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 and read RE news here.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
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Our inner vision helps guide us on our individual and collective faith journeys. What we hold as significant religious intuitions and what we claim is of ultimate importance – these both shape who we are becoming. In a faith where people hold many differing beliefs and philosophies, where can we find sources of inspiration and spiritual practices to nourish and replenish our inner vision over time?
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| Ministerial Blog
Honoring Our Connection: A Membership Celebration
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In these days that can feel dark and stormy, it’s a joy to come together and celebrate the vibrant life of our community. On April 6, 2025, First Unitarian Portland will celebrate our members and welcome new folks to membership in the church in the Sunday service. It is a moment to shine a light on the deeper connections that membership brings and remember what it means. As Rev. Alison reminded us in her January column, membership is more than a formal commitment and more than just signing the book—it’s about embracing our shared humanity and fostering meaningful relationships...MORE
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NEW! — Watch Last Week's Service
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Last week, we had technical issues during our service. Our A/V team worked hard and we now have a working version available on our Boxcast. Watch here.
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Welcome to Foundation Month
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Each spring we turn our attention to the future of the First Unitarian Church of Portland, and ways our current congregation can help ensure our church remains a strong and active part of the lives of future generations.
In March, we offer opportunities to learn about legacy giving by including the Foundation in your will or other estate plan, or making a cash gift to the Foundation. The Foundation’s Legacy Society honors those congregants who have made a commitment to the future of this church.
On Sundays this month, look for Foundation information in the pew boxes, stop by our table in the lobby, or email us anytime.
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NEW! — Congregant Budget Meeting
This Sunday, March 23, from noon - 1:30 p.m.
Locations: Eliot Chapel, and via livestream
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Join other congregants to learn about the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on July 1. Church Finance Committee and Executive Team members will walk folks through the numbers and the basis for decisions made. This budget will be presented for the Board's approval at their April 2 meeting and then on to our Voting Members at our May election.
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NEW! — Music Ministry Transition Team Letter and Meeting Schedule
Sundays, March 23 and 30, and April 13, after the services
Locations: Check the kiosk on Sunday mornings for details
Music Ministry Transition Team
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Dear ones,
We are certainly living in interesting times, at church and beyond. We hope that you are finding your way through to joy during this period.
Since its inception last summer, the MMTT has been actively engaged in helping church leadership and the Interim Director of Music Ministries move our music program forward in support of the worship and communal life of our church. We’ve come to a point where we need to hear from congregants. We are scheduling three listening meetings, with more to come. Our objective is to hear your thoughts about how the music program has been evolving so far, and what you might envision for the future.
Our first meeting will be with choir members, bell ringers and other church musicians on Sunday, March 23 in the Sanctuary after the service. Then we will meet with interested congregants on Sunday, March 30 in Eliot Chapel. Our third meeting, this time with parents from the learning community, will be held on Sunday, April 13 in the Daisy Bingham room. All of these meetings will be held at 11:45 a.m. There will also be a survey for people to fill out online.
The MMTT looks forward to hearing about your feelings, ideas and suggestions, which will play a vital role in planning for the future of the music program here at First U.
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NEW! — Celebrate Nowruz (Persian New Year)
This Sunday, March 23, during social hour
Location: Fuller Hall
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Stop by a special table hosted by Rosette K. and Leili W. in celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Nowruz takes place on March 20. Learn more about this 3,000-year-old holiday this Sunday!
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LAST CHANCE — Share Your Testimonial in Our Special Membership Service
Contact Jen by this Sunday, March 23
Location: Main Sanctuary
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On April 6, we will be honoring membership in the Sunday service. It's wonderful to have welcomed many new members into the church this past year. We will recognize these new members as well as celebrate membership in the church on this special day.
Do you have a testimonial you would like to share about your decision to become a member? Please send to Jen Thomas by this Sunday, March 23.
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NEW! — The Super Sale Continues in Your Beacon Bookstore!
