Join Us for WorshipSunday, November 28, 2021
| |
Family Service at 10 a.m. Â // Â Sanctuary Service at 11 a.m.
| |
What lessons can we learn from Earth’s rhythms to ground us and help us move through the coming winter? And what age old traditions are accessible to us to help us tap into these cycles?
| |
Family WorshipÂ
ONLINE ONLY -Â One Little Light
| |
The season of lights is upon us with the first night of Hanukkah occurring on November 28. Nicole will share the words of poets and writers who affirm that the eight-night festival of lights offers reminders to all that miracles still occur and a more just world is, indeed, possible. Dustin will lead our music, and Cassandra will share a meditation with us.
| |
In-Person Worship
As a Covid precautionary measure, congregants must sign up for each Sunday they'd like to attend in person. Â
| |
We still have room for you this Sunday!Â
Reservations for this Sunday, November 28, are open until Friday, November 26, at 9 a.m. If you miss the sign-up deadline, please know that there are a number of "non-reserved" seats set aside for Sunday mornings. Although there is no guarantee that seats will still be available, it's likely that some will be. You're welcome to come to the church Sunday morning and ask about a non-reserved seat. Of course, you'll need to show your vaccine card at the door if the church hasn't already seen it.Â
| |
We are working to make to the Sanctuary as safe and simple and satisfying as we can.
| |
Please treat each other and our dedicated volunteers and staff not only with respect but with KINDNESS. Every Sunday is a good day to have THANK YOU in your heart and on your lips.
| |
Staying Connected Blog
Tenders and Menders
| |
I’ve struggled with what to write today. I have too many thoughts to organize, and too few words to express all that is swirling in my heart and mind. How can I make meaning of the broken-heartedness I feel -- for my cousin whose 26 year old son took his own life earlier this month, for the crushing...continued.Â
| |
Meeting the New Day: 2022Â
| |
Thank you to everyone who has given in support of our "Meeting the New Day" campaign. Every pledge and every gift helps fund the life and work of the church. Please know that your gift here is cherished.
| |
We need to raise an additional $140,000 to fund our church for next year.Â
Help us by pledging a gift now!
| |
|
What's Happening This Sunday
Timestamps are Pacific Time (PT) unless stated otherwise.Â
| |
YOU'RE INVITED! - Tackle Climate Change Presentation
Sunday, November 28 at 9Â a.m.
| |
Join us for a debrief and discussion of the COP26 Global Climate Conference. We will review key highlights of the session and discuss what next steps are required of us as people of faith.
Community for Earth members meet on the 4th Sunday of the month to explore a topic in more depth.Â
| |
| Gmail Users: You may have to scroll down to the bottom of this message and click on "View Entire Message" to see the complete Front Steps.
| |
| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
| |
YOU'RE INVITED! - Alliance Presentation
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 10:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
| |
Join Nicole Bowmer, Associate Director of Family Ministries for a discussion on YRUU (Young Religious UU) and the 8th Principle:Â Shaping Our Youth's Understanding of Justice.
This virtual gathering is for ALL community members.Â
If you are not an Alliance member, click here to email the Alliance by Monday, November 29th at 5:00 p.m. for the Zoom link.Â
| |
YOU'RE INVITED! - Social Justice Community Gather-In
Sunday, December 5, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
| |
This monthly gathering is for ALL community members concerned and or engaged with issues of justice, whether or not you are part of a church action group. Join us for readings, music, reflection and time to get to know one another. Invitations for upcoming actions and community events will be shared. Our justice work is done in community, and we hope you will consider yourself a part of our UU justice community.Â
We look forward to being with you. From the Social Justice Leadership Team:  Rev. Abigail, Caitlynn Hill , Intern Minister Carter Smith, Dana Buhl, Leslie Pohl-Kosbau, Nikki Beezley and Sue Palmiter.
| |
|
Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
| |
Loving Kindness MeditationMonday's at 8 p.m.
| |
End your week with a brief quiet time of prayer, reflection, meditation and music offered by our Lay Ministers. Let this be a pause at the end of the week, to receive and to be held in love, without the need to converse. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. An ongoing commitment is not required.
| |
Vesper Prayer ServiceFriday's at 5 p.m.
| |
End your week with a brief quiet time of prayer, reflection, meditation and music offered by our Lay Ministers. Let this be a pause at the end of the week, to receive and to be held in love, without the need to converse. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. An ongoing commitment is not required.
| |
Art for Social JusticeThe Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and building the Beloved Community.Â
Curated by Ethel Gullette, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
| |
HEADS UP! - Support PHFS Families
Volunteer Opportunity
| |
Ho, Ho, Ho with COHHO! Want to help make this holiday season cheery for PHFS families? Then it's time to sign up to join COHHO in our annual holiday gift drive. Just click here to email Cynthia and she'll let you know the specific items that PHFS has requested.
