Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Learning Community (RE) classes are at 10:15 a.m. 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.
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| The office closes on December 24 at noon, and will be closed all day on December 25, 26, and 31, and January 1.
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100 Years of Christmas Pageant
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Join us for the 100th anniversary of our church's Christmas pageant. An old story of mystery, love, and connection–made anew each year by our care and attention. May it always be so! Bring cookies to share and stay for socializing and Christmas carols after the service.
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TOMORROW NIGHT! Solstice Service — "Sowing the Seeds of Darkness": Join us at 7 p.m. this Friday, December 20, in Eliot Chapel. This special annual Winter Solstice service celebrates the shortest day and longest night of the year. Let us greet the arrival of winter, the season of chilly temperatures and darkness. At the same time, let us light candles to symbolize the returning of the light in anticipation of a warmer season.
Our Labyrinth will be available to walk before and after the service in Buchan Reception Hall. Following the service we will light a bonfire in the Buchan Courtyard (in our new smokeless firepit). Join together for hot cider and roasted marshmallows and popcorn.
100 Years of Christmas Pageant: Join us this Sunday, December 22, at 10:15 a.m. in the Main Sanctuary for the 100th anniversary of our church Christmas pageant. An old story of mystery, love, and connection–made anew each year by our care and attention. May it always be so! Bring cookies to share and stay for socializing and Christmas carols after the service.
Christmas Eve Services:Â Merry Christmas Eve! Join us at either (or both!) of our candlelight services, one at 5 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. All are welcome. Come, let us sing, let us share in the story, and let us usher in the joy and meaning of the holiday together.
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Minister's BlogThe Shortest Day
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To get everyone in the mood for our winter solstice service, we offer this poem. Let us welcome the spirit of this season!
The Shortest Day, by Susan Cooper
And so the Shortest Day came and the year died
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive.
And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us—listen!
All the long echoes, sing the same delight,
This Shortest Day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, feast, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And now so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome, Yule!
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First Unitarian Holiday Happenings Guide
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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.
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How Can a Weary World Rejoice?
Monday, December 23, 9 - 9:30 a.m.
Location: Zoom
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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 our final Zoom service of music, poetry, prayer, and reflection.
Join Danielle Garrett, Sara, Karen, and Jennifer for a unique Unitarian/Universalist perspective on the season.
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At the Board’s December meeting, we elected Saranna Weller-Filz to fill the open ninth Board seat. When she presented the nomination, Board Moderator Leslie Pohl-Kosbau noted Saranna’s involvement in the Religious Education program, her experience as a lifelong UU who was raised here at First Church, as well as her service on the Ministerial Search Committee. Welcome, Saranna!
The next Board meeting will be Wednesday, January 8, at 7 p.m.
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NEW! — Join the Journey on the Labyrinth for Solstice
This Friday, December 20, 6 - 9 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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“Join the Journey” on this special opportunity to walk the Labyrinth.
It will be set up in the Buchan Reception Hall from 6 - 9 p.m., so you can walk it both before and after the Solstice service.
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NEW! — No Welcome Circle This Sunday
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New folks are invited to stop by the First Connections table during the social hour! Come to Fuller Hall after the service for caroling, cookies, and cocoa.
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Are You Baking Up a Storm for the Holidays?
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This Sunday, we will be celebrating 100 years of the Christmas Pageant, and that deserves some extra attention!
Please consider bringing a couple dozen of your tasty baked goods to social hour where we will be celebrating after service with cider, hot cocoa, caroling (led by our own Garrett Bond), and your tasty baked goods.
Happy 100 Years of Pageant!
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NEW! — Last Gardening Session of 2024
Saturday, December 21, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Please meet on 12th Ave
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Bring rakes and blowers as you have them!
No matter the forecast, we'll be there—spreading mulch on 12th Ave beds, raking—in preparation for Christmas services. If it starts to pour, we'll finish up quickly. Please dress warmly!
We'll hibernate in January and February, and come back with renewed energy in March, when we will probably schedule two (2) gardening days, a schedule we'll probably maintain throughout the spring (March-June).
