| Sunday ServicesSunday, April 14: Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
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Annual Youth Service-First Unitarian's YRUUThis is an annual tradition at First Unitarian—a service led by our high school youth in YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists). It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience what our church nurtures in young people. The service will include musical talents and insightful homilies.
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Bill's BlogWe Would Be One I always get the words wrong. The hymn “We Would Be One” is a favorite of mine and of many of us: We would be one as now we join in singing
Our hymn of love to pledge ourselves anew… My problem is that I learned different lyrics, because this was the official hymn of Liberal Religious Youth, the youth ministry of the newly consolidated Unitarian Universalist Association when I became a UU. “Our hymn of youth” is what we sang and what still is called up for me whenever the simple and stately chords of Finlandia (the tune) introduce that hymn. The Unitarian and Universalist adult denominations “merged” in 1961. The youth ministries of the two made common cause 8 years before, in 1953 ...Continued
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10th Annual Sewell Lecture Welcomes Julie Lythcott-Haims
Tuesday, April 16, 7–9 p.m.
Main Sanctuary
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“On learning to love my black self in a country where black lives were never meant to matter.”
Poetry by Justice English and Moderating/Q&A with Melissa Lowery Julie roots for humans. Humans need agency in order to make their way forward; Julie is deeply interested in what impedes us. She is The New York Times bestselling author of How to Raise an Adult, an anti-helicopter parenting manifesto which gave rise to one of the top TED Talks of 2016, with over 3 million views. Her second book is the critically-acclaimed prose poetry memoir Real American, which illustrates her experience with racism and her journey toward self-acceptance. A third book on how to be an adult, for young adults, is forthcoming.
Book signing and reception to follow. Youth 21 and under are free. Suggested donation $20 for adults.
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FIRST CONNECTIONSSunday, April 14, 1 p.m. New to First Unitarian or already a member? Join us to meet others in our community and to learn more about the church. This Sunday’s topic will be First Unitarian Church Nomenclature. Come and learn the meaning behind some of the names we use around the church and where they come from. What is a sexton? Where is the Eliot pulpit? Come and learn more. There will be no First Connections on Easter Sunday, Apr. 21. Then join us Apr. 28 at 1 p.m. in Eliot Chapel for a Q and A with Rev. Bill Sinkford. Join fellow church members for a special session with the Senior Minister. Bring your questions.
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| Registration Now Open for UU Chalice Summer Day Camp!
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Join us this summer for a week of community building, nature exploration, spiritual practice, and lots of fun, all grounded in Unitarian Universalist values and principles. Options include leadership training for youth to be youth counselors or aides.
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Got a Minute? Let Your Voice Be Heard!
The Board is inviting all congregants to respond to an online survey to assess progress toward our vision and goals.
We've tried to keep the survey short, so you can complete it fairly quickly. Your opinion is important because we need to hear from as many congregants as possible to get a complete picture.
Results of the survey will be shared with the congregation before the end of the church year. Let us hear from you!
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Plastics and the Environment Sunday, April 14, 9:30 a.m.
A303 Join Community for Earth for a special presentation by Peter Spendelow, a Senior Waste Reduction Specialist with Oregon DEQ. The presentation will address both negative and positive aspects of plastic, from a regulatory agency point of view. Contribution to marine debris is negative, but other uses are less certain. Some plastic use creates fewer negative environmental impacts than alternatives supported by public perception. All are welcome to attend.
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Support Immigrant Rights and Youth Justice ReformSunday, April 14, 10:30–11 a.m. or 12:30–1 p.m. Fill out postcards in support of critical bills currently making their way through the Oregon legislature. Everything provided: bill descriptions, pens, postcards, and delivery. Sponsored by the Immigrant Justice Action Group and Ending Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial Justice (formerly Ending the New Jim Crow), in collaboration with ACLU Oregon.
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Younger Adult Caucus BrunchSunday, April 14, 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Daisy Bingham Younger Adult Caucus Brunch: All who identify as younger adults are warmly invited to join us for a potluck brunch followed by discussion with members of the Board.
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Looking Ahead: Wellspring at First Unitarian
Sunday, April 14, 10:30–11 a.m. or 12:30–1 p.m.
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Each year, many members of our church participate in this amazing 10-month journey. Wellspring offers spiritual deepening within our Unitarian Universalist tradition through a small group experience. Wellspring groups begin in October and go through June. Join us for a complimentary informational meeting to learn more.
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Help Is Here
Sunday, April 14, 11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
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Join author Anne Hill for an engaging discussion on dementia. Learn techniques to improve communication and interactions with loved ones and fellow congregants. The Help Is Here project is a mission of Providence Foundation. Profits from book sales return to the Help Is Here project to support education for those who care for people with dementia. Learn more about the Help Is Here series of books at www.dementiahelpishere.org. A limited number of books will be available for purchase after the discussion.
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Maundy Thursday ServiceThursday, April 18
7 p.m.
