|
Sunday ServicesSunday, Jan. 27: Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
| |
From Liberal to Liberation-Rev. Sofia Betancourt and Rev. Bill SinkfordAs we work to dismantle the culture of white supremacy in all of its forms, some of our theological understandings may need inspection as well. Rev. Betancourt, our speaker for Seminary for a Day, will join Rev. Sinkford, to explore needed shifts in our concepts as well as our culture.
| |
Seminary for a Day
Saturday, Jan. 26
8:30–4:30 p.m. Join us this Saturday for a day of spiritual deepening and engagement.
Online and mail registration has ended. Walk-ins are warmly welcome; however, lunch will not be included.
| |
|
This year’s keynote presenter will be Rev. Sofia Betancourt, a Ph.D. candidate at Yale University and Assistant Professor at Starr King School for the Ministry. Her work focuses on environmental ethics of liberation in a womanist and Latina feminist frame. Her keynote address is entitled "Liberal to Liberation: A Theological Response to Climate Disruption." She will offer an afternoon workshop on Ecowomanism.
| |
Details: Saturday, Jan. 26, Doors open for check-in and registration at 8:30 a.m. Program runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (full day with lunch) Keynote only: 9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. *Walk-ins are welcome, but no lunch will be available.
| |
Soul Box Sunday
Sunday, Jan. 27
This Sunday will be our final push to contribute to the Soul Box Project's large scale exhibition in the Oregon State Capitol. Teachers will be on hand to help people make boxes during both coffee hours. If you made boxes at home, be sure to bring them to us on or before Sunday, Jan. 27 if you want your boxes to be a part of the Feb. 15 event. The Soul Box Project continues to grow, as more and more people recognize this as a means of raising awareness as to the public health crisis of gun violence in our country. Plans are evolving for a massive display in Washington, D.C. in 2020, so keep those boxes coming. The Peace Action Group at First Unitarian will continue to accept boxes at the PAC table during coffee hours each Sunday, and you can still drop boxes off at the Church Office on SW 13th during regular business hours. Meanwhile, don't miss "Gallery of Souls," the first exhibit of the 2019 schedule in the gallery of Cerimon House, at 5131 NE 23rd Ave., now through Feb. 12. Exhibit hours vary, so visit the soulboxproject.org for a schedule, and to sign up to help with the Feb. 15 event as well!
| |
Meeting of the Global Justice Coalition of First Unitarian PortlandSunday, Jan. 27, 1–3 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall, B102 & B103
We know that many members and friends of First Unitarian Portland are deeply concerned about global justice issues. Such issues include but are not limited to climate change, systemic causes of refugee crises, colonialism, peace, militarism, and economic justice.
The newly formed and still forming Global Justice Coalition of First Unitarian invites you to join our meeting to share your particular concerns and to consider how to be further engaged.
| |
Give the Joy of Flowers for Sunday’s Service
Have you ever wondered where the beautiful flowers come from each week? You can be one of the generous donors of the chancel flowers.
If you have an upcoming birthday, anniversary, or memorial that you’d like to recognize, what better way than to provide flowers in honor of your loved one. For details about giving flowers for the chancel, contact Marsha at 503-954-3534, ormarshamwarner@comcast.net.
| |
 | "Spiritual direction guides the exploration of a person's spiritual path with someone trained in deep listening, reflection, and discernment.”
-Spiritual Directors Guild of First Unitarian Portland |
|
Spiritual Direction 101 Workshop
Saturday. Feb. 2,
1–3 p.m. Would you like to go deeper on your spiritual journey? Are you curious about how spiritual direction can help? In this informal workshop hear several of First Unitarian Portland's spiritual directors describe how they conduct a session, listen to a congregant’s story about what this relationship has meant to her, and get a taste of what it might be like for you through individual or small group sessions.
| |
Clean Energy Jobs Bill
Wednesday, Feb. 6
The Clean Energy Jobs bill should be introduced to the 2019 Oregon Legislative Assembly soon after it convenes on January 22. Community for Earth members and other climate activists are calling for the strongest possible bill with a declining cap, interim targets, and no industry giveaways. We want a revenue stream that provides a just and equitable transition for low income, rural communities, and tribes.
| |
Art WallRuns until Jan. 27 Jean Gale uses water media to capture moments in everyday life and travel. Come down to Margaret Fuller Hall to enjoy the rich colors and textures of life that she presents.
| |
First Unitarian Congregation Artists!The March 2019 Art Wall Show is designed to celebrate and showcase our First Unitarian artists. Take the opportunity to show your work and creativity. Entry forms and information is available at the Art Wall table in Margaret Fuller Hall. The deadline for bringing in your work is Feb. 17. Contact Sherry Hall (971-212-1551) for more information.
| |
Bookstore
The book “Justice on Earth” is the current UUA Common Read.
