magic and miracles
magic and miracles
Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Sunday, December 1

Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
There will be no Learning Community (RE) classes this Sunday. 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.
LIVESTREAM SERVICE

Let the Mystery Be

Danielle Garrett, Assistant Minister
We are entering a season that asks us to set aside our logical and scientific tendencies. We share stories of virgin births and magical stars, of one day's worth of oil that burned for 8 nights, and flying reindeer that can circumnavigate the globe in an evening. During this season of magic and miracles, what can we learn if we give ourselves over to these stories and sit in the presence of mystery?
ORDER OF SERVICE

Minister's Column

A Thanksgiving Grace

Written by Rev. Alison B. Miller, Senior Minister
We give thanks for the feast of life
From our youth to our elderhood. 
We celebrate the tastes and the pairings: 
Of energy and passion,
Of wisdom and compassion, 
Of curiosity and growth,
Of loss and new beginnings
We give thanks for the feast of love
That extends from kin and stranger alike.  
We set a table to host and to honor: 
The people we love and who love us in return
On days when it’s easy and days when it isn’t
And people whose work sustains and nourishes us, 
Who we may never meet and could never be without.
We give thanks for the feast of food
That fills our spirits and our bodies. 
We praise all that is on our plates:
A beloved ancestor’s recipe handed down,
A new and daring creation,
The results of someone’s precious time,
An ethical statement in the form of turkey, tofurkey, and trimmings.
We give thanks for the fast as well
That calls our heart to refrain.
We set intentions to persist and to resist:
Histories that whitewash events and gloss over genocide,
Foods that are not rooted in fair labor or sustainability, 
Language that diminishes and divides,
Acts that destroy and do not create.
We give thanks for the feast of now,
The invitation that lies between each breath.
We practice the pause that gratitude inserts:
To allow grace to enter,
To allow wisdom to take hold,
To allow compassion to knit us to one another, 
And to allow all life to flourish. 
Amen. Blessed Be.

Featured News

We Need Your Pledge!

Deep gratitude goes to everyone who has Pledged a gift for 2025! You have helped us raise $1,220,424, 87% of our goal! These vital resources will be used to keep the church healthy and active.
If you haven't yet Pledged, we hope you will today. We need your support to reach our goal.
Help us raise an additional $180,000, and get in your pledge before the holidays!
PLEDGE FOR 2025

NEW! — First Unitarian Holiday Happenings Guide

Check out the flyer for the full list of holiday festivities at First Unitarian. Click the image below to view the flyer full-size in another tab.
For event details, scan the QR code or visit our holiday Linktree.

NEW! — 100th Anniversary Christmas Pageant: Call for Memorabilia and Participants

It's the 100th anniversary of our annual Christmas Pageant!
How to participate:
  • Share memories: Submit your photos and memorabilia to our pageant email.
  • Play a role: ALL ages are invited to participate in the Christmas Pageant! Sign up here to join us. Required rehearsals on Saturday, December 14, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. and Sunday, December 15, from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • All-ages Pageant choir: No experience necessary. RSVP requested here. Required rehearsals on Sunday, December 8, and Sunday, December 15, from noon to 1 p.m. on both days.
The Pageant will take place on December 22 in the Main Sanctuary at 10:15 a.m.

Daily Advent by Email

Danielle Garrett, Assistant Minister, and Jen Thomas, Member Engagement Coordinator
Announcing an opportunity to enhance your Advent experience! Sign up now to receive daily readings and contemplations directly to your email.
From December 1 to 25, each day will feature a new prompt aimed at inspiring reflection and deepening your spiritual journey as you prepare for the joy of the season.
To participate, sign up at this link.
Join us in this meaningful journey of contemplation and connection this Advent season!

How Can a Weary World Rejoice?

Mondays, December 2, 9, 16, and 23, 9 - 9:30 a.m.
Location: Zoom
Danielle Garrett, Assistant Minister, and Matins Team
Leave behind the chaos and clamor of the commercial Christmas season and the shock of the daily news by celebrating the season of Advent with four quiet Zoom services of music, poetry, prayer, and reflection.
Join Danielle Garrett, Sara, Karen, and Jennifer for a unique Unitarian/Universalist perspective on the season.
To join on Zoom, use this link any week.
If you would like a weekly reminder, email Karen.

Our Very Own Word Cloud!

A big thank you to all our members and friends for your heartfelt word "donations" which resulted in First U Portland's beautiful Word Cloud. Can you imagine this on T-shirts? On coffee mugs?  On ... ?
Click here to watch and listen as our ministers recite many of the words and what meaning they hold for us.

