Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Learning Community (RE) classes are at 10:15 a.m. Nursery and toddler care is always available during our worship service. Learn about our program here. Current news here.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
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Are you viewing Front Steps via Gmail? If so, please know that, depending on your device, Gmail truncates the newsletter and you have to intentionally scroll down and click to see the entire issue.
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On this Sunday when we recognize All Souls Day, we will name those who have died in our community in the last year and also make a space to remember all those who have gone before us. And we will also recognize how those we have lost live on through us. How the relationships we have known live on in some new form. How love never ends.Â
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Ministerial ColumnExciting News from the Music Ministry Transition Team
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In case you missed the announcement on Sunday, here it is: The Music Ministry Transition Team has reviewed resumes, conducted Zoom interviews, then in-person interviews, and rehearsals with a group of choir members with our final candidates. We are thrilled to announce we have completed the search for our new Interim Director of Music Ministries, and Garrett Bond officially started in this role today!...MORE
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Welcome to Our Season of Giving
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Each autumn, First Unitarian asks its members and friends to make a “Pledge,” a promise of financial support, for the coming calendar year. You can give to the church anytime, but it is our Season of Giving that funds our budget and pays our staff.
What we are asking this year is that you make a financial pledge for 2025 that demonstrates your steadfast commitment to First Unitarian Portland and the difference our collective voice, vision, and actions can make. All gifts matter and every dollar brings us closer to our goal.
It is because of our stable “Sustainer” Pledgers that we were able to launch our campaign at 60% of our 1.4 million dollar goal!
These folks have signed up to have their pledge renew automatically. If you are not currently a Sustainer, we hope you will consider making this meaningful commitment to let us know that you are among the people we can count on to pledge year after year.
Join me in giving thanks to the generosity of this congregation and pledge ourselves once again to do our part so that this congregation might thrive. Thank you!
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NEW! — Letter from the Board: October 2024
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Our Season of Giving has begun, a time for all of us to reflect on what the church means to us and how we can be good stewards. When you pledge a gift to “Join the Journey of Generosity” you help fund our programming, services, ministry, social justice efforts, and staff. We hope you are able to make a commitment in the coming weeks. Please pledge before Celebration Sunday on November 17!
Your Board’s Finance Committee has been busy creating task forces to address the goals we have set for this year. As your treasurer, Roger Robinson, I’ve been very fortunate to have a number of knowledgeable and committed board members and members from the congregation to assist in these efforts. We welcome any member to join in these efforts...MORE
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NEW! — Request for Photos
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If you have any great images of church activities, groups, or gatherings, send them our way!
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NEW! — Election Week Spiritual Grounding Opportunities
Tuesday, November 5, 7 - 8 p.m.
Location:Â Zoom
Wednesday, November 6, 12 - 2 p.m.
Location:Â Eliot Chapel and Buchan Reception
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These are tender and anxious times for our country and our democracy. We know folks are looking for ways to stay spiritually grounded and be in community as election results come in. Here are two opportunities:
Virtual Election Night Service
Take a break from watching election returns and join Assistant Minister Danielle Garrett and members of our lay ministry team for a grounding and contemplative virtual service of prayer, poetry, and music from 7 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5. Join us on Zoom.
Drop-in Community Gathering and Prayer
Drop by Eliot Chapel or Buchan Reception during the lunch hour to process the election results (or unfolding results) together from 12 - 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6. We will have a short program of prayer and readings at 12:30 in Eliot Chapel and the chapel will remain open for quiet prayer or meditation. Buchan Reception will be open during this time with coffee and snacks if you’d like to spend some time in community with others. Ministers and lay ministers will be on hand to hold space for all we might be feeling. Feel free to bring your own lunch and stay for all or part of the two hours.
Please check the church’s website for any updates on these events. Responding to unpredictable political events, especially in these divided times, often requires us to be nimble.
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NEW! — Sr. Minister Q&A and the Board’s Finance Update
Sunday, October 27, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
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Please join Rev. Alison Miller in Eliot Chapel for another in a regular series of Q&A sessions with your senior minister. After a brief update on developments at the church, she will respond to your questions.  Immediately following the Q&A, members of our Board of Trustees Finance Committee will bring a financial update.
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NEW! — Membership Orientation Series: Spiritual Practices for All
Sunday, October 27, 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception B101
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Join our assistant minister, Danielle Garrett, and Jen Thomas as we dig into:
- Why cultivating personal spiritual practices is crucial.
- A variety of practices to consider for your own journey.
- How these practices can deepen your connection to our community and enhance your overall experience at First U PDX.
Whether you’re new to spiritual practices or looking to expand your existing routine, this session offers valuable insights and practical guidance.
Registration not required!
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NEW! — Yay! The Alliance Virtual Greens Sale Begins on 10/27
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The Holidays are almost here, and it is time to order wonderful wreaths and garlands. The sale begins on 10/27 and continues through 11/17. Use this link to order online from home or order at Church during coffee hours when help will be available.
Wreaths can be picked up on either December 6 or 7, or you can have them mailed to wherever you want.
Each wreath purchased through Alliance will help uplift women, children, and marginalized communities.
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NEW! — CARD Meets This Sunday
Sunday, October 27, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Fireside (A303) and on Zoom
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Learn about our get-out-the-vote opportunities and get an update on how our volunteers are doing in AZ.
Our meetings are now hybrid! Join us on Zoom at this link.
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Around the Church
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! — The 100th Anniversary of Eliot Chapel: Architecture Panel
Sunday, November 3, 12:15 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
Presenters: George Crandall, Cindy Cumfer, and Roger Robinson
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Jamieson Parker was the architect who designed the Eliot Chapel and building on SW 12th and Salmon. Moving to our current location in 1924 was a large step in establishing a lasting presence in Portland.