Earth justice is a focus of Seminary for a Day on Jan. 26, and our church will have book discussion groups on this title starting in February. These are three great reasons to get your copy at the bookstore today. We also have some great fall and holiday books and many other everyday titles added to our 50% off shelves.
| |
|
Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
| |
Pick Up a New Path to Engagement Publication!
Check out the new Path to Engagement guide available this Sunday at the Adult Programs table.
Learn about the classes, retreats and other special events happening at First Unitarian this winter and spring.
| |
Speaking of Justice: Faith in Action - Housing and Houselessness This issue examines Housing and Houselessness in our community. Discover how our community puts our principles into action! We have highlighted the Committee on Hunger and Homelessness, Quilts of Love, 13 Salmon Family Center as well as important news about development exploration for First Unitarian Portland, art, poetry and more.
| |
Sunday Afternoon Childcare!Each Sunday afternoon, we'll be offering childcare, 15 minutes before an event, from 1–3 p.m. for group meetings and events happening after services. Please check in at the Eliot Center Info desk if you need care for children ages four months and older. When care is not requested by 1 p.m., staff will be released. Contact cscheffman@firstunitarianportland.org with questions.
| |
| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
| |
Support Our 13 Salmon Winter ShelterThe Thirteen Salmon Family Center at First Unitarian Church is currently open as a day shelter for homeless children and their parents. Volunteers are needed now through April 30 for two-hour shifts to make breakfast and lunch, play with children, and make families welcome. Experienced volunteers can log in and get straight to work! Currently, the shelter is not seeking food donations but can use diapers, baby wipes, toiletries, and towels. Donna Richards, webbed@msn.com
| |
Emergency Planning Team VolunteerSeeking a volunteer with drafting experience in CAD to update existing CAD building drawings for the church. Contact Marilynne at 503-703-0259.
| |
Nominating CommitteeThe Nominating Committee seeks church members who want to help with the governance of this church. We develop a slate of candidates for the spring ballot for three-year terms on the Nominating Committee and the Board of Trustees. Candidates should represent the diversity of our congregation and bring varied talents. The Board of Trustees is the larger commitment, but we are told by people who have served that it is a rich experience in their spiritual life. For the Nominating Committee, we seek people who enjoy networking and who know other people in the church through their activities. Please let us know if you are interested or if you would like to recommend someone else. You may send an email message to nominatingcommittee@firstunitarianportland.org
| |
Social Hour Helpers Needed Sunday Mornings
With two services continuing throughout the year, we need a few more beverage service helpers and subs on Sundays in Margaret Fuller Hall. Choose one Sunday each month, either 8–10:50 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m., with time to attend the service in between. Please contact Emily at 541-408-1516 or ewh1960@gmail.com. Training provided by experienced volunteers.
| |
| Seeking UshersUshers 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 at 1stuushers@gmail.com.
| |
Time-Limited Projects Await!While there are many opportunities for long-term commitments within our congregation, there are also myriad options for people desiring time-limited projects for a contribution of effort and energy. Questions? Marti Yoder at marti.yoder@gmail.com.
| |
| 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.
This is a great way to connect with congregation members and newcomers. Contact Membership Chair Ed McClaran or call 971-279-2778.
| |
| 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 Leslie Comnes, 503-236-2963.
| |
In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
| |
January Moderator's Letter
| |
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.
| |
Sunday, Jan. 20 Attendance:1st Service: 180
2nd Service: 258
Musicians: 41
Total: 487
Livestream: 86
Grand Total: 573
| |
First Unitarian Animal Ministry Thanks You
The members of our First Unitarian Animal Ministry sincerely thank the donors who brought in new and gently used companion animal accessories for distribution to the Portland Animal Welfare Team. Rachel Berry, Executive Director of PAW Team, enthusiastically accepted dozens of leashes, collars, harnesses, and other needed supplies
The donations were taken to their office and clinic on NE 82nd Ave. to be put to use. They were especially grateful for the large dog harnesses, collars, and leashes, which are typically in short supply.
| |
Interested in Joining a Women’s Circle?Women's Circle II is welcoming new members. All women are welcome on the second and fourth Monday evenings in the Channing Room from 7–8:30 p.m. Contact Kim Streuli, 503-869-1486, and/or streulik@gmail.com.
| |
Attention LiveStream Viewers
Do you regularly watch First Unitarian’s Sunday services in real time on Sunday mornings? Are you adept at sending and receiving text messages?