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!

NEW! — No First Steps Class This Month

Jen Thomas, Member Engagement Coordinator
Due to the holiday schedule, there will be no First Steps class on December 1. We invite you to join us for our next First Steps class on January 5.
New and returning folks to First Unitarian are welcome to attend to learn about the church, an overview of Unitarian Universalism and meet some of the leaders in the church. Join in the Channing Room (A101) from 12 to 1 p.m. with a tour of the campus to follow. Folks interested in joining the church in membership can receive membership information too and sign the membership record book.
For more information, contact Jen Thomas.

NEW! — Momos on December 8

Jen Thomas, Member Engagement Coordinator
The successful Souper Sunday is under construction and reorganization for the month of December and will return on January 12. Thank you to our new co-leaders, Barbara and Kathleen.
On December 8, we will have an offering of delicious Nepalese momos after the service. Momos are a type of steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables. They are a popular street food in Nepal. Our own lead sexton, Kamal Sunuwar, will be providing the momos from his new family restaurant, Killer Banh Mi.
For a $5 suggested donation, there will be vegetarian momos and a limited number of gluten free spring rolls.

NEW! — Alliance Holiday Sale

Sundays, December 8 and 15, after the service
Location: Buchan Reception
You’ll find lots of jewelry, beautiful scarves, Christmas treasures, and unique handmade items. 
Homemade cookies galore!
AND come see a gingerbread house you could win with Raffle tickets!
Christmas Stars, too!!
Celebrate 100 years of the Christmas Pageant with a star ornament – $5/star helps refurbish pageant costumes.

NEW! — The Alliance Presents "Threads from Heart to Heart"

Wednesday, December 11, 10:30 a.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
Join the Alliance and pianist Signe Lusk to explore piano music through the years at First Unitarian Portland.
To register your spot for the $25 catered lunch at noon following the program, purchase a ticket here. The presentation is free, but payment is required for the lunch.

Board Meeting Change for December and January

The December and January Board meetings will be held on Wednesday, December 4, and Wednesday, January 8, at 7 p.m. so Board members can attend choir practice.
We will meet in Buchan Reception Hall as usual. The Zoom info is unchanged.
Click here to join via Zoom.

Letter from the Board
Board of Trustees

I’ve been thinking about democracy and hard work this week.
This past week in our country, we used a democratic process to elect a president and representatives to the US congress, as well as local leaders to represent us in our community. I’ll be the first to admit that watching the results of this democratic process unfold nationally has been painful, frightening, angering, and disappointing. But this is one event in our country’s history. We have been down before, way down. That’s where the hard work comes in...MORE

Learning Community

Learn more about the Learning Community programs.
Register your child for the 2024-25 program year here.

November 24 & December 1 Newsletter

Rev. Leah Ongiri, Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and Family Ministries
Get ready for the 100th anniversary of our Christmas Pageant. The Pageant will be during the service at 10:15 on 12/22. And no RE on December 1st! Click through for all the details...MORE

Social Justice Program

NEW! — Holiday Gift Drive for WeShine Begins Today

COHHO invites you to join us in our holiday gift drive for WeShine. 
WeShine is one of the organizations COHHO has chosen to support because of their mission and trauma-informed model of addressing the homelessness crisis.
Avalon Village, WeShine’s newest micro-village, is located in Inner Southeast Portland. Accommodating 10 people, Avalon Village serves women and female-identified adults and prioritizes those who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, older adults, people with chronic health conditions or disabilities, and individuals who have been camping nearby.
Avalon villagers now have a warm, safe and welcoming place to live. However, they still have no or limited financial means to purchase warm clothing or other essential items for their personal welfare. So COHHO has decided to coordinate a holiday gift drive for them and the Avalon Village in general.
Avalon staff asked the villagers what one or two items would make a difference in their lives at this time. We now have that list and one with items that are critical for maintaining the village itself (e.g., toilet paper). Now it’s time to fulfill that wish list! 
If you would like to contribute to our gift drive, please contact Cynthia. She will share with you the list with items ranging in price from $10 to $100.
COHHO will staff a table on December 8 and 15 after the services for sign-ups and item drop-offs. Although we plan to make one delivery on the 15th, we will accept items on the 8th if that’s more convenient for donors.
Please join us in making our first holiday gift drive for WeShine and Avalon Village a great success. Happy Thanksgiving!

