| Sunday ServicesSunday, May 5: Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
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Free At Last, Free At Least-Rev. Bill SinkfordHow can we free ourselves from our own culture, even if we are certain it is holding us back? We are both part of the problem and need to be part of the solution. What spiritual resources can shape and sustain a resistance that liberates us all?
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Bill's BlogGrounded in Love
I made a mistake this morning. Just up, wondering whether our political system would lurch another step closer to some final melt-down, I turned cable news on. As I watched, I found myself sucked into that world of posturing and lies, that world in which it seems truth cannot survive and where hope is so hard to find.
I do not avoid the news these days, though I know some of you do. But I have to be prepared to be present to it. What I find is that without preparation engaging the news of the day does not promote compassion in me. It may be necessary for me to follow political developments, but it can compromise the love I can offer myself and limit the love I can offer the world. I needed to find my center this morning. As I looked out my kitchen window, I saw first the branches of the Sweet Gum tree, just beginning to leaf, late as always. It was a reminder of ...Continued
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2019 Auction – Let the Bidding Begin!
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Our silent event, service, and vacation home auction is scheduled for three Sundays; May 5, 12, and 19, so bid often, bid up, and bid to win!
To begin your auction adventure, go to Margaret Fuller Hall (follow the stairs down from the Narthex) this Sunday, May 5 from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., where an enticing array of events, services, and vacation retreats will be awaiting your bid number! Registration for a bid number will be available and printed copies of our auction catalog will be available for a $2 donation. Yummy pies, plants, and raffle tickets will also be available for purchase.
Weren’t able to donate something but still want to support our auction mission? Please contact Ron Yoder or Pat Malone for sponsorship information.
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FIRST CONNECTIONSSunday, May 5, 12:45 p.m.
This Sunday take a tour of our church facility and learn about the nooks and crannies of our congregational home. No class next Sunday, May 12; but be sure to join others on Sunday, May 19, to learn all about our Learning Community. As Unitarian Universalists we strive to be lifelong learners. Come and hear about our education programs for all ages -- our Religious Education (RE) program
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| Registration Now Open for UU Chalice Summer Day Camp!
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Join us this summer for a week of community building, nature exploration, spiritual practice, and lots of fun, all grounded in Unitarian Universalist values and principles. Options include leadership training for youth to be youth counselors or aides.
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Final Board Forum: 2018 Ware Lecture
Sunday, May 5, 1:30 p.m.
Eliot Chapel
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Please join your Board of Trustees at their final forum for this church year. They will screen the 2018 Ware Lecture by Brittney Packnett (~45 minutes), and lead reflective conversation after. Click here to see the flyer describing the event. Childcare will be available.
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Spiritual Director Training Program Sunday, May 5, 1:30 p.m. Do you yearn to go deeper in your spiritual life and make a contribution to others? Learn about the ten-month Spiritual Director training program at the Urban Spirituality Center in the Pearl at an informational meeting at First Unitarian Portland this Sunday, May 5 at 1 p.m. Contact pattyclement@gmail.com with questions or for more information.
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Quarterly Congregant Budget ReviewSunday, May 5, after first service
Eliot Chapel All are invited to attend the Finance Committee's quarterly financial review immediately following the 1st service this Sunday. It is also an opportunity to ask questions about the church's proposed FY 2020 budget.
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Poetry of Place
Saturday
May, 4, 1–3 p.m.
(Our flyers had a typo on them. Just to be clear, this event starts at 1 p.m. this Saturday.) Explore your inner life through the landscapes you know, have traveled to, or have imagined. This complimentary workshop is open to all, from beginners to seasoned writers.
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Science Matters: An Evening with Dr. Julie Sinistore
Friday, May 10, 6:30 p.m.
Eliot Chapel What can a person do to make a difference for the environment in their daily life?
Dr. Julie Sinistore will examine the environmental impacts of your food choices from production through consumption and provide information based in scientific research to help answer questions and dispel myths about food and sustainability. Julie is a sustainability consultant with a global engineering firm where she conducts Life-Cycle Assessments (LCAs) on products and services from food to electronics. She holds a PhD in Biological Systems Engineering, an MS in Agroecology (both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison), and a BS in Natural Resource Management from Rutgers University. She taught courses in life cycle thinking and sustainable product design at The University of California at Berkeley. This is a free event. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., and the talk starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks will be served. Event cosponsored by UU Animal Ministry, Community for Earth, and NW VEG.
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IJAG Announcements
Sunday, May 19, 1:30–3 p.m.
Because of Mother’s Day celebrations, the Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) is holding our May meeting on Sunday, May 19.
And because of the flood, we’re meeting in the RE Activity Room that is located in the church office.
We hope you’ll join us there on May 19 to catch up on legislative news and hear from our guest speaker, Pat Rumer, Portland-based immigrant justice activist, who will describe her experiences in Guatemala and her new book Choices: Death, Life and Migration. We hope to see you there.
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Mindful Movements for EveryoneThursdays, June 6, 20; July 11, 18; Aug. 1, 15, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Have you ever wanted a spiritual practice that is dynamic? This joyful movement practice is for all bodies, ages, and abilities. Combined with a blend of world music, each class has a theme that will guide you through a simple intention for your practice. Fee: $10 per class or six class series discounted at $55.
Details: Advanced registration appreciated, but drop-ins are warmly welcome. Pay online or cash/check at the door.