This Sunday, March 23, during social hour
Location: Fuller Hall
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Books in our three “Justice” stacks are 50% off (excludes books in the new books sections). Books donated by Rev. Bill Sinkford from his own library and books in the “Bargain” section are 100% off with a coupon available at the Bookstore. We have quite a few of the titles mentioned in recent sermons or discussed in recent classes – as well as new poetry and meditation books (always popular with Unitarians). Sale ends on Sunday, March 31st.
We just received 20 copies of the US Constitution and the Amendments from the American Civil Liberties Union! Maybe you need one for your pocket?
Our selection of picture books for children is top-notch! Books about climate change, diversity, life experiences, caring, justice with quality writing and illustrations. Books about people who lived with courage and bravery. Books about artists and political leaders written for children. You’ll also find some books on parenting. Loved hearing the story about Queen Esther last Sunday? The award-winning book: Queen Esther: The Queen Who Saved Her People will be in our store either this Sunday or March 31st.
A new book by Portland writer and Rabbi, Brian Mayer, is in our bookstore. Albert S., congregant and our official Beacon Bookstore Reviewer, provides the following: “Rabbi Brian’s Highly Unorthodox Gospel guides one towards compassion, kindness, and love. This book offers a humorous, thoughtful, and provocative examination of the human condition and religious practices, and what one can do with this knowledge. This book deserves your consideration. I recommend it.”
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NEW! SAVE THE DATE — First Steps Class and Campus Tour
Sunday, April 6, 11:45 a.m.
Location: Channing Room (A101)
Jen Thomas, Member Engagement Coordinator
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Join us on April 6 following the service for First Steps class and tour. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the church and its history as well as meet some new and return folks and other leaders in the church. We will meet in Channing Room (A101) at 11:45 a.m. Check in with volunteers at the Welcome Desk for directions to the room. RSVP here, or if you have questions about the class or membership at First Unitarian Portland, please contact Jen Thomas.
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SAVE THE DATE — Matins for Lent 2025
Mondays, March 24 through April 14, 8:30 - 9 a.m.
Location: Zoom
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Lent is a season for self-reflection and renewal. We invite you to Matins for Lent, a series of four quiet Zoom services to inspire you with a uniquely Unitarian perspective on the season.
Offered on Monday mornings from 8:30 to 9 a.m. on March 24 through April 14.
Through music, poetry, reflection and prayer, we will explore the metaphors of the scriptural stories as they speak to our own inner lives. Join on Zoom here.
For more information, contact Karen S.
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REGISTER NOW — 2025 Passover Seder
Sunday, April 13, 12:15 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception
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You are cordially invited to attend our First Unitarian Seder in celebration of Passover, the Jewish holiday that symbolizes the universal human quest for liberty. This special ceremonial UU interfaith event, beautifully structured for all ages, is a remembrance of the Jews’ flight from slavery in Egypt long ago. Our community Passover Seder will be led by Rev. Alison Miller and her family, Bill Yasnoff, Rich Scher, and the Seder team. It is a worship service, a songfest, a banquet, and a blend of goodness, goodies, gravity, and joy. Children, Youth, Adults, Elders - All are welcome. We will provide a delicious lunch of traditional Seder foods.
Adults $25 each / Children $10 each
Come one and all to enjoy food, fellowship, candlelight, stories, music and more!
Register early as space is limited!
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NEW! — Letter from the Board: March 2025
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Dear Congregants,
My three-year term on the Board started on July 1, 2024, with my first official Board meeting in September. We’re about halfway through the church year, and I want to report to you on some of the progress we have made toward making the church stronger and more resilient.
But before the progress report, I’m compelled to celebrate the powerful church weekend we experienced March 1 and 2. It reminded me of why this church means so much to me and how our work together feeds me spiritually...MORE
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Under 50? We Need Your Opinions!
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Your Board of Trustees is conducting a congregational survey as part of our annual evaluation of the church and our ministry.
To date, we have 369 responses, but only 33 from those under 50.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey here. We want to hear from everyone in attendance, regardless of membership.
Responses will inform planning for the future, including preparation for a long range planning process.
This year’s questionnaire is modeled on past surveys that had very high response rates, so we can track changes over time.
If you prefer a paper version, stop by the Board table during Social Hour this Sunday.
Thank you!
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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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Auction 2025: "Welcome In!" Starts Soon!
