Rev. Meg Barnhouse, Guest Minister
Rev. Meg Barnhouse, Guest Minister
Thursday, August 12, 2021

Join Us for Worship this Sunday

Sunday, August 15, 2021 // 10:15 a.m.

Live Stream Sunday's Service Here

Talking with Intention
Rev. Meg Barnhouse, Guest Minister

As we get back into the habit of having conversations in person, the concept of “right speech” from the Buddhist tradition might offer some lessons for us. 

The Rev. Meg Barnhouse is senior minister of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, Texas, and the author of several books, including Did I Say That Out Loud? Musings from a Questioning Soul (Skinner House, 2006). She is also a humorist and singer-songwriter.

Sunday's Order of Service

Staying Connected Blog

Risk and Hope // Director of Music, DeReau Farrar

I think I have mentioned in one of these before that I am a natural risk-taker. I think I’ve also mentioned that I am not a particularly hopeful person, generally. I usually believe that hope breeds disappointment and nurtures complacency. In any case, whether I’ve mentioned these things or not, I would doubt that any of this is a surprise to most of you by now. And yet, as we approach September 1st - the day choir rehearsals are scheduled to begin for our in-person worship services that soon follow - I find that both of these impulses in me are challenged.

I am a risk-taker without even really trying to be one, and yet, not to the extent that I am willing to put our choristers at unreasonable risk to their health....continued.

Featured News & Events

Timestamps are Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) unless stated otherwise. 
Check out our Events Calendar for First U gatherings.

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ADDED DATE! - Air Conditioner & Fan: Drive & Drop-Off
Saturday, August 14 // 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Location: 301 NE Knott, Portland, OR

The Emanuel Displaced Persons Association (EDPA2) will be collecting new fans, air-conditioners and air coolers again. They will be delivered to vulnerable Portland residents.
Reports say that some died in their homes because they did not have air conditioners and/or fans. This does not need to happen again! 
Can't be there to drop-off? Consider donating!
For questions contact EDPA2. // Facebook Event

Questions and Answers with Rev. Bill Sinkford

Email Questions by Saturday morning, August 21
On Sunday, August 22, Rev. Bill will respond to questions from the congregation for his sermon. Is there is a question you have been wanting to ask about the church, about Unitarian Universalism, or about our liberal religious spiritual path?  Ask away!  

Welcome to First Unitarian with Rev. Thomas Disrud
Sunday, August 29, 11:30 a.m.

Are you new to First Unitarian Portland? We are so glad you are here. This virtual class will offer an orientation to the church, to Unitarian Universalism and what it means to be a member. This will be a chance to meet other newcomers and to have your questions about the church answered.
Register for the Zoom Gathering!

Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes

BIPOC Models of Ministry: Forum with Rev. Jen Simon

Tuesday, August 17, at 5 p.m. Pacific Time
First Unitarian's Beloved Community of Color invites people of color to join the Rev. Jen Simon, Racial Justice Minister, for a DRUUMM members forum and discussion on BIPOC Models of Ministry--specifically the Mountain Top, a BIPOC ministry co-created out of a collective of Colorado congregations.
Become a member to attend. // Questions about the event? Want to join and get plugged-in to First Unitarian's BCC? Contact Lia.
Click Here for More Information

General Assembly 2022 Theme Contest

Submission Deadline: Monday, September 13
Have a good theme idea for next June’s General Assembly (GA)?  Then click here to enter the contest.
Submission deadline is September 13th. And did you know? GA 2022 will be held in-person right here in Portland, Oregon!

Program Resources

Adult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts

Vesper Prayer Service

Fridays 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.
Receive a Zoom link

Social Justice

Online Film Salon: Voices from the Holy Land
Sunday, August 15, 12 p.m.

Participants will discuss the award-winning documentary, Stitching Palestine. Please watch the film at your convenience and then join us for the online Q&A discussion.
Click Here to Register for the Film Salon

In the Community

Other News

Do you have a reason to celebrate? Say it with flowers!
Beginning September 12 

Fresh flowers will again grace the Chancel for Sunday services.
Do you have something to celebrate from this last 18 months? If you had a birth in the family, a graduation, a birthday, an anniversary, or a memorial, or other reasons to pause and reflect, you can acknowledge it to the entire congregation by sponsoring a floral bouquet. Sponsoring Chancel flowers is a way to support the church and acknowledge life events.
As we reconnect with friends, say it with flowers on the Chancel. 
Contact Marsha for specifics.

Naming First Unitarian Foundation in Your Will or Estate Plan

Help assure the long-term sustainability of this beloved congregation by including First Unitarian Portland in your will or estate plan.
Please fill out our Intent Form, or for more information, visit our website.

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 Stream 
& Social Schedule

Join us LIVE from your computer or smart device by clicking on the links below. 
Family Worship returns in the Fall.
10:15 a.m.  –
Worship Service
11:30 a.m. – Virtual Social Hour
5 p.m. Fridays – Prayer Vesper

DONATE

August 15 Shared Plate

The Association for Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries supports music and worship arts professionals, leaders, and those they serve through advocacy, education, and inspiration. Since 1985, we have been connecting Unitarian Universalist music leaders throughout the United States and Canada to the resources they need and to colleagues who bring new insights to their work. 
Through enthusiastic online discussions and a robust annual conference, AUUMM provides resources for musicians who wish to create transformative worship.  (See it here.)
Sharing Our Bounty
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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.
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Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
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