Our Sunday morning sound and video technicians could use help from a couple of techy types out in cyberland to let them know when there is a livestream glitch while the service is being streamed. Please email the church office (office@firstunitarianportland.org) if you’re interested in volunteering for this important job. We need you!
| |
Bed and Breakfast
Do you have a spare bedroom you could make available to other UUs visiting Portland? Our Bed & Breakfast program is in need of hosts. You provide a bed and a simple breakfast. Proceeds go to the church. To learn more, contact Ruth Robinson: mickrob@comcast.net or 503-246-2131.
| |
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 photos@firstunitarianportland.org or click here.
| |
|
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. Many groups take the summer months off, so if you are unsure about a particular group's schedule, please contact the individual listed.
| |
| 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.
| |
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.
| |
| Animal Ministry Group
Normally meets on the fourth Sunday, 12:45 p.m., A303. Visit the Animal Ministry web page for special meeting times. Questions? 503-520-9012.
| |
Caregiver Support GroupWe usually meet on the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May.
| |
| Children's Mosaic Restoration Group
| |
| Committee on Hunger & Homelessness (COHHO)Meets monthly September through May on the third Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in A303, the Fireside Room, or visit our table in Margaret Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays. Questions? Email co-chairs John Elizalde, Ingrid Gjestvang, and Cynthia Sulaski.
| |
Community for Earth (CFE)
The Community for Earth (CFE) is again selling the eco-friendly and community supportive Chinook Book—each with its own app ($25)—and individual apps ($15). Use of the wide variety of coupons frequently more than covers the cost of the Chinook Book and/or app. Buy yours today in our Beacon Bookstore. Cash sales at the CFE table. Questions? Susan Weinstein at 360-440-0564.
The final day to buy Chinook Books will be Sunday, Jan. 27.
| |
| Contemplative Practice Group Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., A301. Offers a regular opportunity for building community through silent meditation, mindfulness poetry, and deep discussion on church themes. Questions? Ron Walker.
| |
| 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. Contact: Michael Wade for more information.
| |
| Ending the New Jim Crow—Healing the Justice System Usually, monthly on the fourth Tuesday, 6:30–8 p.m., B302. Questions? Kathryn Scotten.
| |
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.
| |
Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG)The Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) has begun meeting the second Sunday of every month from 1:30–3 p.m. in Buchan (302). Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. We offer quarterly educational meetings on topics of relevance to the congregation, focused on issues/needs of immigrant and refugee communities. Through the IJAG Google group, recommended actions are disseminated. Our meetings include time for reflection, sharing, and an educational program about one of 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. We hope you'll join us for the important work of immigrant justice! Contact Ann Zawaski for questions: annzawaski@gmail.com.
| |
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.
| |
Meditation Group
Wednesday nights
Group meets in the Elliot Chapel, 7 –8:30 p.m. Silent meditation for 30 minutes, followed by reading and discussing a book by Buddhist author. Please email with your phone number if you are considering coming. Mary Ann Harman.
| |
| Parents of Teens Support Group, 1–2 p.m.Second and fourth Sundays
Connect with other parents of teens to talk and share around parenting topics and the joys and challenges of navigating this phase of life as parents, with the guidance of a lay minister. We are an open group and parents are welcome to come as you are able. Childcare is provided 15 minutes before an event. Gather in Buchan (B301) at 12:30 p.m. after the second service, and meet formally from 12:45–1:45 p.m. every other week. If you’d like to be added to our contact email list, please contact Sara Robertson, sara.seely@gmail.com.
| |
| Peace Action Group Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Tess Beistel, Terri Shofner, Brianna Bragg.
| |
| Quilts of Love GroupThird Thursday meeting is now 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. More. Questions? Contact Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
| |
| 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.
| |
UU Knitting GroupThe knitting circle meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month during the church year. Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.
| |
| UU Men's Community
Third Saturday, 9 a.m., Channing Room. 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 at 503-734-5854; more info here.
| |
| 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.
| |
| UU Poetry Group
Twice monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Rodger Blackburn, 503-519-3494.
| |
| 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.
| |
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 from 10–11:30 a.m. Not accepting new members at this time. 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.
| |
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?
| |
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.”
This will get to all the right people. 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.
| |
|
| Sunday Livestream
Join us LIVE from your computer or smartphone on Sunday at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
| |
SNOW? ICE? FREEZING RAIN?To learn if an event, class, or rehearsal has been canceled due to inclement weather, check the church website, Facebook page, or call the church office at 503-228-6389. During the week, evening closure decisions are made by 3:45 p.m. Decisions to cancel Sunday worship or to reduce the number of services are made by 7 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Remember, your good judgment is your best guide!
| |
|