Eliot Chapel The Maundy Thursday service will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 in the Eliot Chapel. Everyone, no matter your faith background or current theology, is welcome to join us for our annual bread communion service, digging in to the richness of this ancient ritual of sharing food and spirit together.
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UU Knitting Group
Second and Fourth Thursdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Buchan Building
Our needlers (knitting group) are looking for some hookers (crocheters) to round out our needle crafting skills. The picture shows a knit prayer shawl with a crocheted border. Plenty of yarn available. Contact Susan Pryor at 503-894-9945 for more information.
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Necessity: Oil, Water, and Climate ResistanceMonday, April 22, 6:30 p.m.–9 p.m.
Eliot Chapel Necessity traces the fight in Minnesota against the expansion of pipelines carrying toxic tar sands oil through North America. Home to much of the world's precious freshwater resources, the state is also the site of expanding oil industry infrastructure. The film follows indigenous activists and non-indigenous allies in their resistance to the pipelines traversing native lands and essential waterways.
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Pursuing Racial Justice with LoveA Board-sponsored screening of and conversation about the 2018 General Assembly's Ware Lecture, featuring Brittany Packnett.
Sunday, May 5, 1:30 p.m.
Eliot Chapel At the 2018 General Assembly's Ware Lecture, Brittany Packnett–educator, organizer, writer and speaker–offered a powerful, humbling and inspiring call for UUs to commit to the daily work of racial justice from a deeply spiritual center of love. The lecture touched on themes of expectancy, identity and committed action, with implications for how we practice love through working for justice in our homes, our congregation and our community. Members of the Board of Trustees will screen the lecture (~45 minutes), and lead reflective conversation.
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Speaking of Justice: Faith in ActionYouth Speak, our 6th issue, April–May 2019 Welcome to the Youth Speak issue of Speaking of Justice! This issue comes to you from YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists), our high school youth group. In it you will find poetry, art, commentary, and reflections of youth congregants. This is from the minds and hearts of our youth. Enjoy! Click here to open this issue.
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Give the Joy of Flowers for Sunday’s Service
Have you ever wondered where the beautiful flowers come from each week? You can be one of the generous donors of the chancel flowers.
If you have an upcoming birthday, anniversary, or memorial that you’d like to recognize, what better way than to provide flowers in honor of your loved one? For details about giving flowers for the chancel, contact Marsha at 503-954-3534, marshamwarner@comcast.net.
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April Art Wall
The weavings of Ron Bloom are featured on the Art Wall in April. He
mixes images of New York tenements, Oregon landscapes, and today's
immigrant experience in colorful textures.
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BookstoreEaster is coming! Earth Day is coming! The bookstore has books to celebrate both. And the Sewell Lecture is coming on April 16. We have the book “Real American: A Memoir” written by the guest speaker, Julie Lythcott-Haims, available.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Pick up our Spring Paths to Engagement Publication!
Check out the Paths to Engagement guide available this Sunday at the Adult Programs table.
Learn about the classes, retreats, and other special events happening at First Unitarian this spring.
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Plastic-Free PilgrimageOngoing through Earth Day
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Community for Earth of First Unitarian, Planet Earth Group of the First Methodist Church, and congregations of downtown Portland and other communities have joined together to raise awareness of how to reduce our plastic pollution. Find our pledge sheets for daily action and sign up at the Community for Earth table in Margaret Fuller Hall. This week we are also featuring an info display from the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. Check it out!
More information is located at www.PlasticFreePilgrimage.org
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The Neighborhood House's Annual Food Drive
Runs through Sunday, April 14 First Unitarian and our Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO) are joining with 40 local faith and community groups to collect canned goods for the Neighborhood House's annual food drive. This food drive helps feed 1400 people monthly. Drop off cans at COHHO's food cupboard in Margaret Fuller Hall. Contact Donna at webbed@msn.com for more information.
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Needs for 13 SalmonOur families will be with us until the end of April. They are at the emergency shelter overnight and come to 13 Salmon during the day Let's show them we care these last weeks! We need healthy snacks for kids, large cans of hearty soups, diapers and wipes.
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Sunday Afternoon ChildcareWe offer childcare for all ages every Sunday from 1–3 p.m. while you attend an event or meeting at church. Please request care for your child(ren) at the Eliot Center Info Desk by 1 p.m. that day. Staff are released at 1 p.m. if care has not been requested.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Interested in Working on Disability Issues?If you are interested in a group that would bring together persons living with a range of disabilities, a member of the church is interested in exploring such a group. It would be a place for support as well as education and advocacy. If you are interested in being part of such a group, contact Pat Wallace at 971-400-0841, or patjw100@gmail.com.
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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 at 1stuushers@gmail.com.
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Time-Limited Projects Await!While there are many opportunities for long-term commitments within our congregation, there are also myriad options for people desiring time-limited projects for a contribution of effort and energy. Questions? Marti Yoder at marti.yoder@gmail.com.