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GSC Cambodian partners Ven. Vibol and Prof. Susan Hagadorn (she is actually a Unitarian!) |
| GSC 25th Anniversary Friends and Family Program in Cambodia September 8–22
Peace Action Group (PAG) and Global Service Corps (GSC) are co-sponsoring a special GSC 25th Anniversary Friends and Family Program in Cambodia. This is in celebration of congregants Rick and Maxine Lathrop’s 25+ years as founders and directors of Global Service Corps. GSC has provided service-learning programs in seven developing countries, including the past 11 years in Cambodia. You are invited to join the Lathrops in Cambodia for a two-week program running from September 8–22. This trip will include lectures and visits to historical sites, cultural activities, a nine-day service-learning experience, and a final weekend in Siem Reap visiting Angkor Wat and other sites.
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Speaking of Justice: Faith in ActionYouth Speak, our 6th issue, April–May 2019 Welcome to the Youth Speak issue of Speaking of Justice! This issue comes to you from YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists), our high school youth group. In it you will find poetry, art, commentary, and reflections of youth congregants. This is from the minds and hearts of our youth. Enjoy! Click here to open this issue.
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Bridge City Youth Band Camp Update!This day camp, co-sponsored by First Unitarian, will take place at the church on June 24 –28. Registration is open for current 9th-12th grade band students in the tri-county region and SW Washington, without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity. All are welcome! Please visit our co-sponsor's website for details! Registration closes May 15. Register today!
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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, marshamwarner@comcast.net.
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May Art Wall
For this show she combined black and white linoleum cut prints with collage to create unique works that tell stories.
Come down and see where they lead you!
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BookstoreMother’s Day is May 12! We’ve got some great new cards and books. Come by Margaret Fuller Hall this Sunday to see our amazing selections for sale! 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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Summer Paths to Engagement
Check out the Paths to Engagement guide available this Sunday at the Adult Programs table or view it online here.
Take advantage of the classes, retreats, and other special events happening at First Unitarian this summer!
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Sunday Afternoon ChildcareWe offer childcare for all ages every Sunday from 1–3 p.m. while you attend an event or meeting at church. Please request care for your child(ren) at the Eliot Center Info Desk by 1 p.m. that day. Staff are released at 1 p.m. if care has not been requested.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Grant Writing Experience?We are seeking a volunteer to write a community grant that will further support LGBTQ+ outreach and programming.
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Pride Group Event
Four volunteer spots are open for a Pride Group event, serving lunch at Blanchet House on May 18. Contact Alison at netslug@hotmail.com before May 4 to register and for more details
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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 ( mainaptolemy@gmail.com) at 503-803-8991.
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Interested in Working on Disability Issues?If you are interested in a group that would bring together persons living with a range of disabilities, a member of the church is interested in exploring such a group. It would be a place for support as well as education and advocacy. If you are interested in being part of such a group, contact Pat Wallace at 971-400-0841, or patjw100@gmail.com.
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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 at 1stuushers@gmail.com.
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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.
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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.
This is a great way to connect with congregation members and newcomers. Contact Membership Chair Ed McClaran or call 971-279-2778.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
Member Jon Gjestvang died peacefully on April 27 at home with his wife Ingrid, and his children, Jan and Liv, there with him. They say people die how they lived. In his last days Jon was kind, generous, strong and funny and asked for ice cream and beer until the end. The family is grateful for the support they received from our church community in these last weeks and days. We hold them in our thoughts today. A memorial service will be held for member Ruthann Shetler this afternoon at 2 pm here in the Sanctuary. Ruthann died on April 20 at the age of 74.
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April Moderator’s LetterThe April Moderator’s Letter has been published. Follow this link to read the full letter which includes a link to proposed changes in the Board's governing policies. For the latest updates on Board activities, visit the Board's webpage, which includes the latest time/location for all Board-related events.
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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, April 28 Attendance:1st Service: 157
2nd Service: 311
Musicians: 41
Total: 509
Livestream: 68
Grand Total: 577
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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, 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. Our B&B program is personally enriching. Many lasting bonds of friendship have been made between guests and hosts. Our coffers are also enriched. All rental proceeds go to the church. Remember our program if you are having out of town guests who need housing. For details, contact Ruth Robinson, mickrob@comcast.net.
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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 photos@firstunitarianportland.org or click 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, lucygarrick@icloud.com.
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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
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.
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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)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.
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| 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.
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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. Contact: Michael Wade for more information.
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| Ending Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial Justice Usually, 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) usually meets the second Sunday of every month from 1:30–3 p.m. [Please NOTE: May's meeting will be on Sunday, May 19.] 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.
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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 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 a Buddhist author. Please email with your phone number if you are considering coming. Mary Ann Harman.
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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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| 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.
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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 GroupThe knitting circle meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month during the church year. Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.
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| 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.
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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 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.
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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.”
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.
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| Sunday Livestream
Join us LIVE from your computer or smartphone on Sunday at 9:15 & 11:15 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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Our May plate recipient is Portland Freedom Fund. PFF provides cash bail monies directly to people who are jailed, allowing them to navigate their legal case from a position of freedom and with the presumption of innocence. They prioritize black, brown, and indigenous people with particular focus on women, youth, and LGBTQ+ community members. Portland Freedom Fund advocates for the end of the money bail system in Oregon and is the Portland-based group participating in the National Black Mama’s Bailout to reunite families for Mother’s Day.
To learn more about why and how the cash bail system creates a devastating cascade of consequences for people who are jailed, please Join Portland Freedom Fund, in collaboration with KBOO radio, for a screening of The Bail Trap at Clinton Street Theater on May 16, 7 –9 p.m. Following the film, there will be a panel to discuss the harmful practice of money bail in Oregon and how PFF is working with others to end the cash bail system.
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