🥞 Pancake Breakfast at 8:45 a.m. 🥞
Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Children & youth start in the Sanctuary at 10:15 a.m. then head to Learning Community (RE) classes. Care for nursery & toddlers is available during worship.
Social Hour:Â Buchan Reception Hall after the service.
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Resistance is the Secret of Joy
Heather Vickery, UUSC / Guest Speaker
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Alice Walker says “resistance is the secret of joy” but the inverse is also true. Joy is the secret of resistance. In these tough times we often focus on resistance and forget to be joyful together. But Joy is essential! Our joy is what scares them, our joy is what we are fighting for. Join us to hear about some of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s joyful resistance and to learn about how you too can lean into joy in these troubling times.
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Please join Heather after the service in Eliot Chapel for a workshop on "Accompaniment." In these times, members of our community — including immigrants, trans and non-binary kin, and houseless neighbors — are often pushed to the margins and treated as "other." This workshop will explore how we can show up and accompany those most affected.
Heather Vickery (she/her) is the Coordinator for Congregational Activism at the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) and she supports UU congregations and other groups that want to do their justice work more effectively and faithfully. Heather is also an aspirant for UU ministry and a student at the Starr King School for the Ministry.
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Ministerial Blog
Yom Kippur Homily
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If you weren't able to attend our Yom Kippur service last night in Eliot Chapel, you can view it on YouTube by clicking the video below:
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NEW! — Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, October 5, 8:45 - 10 a.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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Join us for free, delicious pancakes in Buchan Reception Hall from 8:45 to 10 a.m. on the first Sunday of the month. We will have plain, blueberry, chocolate, and blueberry-chocolate pancakes fresh off the griddle. All are welcome!
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Join Our Next First Steps Class & Campus Tour
Sunday, October 5, 11:30 a.m.
Location:Â Channing Room (A101)
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Come and meet new friends, learn a little more about First U PDX and Unitarian Universalism in this introductory class. You're welcome to bring a beverage and we'll have some snacks to share.
Hope to see you there!Â
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First Unitarian T-Shirts Are Here!
While supplies last
Location: Beacon Bookstore in Fuller Hall
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Remember the wonderful First U PDX Word Cloud that our congregation helped create last fall? It's now featured on fashionable and inspiring T-shirts that YOU can own! These shirts are a great way to represent our community. Visit the Beacon Bookstore in Fuller Hall during social hour. Available in sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL, get yours while supplies last!
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NEW! — Volunteer Wanted
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Join our front desk team! We're looking for a volunteer to help out in our front office on Mondays from 1 - 4 p.m. Tasks will include answering the phone, greeting visitors, and other basic clerical work. Must have some computer skills and be a good communicator. If you're interested, email John Rosette.
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Working on Inclusion: A Learning Circle for First U Congregants
Mondays, October 13 and 27, November 10 and 27, and December 8, 7 p.m.
Location: Zoom
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As a community, we are learning to be more inclusive in our words and actions. Based on discussions from last spring, we are offering an additional Learning Circle this fall just for First U participants, based on the book Subtle Acts of Exclusion by Michael Baran and Tiffany Jana.
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A Thread of Community for Every Age: Join an Age-Related Mailing Group
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We hope to help organize meaningful connections by age group within our congregation. By joining this mailing list, you’ll receive occasional invitations and updates as opportunities arise, giving you a chance to engage with others who share your generational experiences and journeys.
This is an open, inclusive opportunity to connect across diverse journeys and perspectives, with no expectation or pressure—just the chance to find common ground and fellowship within your peer generation.
We will reach out by email with occasional invitations and updates, respecting your time and interest. Please share your contact information and your age group to be part of this evolving community connection.
Together, we celebrate the diversity of life stages that enrich our shared spiritual home. Email Jen Thomas for questions or ideas!
Sign up today to share your contact info and generational group. We look forward to helping you find community and connection as these opportunities arise.
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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! — De-Escalation Training
Sunday, October 12, 1 - 4 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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Please join us to learn the basics of nonviolent resistance and hone your de-escalation techniques in this dynamic workshop featuring role-playing and other skills embodiment exercises. Facilitated by long-time activist and trainer Malcom Scott. Please register here.
Malcom Gregory Scott is a long-time AIDS survivor, activist, and writer with decades of experience organizing and participating in nonviolent direct actions. He currently serves as East Portland Indivisible's Safety Team Co-lead responsible for training and on an advisory group developing protest safety guidance for the Consolidated Oregon Indivisible Network (COIN).Â
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Announcing the Dementia Caregivers Group
2nd Tuesdays at 6 p.m., starting October 14
Location: Channing Room (A101)
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If you are caring for a parent, sibling, or partner with dementia, Lay Ministry invites you to a new support group.
We will be meeting in person on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Channing Room. The first session is planned for October 14.
This meeting will be facilitated by Scott V. and Kathleen V.
To register or ask questions, please email Kathleen V.
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Calling All Artists! Submit Your Work for the Congregant Art Show
Deadline is Sunday, October 19
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The Biennial UU Group show is coming up in November.
This is a non-juried show, open to all attendees of First Unitarian.
The deadline is Sunday, October 19, so pick up an entry form at the Art Wall in Fuller Hall or on the website here.
