| Sunday ServicesSunday, November 3: Services at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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In Memory-Rev. Bill Sinkford
We are a community of both memory and hope. We accept death as a natural part of life and the final destination for our own lives. But grief is real. We are called to be present to our losses even as we celebrate our lives.
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Fall Back!Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, Nov. 3!
Set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday.
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Bill's BlogFor All the Saints
Halloween. All Saints Day. All Souls. These traditions trace back to the Celtic “New Year” celebration of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). This transition time between summer and the cold, dark of winter was associated with human death. It was understood to be a time when the boundary between the worlds of the living and dead became porous, a time when the spirits of the dead returned to earth.
Our spiritual theme for November is Death, one of the most important and resonant themes in religious life. We Unitarian Universalists refrain from claiming any collective certainty about what happens to us when we die. Our need to be present to the limits of our own lives and to the grief and loss we feel at the death of those we love make this a season when many of us find our hearts broken open.
One of the most important roles of the church, even the liberal religious church, is to name the many emotions called up in this season…the loss and the fear and the yearning…and to help us hold them individually and together ...Continued
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First ConnectionsThe First Connection series is designed with newcomers to the church in mind, but everyone is most welcome. Get to know others in the church, something about how things work here, and how to make connections. First Connections is offered between services beginning at 10:30 a.m. and concluding in time to get to the second service, around 11:05 p.m.
What Does Membership Mean?
Sunday, Nov. 3, 10:30–11:05 a.m.
Learn what it means to be a member of First Unitarian. Why take that step? There will also be a chance to sign the membership book and to become an official member.
How the Church Works
Sunday, Nov. 10, 10:30–11:05 a.m.
Join members of the Church Board of Trustees to learn about how the church is governed. How are decisions made and who does what?
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2020 AFD "Each of Us and All of Us"
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Our heartfelt thanks go out to those who have pledged these past weeks. Every pledge and every gift helps fund the life and work of the church and is valued here.
Total Goal: $1,600,000
Pledged as of 10/30: $498,039
Number of Pledges: 217
Percentage of Goal: 31%
Mark Your Calendars…
Celebration Sunday Potluck Brunch
Nov. 17 after service
Margaret Fuller Hall & Daisy Bingham
Think about what finger-food you might bring to share. Let’s Celebrate Together this Wonderful Community of Ours!
Visit our Annual Fund Drive table in Margaret Fuller Hall to get your picture taken with one (or more!) of our “I pledge because” signs; and while you are there, be sure to wear some of our newly introduced pledge beads. Let the fun begin...
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All Souls Requiem ServiceSunday, Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Eliot Chapel
We will make space to remember those who have died in the past year with the music of Camille Saint-Säens's Messe de Requiem, presented by our choir with soloist and orchestra, featuring our organist, Joe O’Donnell. The names of those we remember will be sung.
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Our Eighth Issue of Speaking of Justice: Faith In Action E-Magazine Is Here!
Hot off the press! This issue explores disrupting white supremacy culture. Learn why we believe transforming a culture and its system of white supremacy is liberating work, is spiritual work, and is important to help live out our faith as Unitarian Universalists.
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Africa ConnectionsSaturday, Nov. 2, 2–4 p.m.
Social Justice Group announces the 4th Annual Benefit for Quilts for Empowerment.
16200 NE Lewis Rogers Lane
Newberg, OR 97132
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White Supremacy in Oregon: History and Current IssuesTuesdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19, and 26, 6:30–9 p.m.
We will delve into our state’s history and current realities in order to build an understanding that will help us develop a better future for all of us.
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Alliance Program
Wednesday, Nov. 6
11 a.m., Buchan Reception Hall
12:30–1:30 p.m., Eliot Chapel
The Alliance program features Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax, former Deputy Director of the International Energy Agency, speaking on "Climate Change and the Future of Energy."
It will be a stimulating and fascinating program. Bring your brown bag lunch and join us at 11 a.m. in Buchan ($3). Enter from Salmon Street. The program will be in Eliot Chapel, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
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Immigrant Justice Action Group Monthly MeetingWednesday, Nov. 6, 1:30–3 p.m.
Room A108
In addition to time for reflection and updates on news of interest, Sarah Loose of the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice will speak on the ICE Out of the Courthouse Campaign.
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Gentle Yoga in the EveningMondays: 5:30–6:30 p.m., Room A108
Wednesdays: 5:30–6:30 p.m., Room A108
With a focus on spine health, energy renewal, and community, this class is inclusive for all bodies. Please bring your own yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing.