Donations start March 23, bidding starts April 20
Location: Online
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The latest edition of "Creating Connections: Welcome In!" is just around the corner! Donations start March 23rd and end on Monday, April 7. For a list of donation ideas, go here. Online bidding starts April 20 and continues through May 4. Join us! Look for more information in the weeks to come.
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First Gardening Day of Spring
Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: 12th Ave side of church campus
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After two months of "hibernation" during winter, we are ready to tend the gardens again!
Please join us as you are able and interested—bring water to drink, gloves, clippers and hand trowels as you have them.
We convene on the 12th Avenue side of the church campus and then get to work. Shovels, plastic bags and compost bags provided. Also clementines. 😊
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NEW! SAVE THE DATE — The Alliance Presents "P:ear - What It Is, Who Is Involved, What We Do"
Wednesday, April 2, 10:30 a.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
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Antonio Camacho Martinez, program director of the organization p:ear, will present what it is, who is involved, and what they do.
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You don’t have to be an artist to join, just be interested in art. Members commit about one day a month to attending a meeting or helping install the new show, usually the last Thursday of the month. Committee members recommend artists who might be a good fit for Fuller Hall and the committee juries the artists. If you are interested, contact Connie C.
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CHECK WEEKLY — March 23 Newsletter
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and Family Ministries
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Dear Community,
Your board wants some feedback, especially from parents and older youth.
Please only take this survey if you ever:
- enjoy anything or anyone at church
- are disappointed here
- have good ideas that could benefit us all
- wonder why something happened or didn’t happen
- help with programs or events
- offer leadership
- take pride in being a part of this place
- want the best for this community
I think you get the idea...they want to hear from YOU!
Thanks for all your (our) collective care!...MORE
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NEW! THIS SUNDAY — CARD Meeting
Sunday, March 23, 11:30 a.m.
Location: Fireside Room (A303) or online
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All are welcome to our monthly CARD meeting this Sunday, March 23 in Room A303 (Fireside Room) from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM. Share reactions to the Sewell Lecture on March 1. Watch the recording here if you were unable to attend.
Please contact Marni if you anticipate attending virtually. This helps us be prepared.
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POSTPONED — How to Talk About Climate Change with Family and Friends
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NEXT WEEK! — Gathering For Those Wanting to Engage More in the Struggle for Justice and Human Rights in Palestine/Israel
Tuesday, March 25, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception
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Perhaps you have been disturbed by the oppression of the human rights of Palestinians by the state of Israel, or troubled by the billions of dollars in unconditional military aid to Israel given by our own country, the United States, that makes this oppression possible. Perhaps you would like to learn more and engage more on this issue. If so, come to the gathering on March 25 that will be held at 6:30 pm in the Buchan Reception Room. We are starting a new Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East Chapter at First Unitarian Church. This will be the second meeting. Notes from the first meeting on February 25 are here.
You are welcome and please invite other members of First Unitarian who are interested in joining us.
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NEW! SAVE THE DATE — IJAG Lunch and Meeting
Monday, March 31, noon
Location: Elephant's Deli on SW Corbett and Boundary (parking available)
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Grab your lunch downstairs and join the group in the big dining room upstairs. We have a convivial time of catching up, a discussion of personal activities related to immigrant justice and upcoming activities of the group.
And SAVE THE DATE for our May 6 panel discussion on Opportunities to Help Our Immigrant Neighbors (on Zoom).
This is the third of three forums co-sponsored by IJAG and ARJAG and will present tangible ways we can help those most at risk in our communities. See Front Steps for more information closer to the date or contact Laurie to be added to the mailing list.
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NEW! — Peace Action Group Reading
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Here is a reading from the recent Peace Action Group meeting, excerpted from a recent New York Times interview article titled "Ed Yong Wants to Show You the Hidden Reality of the World":
"Interviewer: So, putting work aside, one could reasonably feel a sense of moral injury just as a result of living in the world right now. We can change our work situation, or at least try, but changing the bigger problems is beyond our scope. Any advice for how to get through that feeling?
"Ed Yong: There are three ideas that come to mind.