Find out more about Parker and the Georgian style building by joining our panelists George Crandall, Cindy Cumfer, and Roger Robinson in the Eliot Chapel on November 3 after the service.
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NEW! — Grief and the Holidays
Sundays, November 17 and 24, December 8 and 15, 11:45 a.m.
Location: Buchan Room B310
Facilitators: Rev. Duane Fickeisen and Dr. Bill Yasnoff
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In this class for people who are grieving the loss of a close family member, we will explore the nature of grief, offer the opportunity to share your own grief story, and make a plan to navigate the winter holidays. We will meet at First Unitarian Church on four Sunday afternoons, from 11:45 to 1:15, on November 17 and 24 and December 8 and 15.
There is no cost, but pre-registration is required. Space is limited.
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NEW! — October 27 Newsletter
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Last weekend, your RE Committee held a retreat to discuss, among other matters, updating the mission statement that guides their work. A mission statement is a declaration of purpose that describes the reason a group exists. Since the current one is from 1998, it's time to evaluate and refresh. Read on, and let us know if you have any feedback...MORE
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NEW! — One Year Plus One Hundred Seven
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UUJME put out a statement in October of this year to bring attention to the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas and the trauma of Israel’s year-long genocide against the people of Gaza and its war on the people of Lebanon. Here is our statement:
We mourn.
Exploding pagers. Targeted killing of innocent civilians, demolished hospitals, schools, refugee encampments, water supplies. Delayed and blocked relief convoys.
Genocide in Gaza, brutality in the West Bank, the bombing of Lebanon, and now the great threat of major Middle East war and conflagration...MORE
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You can still help UU the Vote by making calls to voters in Michigan. The UU the Vote team will provide training at the start of the session. Just hit the link for the session below to register and join in.
- October 29Â with Michigan UU Social Justice Network
Keep your eyes on our Facebook page for live updates from First Unitarian's delegation of canvassers to Arizona from October 25 -November 2!Â
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CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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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.
Clint Smith is an American writer, poet and scholar. He is the author of How the Word Is Passed, which won the 2021 National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction. He is also the author of two poetry collections, Counting Descent and Above Ground. To listen to his performance of his piece "History Reconsidered," watch the video below:
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In the Community
Longtime member Warren Bacon has entered hospice care after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Warren has been ill in recent weeks with Covid and it was thought that was the reason for his decline but then a mass was discovered on his pancreas. He is now at home and receiving care there. We hold Warren and his wife Lynne in our prayers.
Member Emily Barrett is coordinating her mother's move from living alone in Montana to an assisted living facility in SE Portland. Her mother Patricia, who is grandmother to Phoebe and Walter in our Learning Community, has been living with mild cognitive impairment that has progressed to middle stage dementia. They are all eager to be nearer to each other in these tender times. Patricia hopes to join us at First Unitarian on some Sundays, and Emily asks for thoughts of love and patience through the paperwork and responsibilities of this caregiving role. And she asks for a few more hours in the day if you can invent them!
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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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September/October Art Wall ExhibitionsÂ
Photographs by Sam Muller
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Sam's images capture the essence of the raw Elements of Japanese Garden design, such as rock, water, plant, sand, bamboo, cedar, and the seasons. Enjoy Sam's photographs in Fuller Hall in the months of September and October.
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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Caregivers Support Group: Open to Newcomers. Fourth Sunday of each month at 9 a.m. via Zoom.
Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD): We meet on the fourth Sunday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Fireside and via Zoom. Contact Marni.
Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO): We meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month after services. Contact Cynthia for details or to be added to our email list.
Community for Earth (CFE):Â We meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month before worship services (hybrid) and on the 4th week of the month at rotating times. Contact our group or visit our calendar for details.
Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG): Check the IJAG page on the church website for ways to get involved and groups that need our energy and gifts. For meeting info, contact Laurie.
Lotsa Helping Hands: A care calendar that enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times. To join, send a request here. For questions or to receive support, contact Leslie or Susan.
Mental Health Caregivers Group: Second Wednesday every month via Zoom 7 - 8:30 p.m. Email Ellen for more information.
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: Sojourners and Sojourners 2 are two groups that meet for two hours at First Unitarian. Members support each other through aging with facilitated discussions, activities, personal stories, and social events, fostering growth and friendship. All are welcome, but both groups are limited in size; no drop-ins, please. 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 12 - 1 p.m.
Wednesday Night Meditation: Every week from 7 - 8:30 p.m. All mindfulness and Buddhist-based meditations. Beginners welcome. A thirty-five-minute meditation followed by a member-led discussion to increase understanding and integration of Buddhist principles into our daily lives. For the link, contact Robert.
Women's Circle II:Â Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month. Email Anne. 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 5 p.m.
If your submission is urgent and couldn’t be sent before the deadline, please include “URGENT” in the subject line.
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For the month of October we are sharing our plate with the Unitarian Universalist Association's Disaster Relief Fund. The scale of destruction in the wake of Hurricane Helene has been utterly devastating to many communities in the southeastern United States. Some Unitarian Universalist congregations have been seriously impacted and others are still trying to assess the damage. You can help support Unitarian Universalists and their communities as they recover from this storm by giving generously to the UUA’s Disaster Relief Fund.
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| This Week's Shower Project Requests
Your donations make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. All donations are greatly appreciated. At this time, we are in special need of the following items:
- Winter coats/jackets (all sizes)
- Women's shoes (all sizes)
- Men's shoes (large sizes)
- Sleeping bags/blankets
- Protein bars
Our page includes a list of our most frequently-needed items.
Please bring your items to donate to the cabinet in Fuller Hall, next to the kitchen. Thank you for your support!
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