NEW! — Holiday Gifts for the Shower Project

Starting December 1
Location:
Narthex and Buchan atrium
The 13 Salmon Shower Project is grateful to receive gifts of clothing for our guests. We are hoping to stock up on new items for the year, and for this winter season. Multi-packs of any of these items are welcome.
For the General Congregation
  • Men’s undershirts, sizes M, L & XL
  • Men’s boxer briefs, sizes M, L & XL
  • Women’s sports bras, sizes M, L & XL
  • Waterproof men’s winter coats, sizes L & XL
For the Family Ministry Giving Tree
  • Gloves – Adult sizes M, L & XL (waterproof preferred)
  • Adult warm beanie hats
These gifts can be delivered to the Giving Trees located in the Narthex and Buchan atrium, starting Sunday, December 1.
If you’d like to offer a financial contribution directly to the Shower Project, please donate here. To learn more about the work of the Shower Project, visit their page here.
Thank you!

NEXT WEEK — United for Gaza: Benefit for UNRWA

Friday, December 6, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location:
Eliot Chapel
The United States and Switzerland are the only countries that have cut their funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Other countries have either maintained or increased their support for UNRWA. This cutting of funding is medievally cruel because UNRWA is the only organization on site with the infrastructure of staff, warehouses, and vehicles to deliver this humanitarian aid. In addition, UNRWA provides jobs, education, healthcare, and food to millions of Palestinian refugees in camps in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and the West Bank.  
Join us at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) on December 6 in Eliot Chapel to learn about UNRWA and to help support it. Zaina Dana from the Washington DC office of UNRWA and Dr. Michael Fakhri, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, will speak. A reception with coffee, tea, and Palestinian sweets will follow the event.
RSVP to this free event here or at the door.

CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice

Curated by Ethel, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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.
Commissioned by The Future Is Indigenous Women project of Native Women Lead, this song is a "musical offering to the resilience, beauty, power and wonder of Indigenous Women across Turtle Island and Abya Yala (colonially known as North/South America). We pray we all continue to heal, grow, shine, unite, and live our truest purpose." To listen to Lyla June & Desirae Harp's song "Native Women," watch the video below:

In the Community

David Clark Beach, brother of member Robin Beach Lindsley, died on November 19 after a long illness. He was 80 years old. David grew up here in the church and was active in Liberal Religious Youth. Besides Robin, David leaves a wife and daughter. We hold them all at this time.
Member Vicki Pflaumer is recovering from a second heart ablation procedure on November 26. She asks that we hold her throughout the coming days for successful outcomes and in the months ahead that her healing will be complete.
And we hold member Mary Post as she prepares for an upcoming surgery, uncertain of what the outcome may be.

Say it with flowers! 

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.
Questions? Contact Marsha.

November/December Art Wall Exhibitions

The Garden: Prints by Poppy Dully
Poppy Dully’s artistic practices span painting, printmaking, and artist books. This exhibit features copper etched botanical prints. She plays with ink colors, moving from the traditional to the unusual. Nature is uninhibited in its array of colors and patterns, challenging us to consider what may be possible.

Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings

Check out our church calendar for more info!
— Visit a more comprehensive list of our Ongoing Groups.
 —
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): 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.
Friday Vesper Services: Every week from 5 - 5:40 p.m. via Zoom. Quiet prayer, reflection, meditation, and music.
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.
Labyrinth: First Sundays of the month in Fuller Hall. Check the Church Calendar.
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.
Loving Kindness Meditation: Meets every Monday from 8 - 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Spiritual reading, meditation, and follow up sharing. Open to all. Contact Katie for more information.
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: 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.
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.

Events Calendar | Ongoing Groups | Update Records

Livestream Schedule
Sanctuary Service – 10:15 a.m.
In-Person & Livestream
Monday Loving Kindness Meditation – 8 - 8:30 p.m.
via Zoom
 

SERVICES
December's
Shared Plate
This December, we share our plate with Aliento, a community organization in Phoenix that believes in transforming trauma into hope and action with dreamers, undocumented students, and mixed-status families. In late October, our First Unitarian delegation had the privilege of canvassing alongside teens and young adults of Aliento to oppose Arizona's draconian, anti-immigrant proposition. In the wake of the passage of that proposition, and the outcome of federal elections, they write, " Aliento will continue to advocate for the rights of our undocumented, DACA, and mixed-status families. Know that you are not alone. Aliento was created to nurture human potential regardless of immigration status."
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:
  • Men's white t-shirts (M-L)
  • Boxers, boxer briefs, and briefs (M-L)
  • Blankets and sleeping bags
  • Winter coats/jackets (all sizes)
  • Men's clothes (all sizes)
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!

Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and stay engaged!
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