| |
Action! - Blanket Collection to Support Western Farm Worker Association (WFWA) Holiday Gift Drive
| |
Each December WFWA provides gifts for children from 100 families. Soft cuddly blankets are often found on their gift list. If you wish to donate blankets (new only), please contact Mary Ann Barham or Laurie Lester to make drop off or pick up arrangements.
| |
Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) Presentation: Leaven Land and Housing CoalitionSunday, December 12, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
| |
Thank You First Unitarian!Sunday, December 19, at 7 p.m.
| |
Thank you to all who contributed to the PHFS Virtual Fundraiser held on October 8. You helped PHFS raise more than $240,000! They had so much fun going behind the scenes and giving viewers a deeper look into their Family Village. If you missed the live stream, you can find the recording here.
| |
Check out UU Animal Ministry!Sunday, December 19, at 7 p.m.
| |
The local chapter of the UU Animal Ministry meets monthly for online chats and to discuss ways that we can help the other species of the world. In November and December we are meeting a week early to accommodate holiday plans. Join our Zoom meeting if you want to participate.
| |
In the Community
David Steen, the beloved father of Rafaela Steen, and grandfather of Sahra, Toby, and Maya Boydsteen died on Nov. 4 at Mary's Woods in Lake Oswego where he received great care and support. David will be remembered as a role model for goodness and love, and we hold his loved ones during this time.
Hal Estry, a friend of our church, died in October at the age of 84. Hal was one of the Unitarian Universalists who lived at Willamette View retirement community in Milwaukie and was a regular attender here. We hold his family at this time of loss.
Tim Kenny, uncle of Community Minister Abigail Clauhs, died in an accident on Nov. 9 at the age of 51. Abigail asks for the congregation to hold Tim’s family, particularly his young children in prayer and in love.Â
John Millhorn, a beloved relative of members Carolyn and Dana Buhl, died on Nov. 7. He took his own life at the age of 26. Carolyn and Dana ask for your prayers for John’s Dad, Scott, who lost not only his son but his best friend.
Member Corbett Gordon welcomed a new grandchild into the world on Nov. 13. Beatrix Diana Meyer was born to Corbett’s daughter Diana Kolsky and her husband Murf Meyer. In the words of grandma, What a JOY!!!!
| |
Do you have a reason to celebrate? Say it with flowers!
| |
Thank you, Julia Spence, for your gift of Chancel flowers this coming Sunday, November 28, in memory of your mother, Elizabeth Zumstein Banner.
| |
Fresh flowers are again gracing the Chancel for Sunday services. Sponsoring those flowers is a way to support the church and acknowledge life events. Do you have something to celebrate from these last 18 months? If you had a birth in the family, graduation, a birthday, an anniversary, or a memorial, or other reasons, you can acknowledge it to the entire congregation by sponsoring a floral bouquet. As we reconnect with friends, say it with flowers on the Chancel.Â
| |
Moderator Letter:Â Dear Fellow Congregants
| |
It has been wonderful to be back in the sanctuary, seeing familiar faces “in 3D.” At the same time, we know that many of you are being cautious, and our virtual church remains strong and well-attended.
We thank all of you who have given a gift or made a pledge during our season of giving, Meeting the New Day. Your generosity makes this church and all we do possible. If you haven’t yet made your gift, there is still time. You can donate on the website or by calling the church office.
On Sunday, Nov. 14, we held our first Board Forum of the year. The topic was the three-year Church goals. We had a good turnout and received...continued.
| |
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.
| |
Plan Ahead for General Assembly Portland 2022June 22-26, 2022
Registration for in-person attendance is now open!
Registration for online attendance opens March 1.
| |
GA registrants receive access to all workshops, performances, lectures, and events listed in the GA Program. Registrants will have exclusive access to a chat room, recordings of previous streams, and dedicated support.
If you wish to sign up to volunteer at GA for 20 hours in lieu of the registration fee, be sure to signup here. Positions fill up quickly!Â
| |
Having trouble viewing our services through the website?
Find our Live Streams on Boxcast, Youtube or on Facebook.
| |
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.
| |
|
|
Sunday Live StreamÂ
& Social Schedule
Join us LIVE from your computer or smart device.
| |
November Shared Plate For the month of November, we share our plate with the Immigrant Mutual Aid Coalition (IMAC). In September 2020 when devastating wildfires and hazardous smoke affected much of Oregon, IMAC quickly pulled together community members along with immigrant rights and...continued.
| |
Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and  stay engaged!
| |
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.
| |
Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
| |
|