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NEW! — Visit the Bookstore Table in Buchan This Sunday
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Beacon Bookstore sets up in the Buchan Atrium on the first Sunday of each month during the regular church year. You’ll find a small assortment of some of our best-selling books for children and adults, as well as a few shelf-inches of our used books. This coming Sunday, October 5th, we’ll also have a couple of each size of the blue First Unitarian T-shirts. Looking for books being used for adult classes? We’ll have some of those, too. Remember that about 40% of the sale price for new books goes right to the church’s bottom line.
And then — browse the Bookstore in Fuller Hall on other Sundays of each month! We carry hundreds of titles — books we carefully choose to support individual spiritual journeys, books for classes, books to inform justice work, quality books for children, and several lines of greeting cards. Used books are on the landing next to the store for $0.50 each. Your coffee cup is always welcome to join you in the shop. Â
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CHECK WEEKLY — October 5 Newsletter
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and Family Ministries
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Dear Ones,
If you're reading this, you're probably a child or youth in RE, a volunteer helping make it happen, or someone else who values our Learning Community. Whoever you are and whatever your role, you won't want to miss this Sunday!
Join us in the sanctuary at 10:15 a.m. to install our wonderful teachers and advisors with a simple and joyous blessing. After Together Time, our 2nd-5th grade, middle school (6th-8th grade), and YRUU (9th-12th grade) classes will kick off. Preschool and kindergarten-1st grade classes continue.
And...if you're reading this as a curious potential visitor, it's a fun Sunday to check us out. We'd love to have you...MORE
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NEW! — Be Part of Our Food Drive
Location: COHHO bins in Fuller Hall
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September was Hunger Action Month, but we think 2025-26 should be declared the Hunger Action Years! The recent Republican budget bill will slash Medicaid and take away SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) from thousands of Oregonians. Due to federal uncertainty, tariffs and trade wars, the Oregon legislature announced it has less to spend on safety net programs. Families already on the brink will most certainly feel the impact of these policies and the economic realities of rising inflation and unemployment.
COHHO supports the non-profit organization Lift UP because it helps bridge the nutritional gap, especially for people living in SW and NW Portland. With your assistance, we can continue to deliver shelf-stable food to Lift Up's warehouse for distribution to those in need. Please deposit in the COHHO bins in Fuller Hall any of the following: whole grain pasta; brown rice; any low sodium Items such as broths, veggies, and sauces; canned tuna, chicken, or other meat; nut butters; and/or shelf-stable milks. When people are fed, futures are nourished too. Thank you!
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| This Week's Shower Project Requests
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Each week we offer unhoused neighbors a secure space to shower, enjoy a meal, get clean clothing, and experience refuge from conditions on the street. We are always looking for more volunteers to make this possible. Volunteers sign up for 2-hour shifts that work for their schedule - and enjoy meeting other congregants this way. If you're interested, please click here.Â
Your donations make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. We are in special need of the following items:
- Men's jeans/pants/sweats (32 - 36)
- Hoodies, sweatshirts
- Boxer briefs - NEW (M, L)
- Women's underwear - NEW (S, M)
- Flashlights
- Camping gear
- Backpacks
- Direct monetary donations
Drop off your items in the marked cabinet in Fuller Hall during church hours or during Shower Project hours (Wednesdays and Thursdays between noon and 4 p.m.). Thank you for your support!
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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.
This performance of "The Caged Bird Sings for Freedom" was featured on the Resonance Ensemble’s recent concert "AMENDMENT: RIGHTING OUR WRONGS" - a program exploring human rights, featuring music by Melissa Dunphy, Joel Thompson, Rosephanye Powell, and more. To listen, click the video below:
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In the Community
The chancel flowers last Sunday were in honor of long-time member Larry Conrad, who passed away in April. Sunday was the 45th anniversary of the day he and Topaz Faulkner were married.
Long-time member Brent Schauer continues a strong recovery after a fall on September 5th which led to brain and neck surgery. He is still well cared for at OHSU, and we hope he can move to a rehabilitation facility soon. He is grateful for all of the well wishes. Cards and emails are welcome. Please no visitors at 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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NEW! — October Art Wall Exhibition
Paintings by Benno Philippson
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Benno Philippson was a Portland architect who loved painting the beautiful buildings and towns he passed through while traveling. Come down to Fuller Hall and join him on trips through Europe as well as local ones.
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Got something for Front Steps? Send in your church-related submission for our weekly publication. Submit it here (preferred) or email us here with "Front Steps" as the subject line.
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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| October 5 & 12's
Shared Plate
For the first two weeks of October, our shared plate will go to support the UU Service Committee’s Pink Haven Coalition – a collaborative, trans-led effort with kindred UU organizations and other people of conscience to advance trans liberation. This Coalition works to create networks of care and safety for trans people and their families in the United States who need to flee to more welcoming locations to access healthcare and services or stay as safe as possible where they are. We are excited to share that a generous donor has agreed to match the money we are sending to the UUSC for this effort!Â
Throughout this 2025 – 2026 year of Weaving Community, we will be sharing our plates with community organizations with which First Unitarian has partnerships for justice and service.
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| Want to know what this church has to offer? Visit our Calendar by clicking above to see our list of events/classes/socials!
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