108. Join them to learn how you can engage in immigrant justice.
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Queer Pride
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 GroupGroup meets in the Eliot Chapel, 7–8:30 p.m on Wednesdays. 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. Questions? Contact Mary Ann Harman.
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Mental Health Action Group (MHAG)MHAG 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 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 (PAG) Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Tess Beistel, Terri Shofner, Brianna Bragg. || Website
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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 Yarn Crafters
2nd and 4th Thursdays each month, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
The Yarn Crafters are wanting to expand to include crocheters. Yarn provided. All levels welcome.
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, 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. Now welcoming new members. Questions? Kim, 503-869-1486. III: First and third Wednesdays at 10–11:30 a.m. Now welcoming new members. Questions? Dorothy, 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 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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SNOW? ICE? FREEZING RAIN?
To see if an event, class, service, or rehearsal has been cancelled, check the church website, Facebook page, or call the church office at 503-228-6389 and listen to the recorded announcement for details about cancellations or delays. Remember, your good judgment is your best guide!
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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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For the month of December, half of our plate will go to our church’s Emergency Fund for Members. This fund helps members facing some kind of critical need like loss of housing, utility shutoff, or some other unexpected, necessary expense. It is part of how we build the Beloved Community in our congregation.
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