|
Sunday ServiceSunday, Jan. 6: Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
| |
Expect Chaos
-Rev. Bill Sinkford New Year’s resolutions call for renewed efforts at self-improvement. Most often, most of us fail. Is it our lack of commitment or even our character that is the problem? How do we deal with a world where changes defy our control and transitions seem unending in our lives?
| |
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!
| |
Membership Enrollment Ceremony
Sunday, Jan. 6 If you’re ready to become a member, bring your completed enrollment and pledge forms to this monthly ceremony. Enrollment kits are located in our literature racks. 10:30 a.m., Channing Room (A-101).
Walk the Labyrinth
Sunday, Jan. 6 Walk in prayer, meditation, contemplation, for discerning resolutions, or as the next steps on your journey. The labyrinth will be open at 9:30 a.m. and will close at 1 p.m.
| |
Quilts For Empowerment
Sunday, Jan. 6
Africa Connections is hosting a sale for “Quilts For Empowerment” during social hour after each service in Margaret Fuller Hall on Sunday, Jan. 6. Please come and support self-sufficiency for women in Kenya who have experienced obstetric fistula issues.
| |
January Alliance
Wednesday, Jan. 9 The Alliance will meet in the Buchan at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 9, (second Wednesday) for a brown bag lunch ($3,) followed at 12:30 p.m. by the program presented by April Baer, host of OPB’s State of Wonder. April has been a reporter and hosted public radio’s Morning Edition in Cleveland, then Portland. She has searched out stories of the arts and artists from throughout Oregon. It will be an interesting and entertaining program!
For lunch, RSVP by Friday, Jan. 4 to allianceRSVP@firstunitarianportland.org, or call Jean Omelchuck at 503-493-9412.
| |
Seminary for a Day
Saturday, Jan. 26
Our theme is entitled, From Liberal to Liberation: A Theological Response to Climate Disruption. 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. In 2017, Rev. Sofia Betancourt served as UUA Interim Co-President alongside Rev. Bill Sinkford and Dr. Leon Spencer. Betancourt holds a B.S. from Cornell University with a concentration in ethnobotany, an M.A. and M.Phil from Yale University in religious ethics and African American studies, and an M.Div. from Starr King School for the Ministry. The Oregon Just Transition Alliance will also join us for a dynamic workshop on environmental justice and defending the sacred. Additional offerings throughout the day will include nurturing children’s connections to nature, gentle yoga for all bodies and abilities, and energizing songs of justice, earth connection, and liberation.
| |
Details: Sat, Jan. 26, 2019
Keynote Only: $30, 8:30-11:00 a.m.
Full Day: $65 includes lunch, 8:30-4:30 p.m.
| |
Planned Parenthood Annual LuncheonFriday, Jan. 25, 11:30 a.m.
Portland Hilton Downtown This year’s event theme is “Dissent.” The keynote speaker, Irin Carmon, is co-author of Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Suggested donation: $150 per person. Reservations are required. Funds raised support Planned Parenthood’s mission in our area. To join a First Unitarian Church table at this event, contact Betsy Riddell (bet_ter@yahoo.com) or Judy Davis (jwdavis@hevanet.com).
| |
Art WallDec. 16 –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 U Congregation Artists!The Art Wall is featuring you, our congregants, during March 2019. Seize the opportunity to share your work with all of us. The show is open to any members of our congregation. Entry forms are available at the Art Wall table in Margaret Fuller Hall or on the Art Wall page on the Church website. We are accepting submission forms now, with a deadline of Sunday, Feb. 17.
| |
BookstoreThink books for the holidays. Your bookstore has a nice selection of holiday books and cards, and our regular great selection too! We’ve also got some great new meditation manuals. Don’t forget to get your Chinook books! Book and app combo–just $25; app alone–$15. See you at the bookstore.
| |
Immigrant Justice Action Group The Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) will meet on Sunday, January 13 from 1:30-3:00 in Buchan Room 302. There will be opportunities for relationship building and immigrant justice action. In keeping with our commitment to education, we will be hearing from two individuals who recently returned from the border. Come to hear an account from immigration activist, Maxine Fookson and see the images of Portland-based photographer, Doug Yarrow as they describe their participation in "Love Knows No Borders”. Please put Jan. 13 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on your calendar.