We welcome interested, hard-working, and collectively-minded folks!Â
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Alliance Star Ornaments
Sunday, December 22, after the service
Location: Fuller Hall
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Celebrate 100 years of the Christmas Pageant with a star ornament. Available in Fuller Hall during the cookie reception after the pageant.
$5/star helps refurbish pageant costumes.
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NEW! — CARD Meeting
Sunday, December 22, 12 p.m.
Location: Fireside (A303), or via Zoom
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Learn about training to help folks get access to abortion, including transportation and a room from one of our new members. Note the different start time for this Sunday only. Bring a snack. We will be in the Fireside room. Dress warmly. All are welcome.
We are now offering the option to attend virtually. Join here.
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Giving Trees for the Shower Project
Through December
Location: Narthex (Main Sanctuary lobby) and Buchan atrium
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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/Main Sanctuary lobby and Buchan atrium for the month of December. If you’d like to offer a financial contribution directly to the Shower Project, please donate here.
We're happy to also share that thanks to a generous grant from the Oregon Community Foundation, we have funding for the 13 Salmon Shower Project to grow. Now, we need your help! Can you volunteer to help us open a second day of the week? Showers are integral to health and hygiene and we don’t want to turn away our unhoused neighbors. Please visit our webpage to volunteer, make a financial gift, or see a list of items that you might consider donating.
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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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Register Now: Countering Antisemitism in Our Movements
Sunday, January 12, 4 - 6 p.m.
Location: Buchan, B102
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With the rise of Christian Nationalism in the US and abroad, overt antisemitism is resurging to fuel these movements. We've seen violent attacks on Jews in recent years, including the murder of congregants worshipping at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh and right-wing marchers carrying tiki-torches and yelling anti-Jewish slogans. Antisemitism is real and it is deeply woven into our culture. It is both subtle and overt and has had traumatizing impacts on Jewish communities for generations.
Antisemitism is also confusing, including when claims of antisemitism are used to divert and divide justice seeking movements or when progressive people perpetuate antisemitic tropes. UU efforts to address the unspeakable violence in Israel and Palestine have activated people's trauma, confusion, and frustration. We believe that in order to act effectively and accountably within our UU communities, we must understand how antisemitism is present and how we can counter it as we fight for justice and human rights.
If you'd like to learn alongside us, we invite you to join us for a two-part in-person program, taking place on January 12 and January 26. Registration is required. Attendance at the first session is required to join the second session. Read more and register here.
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Your Beacon Bookstore for the Holidays
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Check out a great selection of books for both children and adults in our Beacon Bookstore in the Southwest corner of Fuller Hall! We’re open after the service during Coffee Hour. About 40% of the money you spend goes right into the First Unitarian’s general fund!
Lots of gift possibilities! Picture Books + Poetry + Memoir + Social Justice + Meditation and Prayer + World Religion + UU Topics + Greeting Cards + More! Used books @ 2 for $1. Many books with bargain pricing at 50% off!
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Transportation Organizing for Sundays
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Are you looking for rides to church? Are you able to bring folks to and from church on Sunday morning?
A group of thoughtful folks are putting heads together to consider ways to bring folks together to share in worship and activities on Sunday.
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The Contemplative Practices Group Returns!
Starting Thursday, January 2, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Location:
1st Thursdays in Channing, A101
3rd Thursdays in Buchan Reception, B101
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The Contemplative Practices Group is returning to First Unitarian! Join with us on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to sit together in silence. Connect to your inner self as well as something bigger than yourself. Bring more peace and joy into your life, increase mindfulness and develop more perspective.
“Contemplative spirituality is about slowing down and relaxing our action, our striving, and all of our 'doings.' In order to 'wake up' to the Reality in which we are already immersed, we must slow down and gently transition 'from doing to being.' " - Keith Kristich
This is a drop-in group. Any silent sitting practice is welcomed and no prior meditation experience is needed. If you would like to learn a contemplative practice for use during the group, let the facilitators know and they will meet with you half an hour before the group sit begins.
Each group meeting consists of a 20-minute meditation, a check-in on a spiritually oriented topic, and deep discussion of a poem or short reading. Facilitators are Patty and Ron. To learn more about the facilitators, visit the event page here. They look forward to being with you!