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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.
This is a great way to connect with congregation members and newcomers. Contact Membership Chair Ed McClaran or call 971-279-2778.
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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 Leslie Comnes, 503-236-2963.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows William Jones, beloved grandpa of Veronica Baker, died on March 18 at the age of 82. He visited the church every year for the last four years when he and Veronica’s grandma visited Portland for Veronica’s birthday. We hold Veronica and her family at this time. Member Julie Grice is recovering from a successful second round of surgery at Good Sam hospital. She will be there for a while and would welcome cards and visits. We wish Julie a speedy recovery. Member Abigail Clauhs went before the Ministerial Fellowship Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Association in Boston on March 30 as welcomed into the fellowship of UU ministry. The MFC is the credentialing body for ministers in our association. Abigail serves as a chaplain at Providence Elderplace and we celebrate this important milestone for her. We are very pleased to announce that congregant Patrice Koblavi was granted asylum in the United States. We are happy to welcome him to his permanent home with open arms!
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March Moderator’s LetterThe March Moderator’s Letter has been published. Follow this link to read the full letter. Of special note, this year’s Congregational Survey is now available! We strongly urge you to fill it out (it only takes 10 minutes or so). The survey is anonymous and the consolidated responses become part of the Assessment of the Ministry of our church, which is done every year by the Board and Executive Team. For the latest updates on Board activities, visit the Board's webpage, which includes the latest time/location for all Board-related events.
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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, April 7 Attendance:1st Service: 245
2nd Service: 364
Musicians: 46
Total: 655
Livestream: 99
Grand Total: 754
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Help Us Be a Welcoming CongregationDo you have a spare bedroom you are willing to share with other UUs visiting Portland for a few days? You would provide a bed, 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. Our B & B program is personally enriching. Many lasting bonds of friendship have been made between guests and hosts. Our coffers are also enriched. All rental proceeds go to the church. Remember our program if you are having out of town guests who need housing. For details, contact Ruth Robinson, mickrob@comcast.net.
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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 photos@firstunitarianportland.org or click 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. in Buchan Hall. For more information or to register, please contact Lucy Garrick, lucygarrick@icloud.com.
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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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| Animal Ministry Group
Normally meets on the fourth Sunday, 12:45 p.m., A303. Visit the Animal Ministry web page for special meeting times. Questions? 503-520-9012.
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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)Meets monthly September through May on the third Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in A303, the Fireside Room, or visit our table in Margaret Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays. Questions? Email co-chairs John Elizalde, Ingrid Gjestvang, and Cynthia Sulaski.
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| Contemplative Practice Group Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., A301. Offers a regular opportunity for building community through silent meditation, mindfulness poetry, and deep discussion on church themes. Questions? Ron Walker.
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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. Contact: Michael Wade for more information.
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| Ending Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial Justice Usually, monthly on the fourth Tuesday, 6:30–8 p.m., B302. Questions? Kathryn Scotten.
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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) has begun meeting the second Sunday of every month from 1:30–3 p.m. in Buchan (302). Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. We offer quarterly educational meetings on topics of relevance to the congregation, focused on issues/needs of immigrant and refugee communities. Through the IJAG Google group, recommended actions are disseminated. Our meetings include time for reflection, sharing, and an educational program about one of 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. We hope you'll join us for the important work of immigrant justice! Contact Ann Zawaski for questions: annzawaski@gmail.com.
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LGBTQIA Pride Group
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 Group
Wednesday nights
Group meets in the Elliot Chapel, 7 –8:30 p.m. Silent meditation for 30 minutes, followed by reading and discussing a book by Buddhist author. Please email with your phone number if you are considering coming. Mary Ann Harman.
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| Parents of Teens Support Group, 1–2 p.m.Second and fourth Sundays
Connect with other parents of teens to talk and share around parenting topics and the joys and challenges of navigating this phase of life as parents, with the guidance of a lay minister. We are an open group and parents are welcome to come as you are able. Childcare is provided 15 minutes before an event. Gather in Buchan (B301) at 12:30 p.m. after the second service, and meet formally from 12:45–1:45 p.m. every other week. If you’d like to be added to our contact email list, please contact Sara Robertson, sara.seely@gmail.com.
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| Peace Action Group Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Tess Beistel, Terri Shofner, Brianna Bragg.
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| Quilts of Love GroupThird Thursday meeting is now 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. More. Questions? Contact Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
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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 Knitting GroupThe knitting circle meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month during the church year. Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.
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| UU Men's Community
Third Saturday, 9 a.m., Channing Room. 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 at 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. We are currently welcoming new members. Questions? Kim, 503-869-1486. III: First and third Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. Not accepting new members at this time. 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.”
This will get to all the right people. 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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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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This Sunday our plate offereing goes to the YRUU Civil Rights Pilgrimage. This summer a group of our youth will travel to Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee to connect our faith’s history to the Civil Rights Era as well as today’s growing movement against the injustices of mass incarceration.
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