Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Together Time: Families begin in worship service; then, children and youth leave to attend their classes.
Childcare is available during our worship service for children six months to 3 years old (in the nursery.)
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service
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We all have a need to belong somewhere, to recognize that we are not isolated beings. How is it we find our place in the family of things?
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In recognition of new membership at First Unitarian Portland, we will be honoring everyone who joined the church since 2020 in a ritual at the beginning of this Sunday's service.
We have prepared small gifts for each of you as a token of appreciation. If you can't attend this Sunday, you can pick up your gift at the First Connections Table during the coffee hour starting May 5, 2024. We hope to see you there!
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Minister's BlogHumanitarian Crisis in Gaza
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We are a center of community for our members and friends, and we are a community center for the greater Portland area. Among other purposes, we are a place where people can foster meaningful connections across differences and divides. We are a place where people can count on hearing impactful information about the ethical issues of our time.
The escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas and the humanitarian crisis that has ensued is an example. It is important that we not turn away from the mounting loss of life and the psychological, spiritual, and physical injury that has occurred. The scale of devastation is hard to take in, but in whatever ways you are able, I encourage you to learn about what is happening. I also encourage you to engage in spiritually nourishing practices that can sustain you as you do...continue reading.
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AUCTION OPENING SUNDAY — Get a Sneak Peak!
Bidding starts THIS Sunday, April 21, at 6 a.m.
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| Bidding will kick off promptly at 6 a.m., so make sure to set your alarms. We have 140+ incredible events, vacation homes, services, and items up for grabs, so there is something for everyone to bid on.
If you have already registered, keep an eye on your email for instructions on how to place a bid.
Join us in Fuller Hall on Sunday to browse the catalog pages in person. While you're here, treat yourself to some delicious Alliance pies and pick up some spring plants for your garden. We can't wait to see you there!
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Meet with the Economic Justice Group for our once-a-month meeting.
Sunday, April 21, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Fireside Room
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Bring your economic Justice Issues, and let's talk about anything from Farmworker rights, labor rights and organizing, the income and wealth gap, and how to combat it, and who Oregonian's billionaires are. (Hint: we have three billionaires in Oregon, and two of them are involved politically).
Additionally, in this time of ever-increasing conflict, please join EJAG as we unite with the Alliance for Democracy and others in a weekly anti-war/pro-peace sign-holding event. Our next gathering starts on Sat, May 5th at the east end of the Burnside Bridge by the auto dealership. The Alliance for Democracy will provide signs. We look forward to your participation in advocating for peace.
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Join CARD: UU the Vote for Reproductive Rights
Sunday, April 21, 12:15 - 1:45 p.m.
Location: Fireside Room
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Join us to support our UU the Vote effort for reproductive healthcare access in Arizona. Opportunities for activism and education await. Feel free to bring a snack.
All are welcome, including children.
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Featured News
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! - Community Conversation About Housing Solutions
Thursday, May 2, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall (Enter through Salmon St. door)
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Join First Unitarian and the Welcome Home Coalition for a Community Conversation about the root cause of homelessness and solutions to our region's affordable housing shortage. The Welcome Home Coalition represents dozens of organizations across our tri-county region with a common vision of a future of housing options that allow everyone to access a safe, stable, and affordable home.
We'll have a chance to learn, share our thoughts, and enjoy a meal together (lunch provided).
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Upcoming Classes, Events & Gatherings
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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Earth Day in Music and Song
Friday, April 19, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
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We invite you to set aside this special time to celebrate our remarkable planet. The program includes instrumental and vocal performances, meditative singing, poetry, and candle lighting.
Reception following in Buchan Reception Hall. Donations appreciated!
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First Unitarian Earth Day Fair: Love Your Mother
Sunday, April 28, noon 'til 2:30 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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Earth Day is an annual celebration raising awareness to protect Earth’s resources for future generations.
This year’s fair features interactive poetry, music, and talks with Kim Stafford, Oregon’s 9th Poet Laureate. Plus, enjoy vegan donuts sold by our YRUU youth, kids crafting, and educational activities on watersheds, native plants, organic farming, and more!
Refreshments & Snacks provided. Congregants of all ages are welcome!
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ALLIANCE PRESENTS...Nancy Russell's Legacy at Cape Horn: Inside a National Scenic Area Campaign
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A Force for Nature is a biography of Nancy Russell and her successful campaign to establish and protect the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Bowen Blair tells the story of the unlikely activist who fought one of the most fiercely contested conservation battles of the 1980s, interweaving it with the natural and political history of the legendary landscape that inspired her.
Stick around for a catered buffet lunch after the presentation!
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SAVE THE DATE! — World Labyrinth Day
Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Fuller Hall
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Help us celebrate World Labyrinth Day with a workshop, potluck lunch, and “Walk as one at 1” labyrinth walk to “create a rolling wave of peaceful energy passing from one time zone to the next.” You can join for all or part of this special day. Stay tuned for more specific information as the date nears.
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Learning Community E-NewsA good poem needs no special platform.
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation & Family Ministries
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At our weekly staff meeting, we share openings–some reading, song, or comedy clip to gather us as together we approach our church work. In honor of our interdependence theme, administrator Kathryn Esty shared a poem by Janet Wong from Wong’s Declaration of Independence...continue reading.