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Aging in OUR Church Community Forum
Sunday, January 12, after the service
Location: Buchan, B102 & B103
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Announcing the Aging in OUR Church Community Forum, a special event dedicated to understanding and supporting our senior members. This forum is organized by a passionate group of individuals who believe that our seniors should never feel disconnected or forgotten.
Join us as we engage in meaningful discussions about how we can better serve and connect with our senior community. This is an opportunity for everyone to share ideas, learn from each other, and strengthen the bonds within our church family.
Stay tuned for more information on speakers and topics! We look forward to seeing you there and working together to create a vibrant, inclusive environment for all ages.
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Letter from the Board: December 2024
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Greetings from your Board of Trustees. I’m new to the Board, joining after three years as an active participant in the congregation.
As the end of 2024 approaches, I see signs all around me of the strong religious community that is the core of our church, including big events such as the Halloween party with over 100 adults and children, a packed Fuller Hall for Souper Sunday, or the full house that rededicated Eliot Chapel on its 100th birthday. Just as important are the small groups that bring us together, such as those joining on Zoom in the Antiracism Learning Circles, the children’s Learning Community classes, or dinners and concerts in member homes at auction events. All of these gatherings build bonds of care and friendship among us...MORE
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CHECK WEEKLY — December 22 & 29 Newsletter
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This is the last Learning Community e-newsletter this calendar year.  Please join us on Sunday at 10:15 in the sanctuary for our pageant, followed by cookies (bring some to share if you like!) and caroling.
Our family service on Christmas Eve is at 5 pm.Â
There will be no RE on December 29, but we will offer nursery care and children are always welcome in the sanctuary.
Our Giving Tree to benefit our Shower Project is up through the 29th! Thanks for helping our neighbors be warm and dry...MORE
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NEW! — Church Hosts Successful Fundraiser for UNRWA and Humanitarian Aid in Gaza!
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On December 6, 2024, First Unitarian Church hosted a highly successful benefit for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA). Director of Social Justice Dana Buhl opened the evening stressing that Unitarian Universalist values call us to support human rights for Palestinians. She referred to the Solidarity with Palestinians Action of Immediate Witness that was passed by the UU General Assembly in June as a guiding mandate...MORE
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CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel, 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.
Kings Return is a vocal band of brothers: Gabe Kunda, Vaughn Faison, J.E. McKissic and Jamall Williams. The Dallas-based a capella group was formed in 2016 after first singing together for Gabe's college graduation recital. Avoiding the confines of a single genre, Kings Return's sound is proudly born out of gospel, jazz, R&B/soul, and classical music. "The name Kings Return is a reflection of ourselves. We are Kings who go forth to conquer but most importantly we return to give back to our community." To listen to their rendition of "Ave Maria," watch the video below:
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In the Community
Longtime member Gordon Ware died on December 8 after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s at the age of 83. Gordon was a physicist, an architect, and an artist. Even after he lost the ability to speak, he continued to express himself, including through painting, up until his last weeks of life. We hold Gordon’s wife Jean Kempe-Ware and their daughter and grandson in healing prayers.
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Notes from the Sextons' Workbench: December 2024
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Well, everything is moving right along. Halloween and Thanksgiving have zoomed right by and now comes the rest.
The Christmas pageant on 12/22 (wow, 100 years old!), Christmas Eve services on 12/24 at 5pm and 8pm, the Solstice service on 12/20, Advent, Alliance Treasures & Bake Sale on 12/8 and 12/15, and let’s not forget Hanukkah starting on 12/25 and Kwanzaa starting on 12/26.
I like this time of year because it is so colorful with the lights and the fresh snow. Now, the problem is that we get caught up with all the stuff...MORE
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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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November/December Art Wall Exhibitions
The Garden: Prints by Poppy Dully
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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.
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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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):Â 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.
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.
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.
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:Â 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.
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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.
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| 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 shoes (large sizes)
- Men's pants (sizes 30-32 waist)
- Women’s pants (XXS-XS)
- Leggings
- Winter coats (all sizes)
- Gloves and winter hats
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!
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| Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and stay engaged!
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