"One is a quote from the amazing Mariame Kaba, who says, 'Hope is a discipline.' She argues that hope is not this nebulous, airy thing. It is a practice that you cultivate through active effort.
"I think of a line by the great and late global-health advocate Paul Farmer, who said that he 'fought the long defeat.' By which he meant that he was often swimming against forces that were extremely powerful, and he knew that he was going to suffer defeats and setbacks, and that he was going to fight nonetheless.
"Then the third one is an idea called the Stockdale paradox, which was named after Vice Adm. James Stockdale, who was a prisoner of war. When he was finally released, after a long time in captivity, he was asked how he managed to survive what he endured, and he talked about how he made it because he was able to hold two seemingly contradictory ideas in his head at the same time. One was the full and brutal realization of his situation, combined with the indomitable hope that things could get better.
"These three ideas anchor me in these moments when it feels like the gulf between what we hope the world should be and what it actually is seems vast and growing. That gulf is agonizingly difficult to bear, but we bear it nonetheless."
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CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel G., 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.
Known for fearless, truth-telling lyrics and melodies you can't resist singing, Emma's Revolution is the award-winning activist duo of Pat Humphries & Sandy O, joined here by Melanie DeMore. For more than 20 years, Emma's Revolution has written about critical issues happening in the world, lending their voices to the movements those issues inspire and delivering moving, uplifting performances. To listen to their song "Keep on Moving Forward/Sigamos Adelante," click the video below:
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In the Community
Alyssa Leigh Smith’s mother, Marcia Smith, had knee replacement surgery last week. Alyssa is in Spokane to support the recovery process for a couple weeks. The family would appreciate our prayers of healing and wellness during this time.
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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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March/April Art Wall Exhibition
Artwork by volunteers, originally created by Leslie Lee
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During the months of March and April 2025, the Art Wall will feature a series of six panels known as The Soul Box Project.
Originally created by Portland artist Leslie Lee in 2018, it is an artistic representation of the impact of gun violence in the United States.
On average, every year, 600 people in Oregon are killed by a gun. The six panels that are a part of the display are a visual account of that tragedy...MORE
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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The Alliance: The Alliance provides regular opportunities for fellowship, life-long learning, and spiritual growth for its members as well as service to the church and larger fellowship. Learn more about our program and monthly presentations here.
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 T.
Connect & Reflect: Join Rev. Alison Miller and Jen Thomas every Tuesday from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. on Zoom. Come share in conversation centered on the topic of the most recent sermon. Look for the discussion question during Sunday morning preservice slides and our weekly Order of Service.
Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO): We meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month after services. Contact Cynthia S. for details or to be added to our email list.
Community for Earth (CFE): 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.
Contemplative Practices: First Thursdays and third Thursdays from 1 - 2:30 p.m. This is a drop-in group. Any silent sitting practice is welcomed and no prior meditation experience is needed. Contact Patty C. and Ron W. or visit the event page for more information.
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 L.
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 C. or Susan P.
Mental Health Caregivers Group: Second Wednesday every month via Zoom 7 - 8:30 p.m. Email Ellen Z. 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 G. with questions.
"T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: A group for anyone who identifies along the transgender spectrum. There are no requirements for medical transition status or gender presentation to attend. People who are questioning their gender and parents of trans kids (and their kids, too!) are welcome. We meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room, shortly after the service until around 1:00 PM. Questions? Email Aileen.
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 S.
Women's Circle II: Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim S.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month. Email Anne M.
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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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| March's
Shared Plate
For the month of March, we share our plate with the Oregon farmworkers union, PCUN (Piñeros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste). Its mission is to empower farmworkers and working Latinx families in Oregon by building community, increasing Latinx representation in elections, and policy advocacy on both the national and state levels. PCUN values the ability of workers to take action against exploitation. PCUN strives to strengthen workers' rights by creating safer workplaces, advocating for fair wages, and pushing for enough economic security to care for families. PCUN was founded by farmworkers, and today, that legacy continues.
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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:
- Small bags of potato chips, pretzels, Doritos, etc.
- Protein bars
- Cup o' Noodles
- Cookies
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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| Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and stay engaged!
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