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Social Justice Ministries
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UU the Vote: Join Us For Community and Letter Writing
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Stop worrying and start writing! Make a positive difference in this year's elections by transforming your anxiety into action in this issues-oriented, non-partisan campaign.
We have letters you can take home, or you can sit at the table and write in good company. We encourage everyone to write letters even if they cannot bring their own #10 envelopes and first-class stamps.
Monetary donations towards stamps will also be appreciated.
Look for the blue tablecloth EVERY SUNDAY.
Letter Writing Schedule
- Every Sunday, until June 30 / Social Hour
- Every Tuesday, Until June 25 / 10 - 11:30 a.m. / B101
- Plus, an upcoming summer schedule!
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In the Community
On Saturday, March 30, James Thomas Chapman, the father of long-time staff member and Facilities Manager Jason Chapman and grandfather of Sexton Garrett Moon-Chapman, experienced a stroke. James is presently in the hospital and is still in recovery. Our heartfelt support goes out to him and his family during this difficult time.
Longtime member Irene Etlinger died on April 13 at the age of 101½. She spent her last days at her daughter’s home in Vancouver in hospice. Irene joined the church back in 1979 and was a regular Sunday attender until just a few weeks before her death. We hold her family at this time of loss.
Chick Duckworth, husband of member Mardean Duckworth, died at home on March 28 at the age of 91. Chick and Mardean were married for 65 years. A memorial for Chick will take place at the Eastmoreland Golf Course on May 18, 2024, from 1 - 4 p.m. We hold Mardean and her family at this time.
A reminder that a memorial service will be held for member Claire Amsden this Saturday, April 20, at 2 p.m. in the Eliot Chapel. Claire died on November 18 at the age of 97. Watch the memorial service here.
And a joy to share:
Members Bill Bateman and Rodolfo Troya are pleased to announce that Rodolfo was granted U.S. citizenship on April 9. He is looking forward to his swearing-in ceremony, registering to vote, and participating in his first U.S. presidential election.
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BOOK PICK-UP REMINDER! — How We Win the Civil War: Securing a Multiracial Democracy and Ending White Supremacy for Good
Location: Fuller Hall Book Store
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If you were at the Sewell Lecture and haven't snagged Steve Phillips' book from our Bookstore yet, swing by on Sunday, April 21.
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Spring is now upon us!
It is exciting to see all the colorful trees and flowers blooming after our usual overcast and chilly winter. And it’s exciting to see everyone, new and familiar, on a Sunday morning! I feel that we are all “blossoming” with the sense of energy and purpose for our church...continue reading.
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 | Mt. Hood: Oil on paper, 16” x 24” by Carole Romm
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What We Have to Lose: Carole Romm — Like many, I am anxious about climate change and its existential threat. As an antidote to the hopelessness that can feel overwhelming, I have made it my practice to cherish the beauty of nature as it is right now, at this very moment.
I take refuge in my studio, where I express both the despair of climate chaos and the fragile beauty of our Northwest landscape.
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Kay Myers — My love affair with clouds began early as I flopped beside my best friend on the grass and watched the clouds float by. I spent three days camping alone in the Alford Desert many years ago.
The canvas of the sky began with brilliant blue skies followed by fluffy clouds and morphed into dark rain clouds. I watched with awe as the canvas of the sky connected me to the earth and the vast emptiness.
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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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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.
Curated by Ethel, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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Extinction Rebellion is a decentralized, international, and politically non-partisan movement that uses non-violent direct action and civil disobedience to persuade governments to act justly on the climate and ecological emergency.
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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Beloved Community of Color: Every second Thursday evening and fourth Saturday morning of the month. Email for more info.
Caregivers Support Group: Open to Newcomers. Fourth Sunday of each month at 9 a.m. via Zoom.
THIS SUNDAY — Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD): We meet on the third Sunday of each month. From 12:15 – 1:45 in Fireside.
First Connections: We meet once a month on the third Sunday for all new and returning folks! And it is a terrific way to meet new folks just coming into the community. Bring a brown bag lunch. Questions? Email Pat.
First Steps: Every first Sunday of the month at Noon // Location: Channing Room. Discover additional insights into life at First Unitarian Portland, avenues for connection, and delve deeper into Unitarian Universalism. Questions? Email Jen Thomas.
- Lunch Gathering at Elephants
Monday, April 22 at 12:30 p.m. || Location: Elephants Delicatessen on S. Corbett - Sunday Gathering at Church
Sunday, May 19, at 9:30 a.m. || Location: Channing Room - Lunch Gathering at Elephants
Monday, June 24 at 12:30 p.m. || Location: Elephants Delicatessen S. Corbett
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: This group meets monthly on the second Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. Email Lucy with questions.
"T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: Meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room at noon.
Women's Circle II: Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Questions? Contact Anne. (We are currently on pause from accepting new members.)
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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 submit here. Deadline: Tuesdays at noon.
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This church year, First Unitarian shares our plate offering with organizations dedicated to uplifting the care and dignity of people experiencing homelessness. For April, we share our offering with Welcome Home.
As a coalition of service providers, affordable housing developers, and neighbors with a shared vision of a region where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home, Welcome Home advocates for policies that address the root causes of our housing crisis. They are invested in increasing housing equity across Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties. The coalition has championed two affordable housing bonds in the last decade. As a part of their work for housing equity, Welcome Home hosts community education events to uplift policies that center on those most impacted by the housing crisis. First Unitarian will host a community conversation in May.
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