Everyone is warmly welcome. We hope you’ll join us!
| |
Faith Leaders Speak About Homelessness
| |
Speaking of Justice: Faith in Action
Climate Justice
| |
Emergency Winter Shelter
Once again we are glad to be hosting families for the Emergency Winter Shelter. Please bring diapers (all sizes), large cans of hearty soups, peanut butter, and tuna and leave in cupboards outside of the kitchen in Margaret Fuller Hall.
| |
|
Program EventsAdult Programs, Learning Community, Music & Arts, Social Justice
| |
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. Please note that 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
| |
Help wanted: Flower Coordinator
Church is seeking a volunteer to coordinate flowers for Sunday services. Person works with people who donate flowers to remember or honor a loved one and coordinates flowers with florist. For more information contact Rev. Tom Disrud.
| |
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 Member Fran Daggett was admitted to Legacy Emanuel Hospital on Christmas Day after a fall in her home. She is recovering and welcomes your prayers and good wishes. She is not up for visitors at this time.
| |
December 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.
| |
Thank You for Beautifying Our Sanctuary
Our gratitude goes to these members and friends for the lovely poinsettias they donated to decorate our Sanctuary during the year-end holidays.
Thank you! - Dotti Chidester in memory of Nancy Lane and Mary Louise David
- Diana Clark
- Bill Cunninghame in memory of Mom, Dad and Kaye
- Gabrielle Downey in memory of Louise Downey
- Sarah Ferguson in memory of Barbara Mason
- Sue Harvey in memory of Dorothy Hall and Bill Beveridge
- Delise Picard in memory of Muriel Lee, Elizabeth Hoot, and Virginia Lee
- Maryann Roulier in memory of Charlie McCarthy
- Hans Vanderschaaf in memory of Judy and Jan
- Andy Wilson and Ronnie-Gail Emden in memory of Benjamin and Tipper
| |
Alliance Greens Sale Thank You
The Alliance extends their heartfelt appreciation for your participation in our successful 2018 Greens Sale Fundraiser. Thanks to all including our volunteers, church staff (especially the sextons), and members. We exceeded our goals. Funds raised will be distributed to organizations that support women and children and to support special Church projects. We will announce the recipients in early Spring 2019.
| |
Thank You!With immense gratitude, we thank everyone who donated to our homeless population at the Family Winter Shelter and the Lents Family Center. The gifts tags on our little tree were quickly dispersed, and we also received many gifts besides the tags. Our coat drive has also been very successful. Once again we're amazed at the generosity of our Church! Questions? Donna Richards, webbed@msn.com
| |
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.
| |
| 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 reflections, 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 Night Meditation Group continues every Wednesday, 7–8:30 p.m., Eliot Chapel. Beginners welcomed. Questions? 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 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.
| |
The Oregon Just Transition Alliance (OJTA) is a movement of communities facing first and worst impacts of environmental racism, climate change, and economic exploitation. OJTA brings together organizations committed to base-building in frontline communities, those at the front line of injustice and the front line of change. They work to create ownership over our collective future and move Oregon toward an economy that is rooted in our shared principles of justice.
OJTA is led by a steering committee of base-building, frontline groups. Base-building means “accountable to an organized group of people to join the movement.” Organizations have come together around the premise that organizing is how we’re going to win the world we need; one that does not exclude or leave anyone behind. Our frontline communities have a long history of marginalization and white supremacist targeting. These communities are at the forefront of the ecological crisis facing our world. A just transition must create racial, social and economic justice. Groups like these build power and leadership among the people they organize to win community-level victories that are connected at a local, national and global scale. Building unity between these groups is how we intend to win a Just Transition for Oregon.
You’ll have an opportunity to get to know OJTA at Seminary for a Day, January 26, 2019 in an afternoon workshop.
| |
|