Fee: Drop-ins welcome. Pay when you come to class; $12 for individual classes. Eight classes for $8 each ($64).
Facilitator: Elizabeth Domike is a certified yoga instructor, a member of First Unitarian and has been teaching this class for five years.
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Aging: A Men’s Community WorkshopSaturday, Nov. 9, 9–1 p.m.
Through small and large group discussions and writing activities, we will reflect on aging while building community. Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be provided. Open to men, non-binary, and gender expansive individuals.
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Transgender Day of Remembrance Interfaith Vigil
Sunday, Nov. 17
Event: 4 p.m.
Reception: 5:30–7 p.m.
Gather with us for an interfaith service featuring local spiritual leaders, live music, and a candle lighting ceremony for the fallen.
A reception will follow the service, a time to share a complimentary simple meal, light refreshments, and fellowship.
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Runaway InequalitySaturday, Nov. 23, 6–9 p.m.
Eliot Chapel
"There is nothing in the economic universe that will automatically rescue us from runaway inequality....Either we wage a large-scale battle for economic, social and environmental justice, or we will witness the continued deterioration of the world we inhabit."
Join the Economic Justice Action Group & Oregon Center for Public Policy to welcome (for a second time) Les Leopold talking about his latest book, Runaway Inequality, An Activist's Guide to Economic Justice. Les co-founded the Labor Institute in New York City and authored The Looting of America: How Wall Street's Game of Fantasy Finance Destroyed Our Jobs, Pensions, and Prosperity, and What We Can Do About it.
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Death Café
Sunday, Nov. 24, 1–3 p.m.
A Death Café is an opportunity for people to come together in a relaxed space to discuss death over a cup of tea or coffee.
Our objective is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.
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Greens Sale Alert
Sundays, Nov. 24 and Dec. 1
The special purchase days this year are Nov. 24 and Dec. 1. You can order:
- special order items for your home
- gift wreaths for family and friends
Bring your checkbook/credit card and your address list for gift wreath recipients to Margaret Fuller Hall on these dates. Gift wreath purchase includes postage.
Special orders are available for pickup on Sunday, Dec. 8 or 15.
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Living with Loss: How Will I Get through the Holidays?Sundays, Nov. 24, Dec. 8 and 15, 10:45–12:15 p.m.
This class, led by Rev. Wendy Fish and Kristin Guest, will offer support through sharing information on the grief process, listening to your stories, suggesting ideas for holiday plans, and connecting with others.
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November Art WallThe watercolors of Susan and Ron Spears are featured in November.
They use watercolor as a dynamic medium, trying to portray the essence of nature with a freshness of spirit.
The Art Wall’s mission is to integrate art into the spiritual life of First Unitarian Portland by providing a venue for congregants to be moved by quality artwork from artists within the church and throughout the metro region.
Visit Margaret Fuller Hall any Sunday and see it in person!
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BookstoreThe 2019 UUA inSpirit Meditation Manual has just been released: Spilling the Light by Theresa Soto. We have many other volumes in this series, including To Wake, To Rise by Rev Sinkford. All titles are just $8.
Our bookstore (which started life in a closet in the 1960’s) has grown to a vibrant, welcoming respite for all congregants and visitors to First Unitarian Portland.
It supports the spiritual mission and principles of our church with offerings to stimulate and broaden our thinking as we move along our spiritual path, and help us better understand Unitarian Universalism.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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The Learning Community 2019–2020 Registration Is Now Open!If you are a returning family, check out our website to find our online form, or just click below to register your child/children for the 2019–2020 church year classes.
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Interested in Becoming a Learning Community Teacher?
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Sunday Afternoon ChildcareWe offer childcare for all ages each Sunday from 1–3 p.m. while you attend an event or meeting at church. Request care for your child(ren) at the Eliot Info Desk by 1 p.m. that day. Staff are released at 1 p.m. if no one has requested care by then.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Join Our Sunday Morning Hospitality Team!Imagine the smiles on our congregants’ faces as you serve up fresh coffee on Sunday mornings. Offer a variety of teas, juice, and occasional crunchy snacks. Become a member of our Sunday coffee host team by choosing a regular Sunday each month to volunteer, or offering your help as a substitute when called upon. Either one would be much appreciated. Excellent training is provided by our experienced volunteers.
Email John in the front office or call him at 503-228-6389 x102. Or just stop by the Fuller Hall kitchen on Sunday morning and add your name to the list.
This is a great way to get to know folks!
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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 Maina Ptolemy at 503-803-8991.
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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 by email.
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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.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
Member Don Liedel entered hospice care earlier this month and also recently moved into an adult foster care home. Don appreciates visits, cards and calls. For Don’s contact information contact the church office.
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From Your Board of Trustees: October Moderator Letter
Greetings –
Fall is upon us and it seems we’re settling in for a rich church year. Every time I’m at the church I’m impressed by all that is happening, from our own Sunday services and committee meetings to the wide variety of community members who rent our facilities.
The board hosted our first forum of the year with a meet and greet on Sept. 29. It was the kind of meeting we enjoy–one where we shared our goals and work for the year and then had time to discuss more deeply the thoughts on your minds. We hope to continue these discussions in various settings throughout the year. Thank you to all of you who attended ...Continued
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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, Oct. 27 Attendance:1st Service: 181
2nd Service: 263
Musicians: 2
Total: 446
Livestream: 70
Grand Total: 516
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Congratulations PUAH!
First Unitarian Portland is proud to be part of the Portland United Against Hate Steering Committee to accept the Spirit of Portland Award.
PUAH is a community-initiated coalition of 80 non-profits, neighborhood groups, and municipal partners committed to tracking, responding to, and preventing acts of hate. Born in response to the uptick in hate violence after the 2016 elections, PUAH provides trauma-informed support to communities targeted by hate violence and serves as the primary collaborative and intersectional vehicle for addressing the epidemic of hate in Portland.
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Give the Joy of Flowers for Sunday’s Service
Have you ever wondered where the beautiful Sunday morning flowers come from each week? You can be one of the generous donors of the chancel flowers.
The upcoming holidays are a great time to remember loved ones and family by sponsoring chancel flowers.
For details about giving flowers for the chancel, contact Marsha, or call her at 503-954-3534.
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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, a 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.
Remember our program if you are having out-of-town guests who need housing. For details, contact Ruth Robinson.
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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 us 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. For more information or to register, please contact Lucy Garrick.
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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
We normally meet 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)We meet monthly September through May on the fourth Sunday from 12:30 –2 p.m. in the Fireside room in A303. Visit our table in Margaret Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays.
Questions? Ingrid Gjestvang.
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| Contemplative Practice Group Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., A301. We offers a regular opportunity for building community through silent meditation, mindfulness poetry, and deep discussion on church themes. Questions? Connie Cleaton, 503-282-6389
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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. Questions? Michael Wade
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| Ending Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial JusticeWe usually meet 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) meets the first Wednesday of the months of September–May, from 1:30–3 p.m. in the Channing Room.
Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. Our meetings include time for reflection, sharing, and information about 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.
Through the IJAG Google group, we disseminate recommended actions. Join us for the important work of immigrant justice! Questions? Contact us here.
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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 GroupGroup meets in the Eliot Chapel, 7–8:30 p.m on Wednesdays. Silent meditation for 30 minutes, followed by reading and discussing a book by a Buddhist author. Please email with your phone number if you are considering coming. Questions? Contact Mary Ann Harman.
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Mental Health Action GroupMHAG exists to educate the congregation about mental health issues and to support those in the congregation living with mental illness or whose relatives live with mental illness. We meet every third Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Buchan Building.
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Quilts of Love GroupThird Thursday meeting is 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. Questions? Contact Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
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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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| 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 Group2nd and 4th Thursdays each month, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
The knitting group is wanting to expand to include crocheters and our new name will be Yarn Crafters. Yarn provided. All levels welcome.
Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.
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| UU Men's Community
Third Saturday, 9 a.m., Channing Room. This is 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, 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 at 10–11:30 a.m. Now welcoming new members. Questions? Dorothy, 503-292-1337.
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.”
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 10:15 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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In November, we share our plate with Portland United Against Hate. PUAH believes that everyone and every community deserves a safe, prosperous, and peaceful life, a life free from hate and harassment. The coalition of over 80 community-based organizations has responded to the rise in white nationalism and incidents of hate crimes and incidents in Portland, and nationally, since the 2016 presidential election by developing a hate tracking tool, ReportHatePDX.com. At this site, people can find instructions for how to connect with one of the many community-based organizations that can help report a given incident and provide valuable counseling and support services to those targeted by hate. As a member of the PUAH Steering Committee, First Unitarian Portland was honored to participate in the Spirit of Portland Awards in which PUAH received the 2019 award for Community Resilience.
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