| Sunday ServicesSunday, April 29: Service at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
| |
Fulfilling the Promise: A Hope in Process
-Rev. Bill SinkfordThe culture and the insights from which our faith sprang have proven incomplete, at best. If we cannot rely on lenses from our past to chart our course, what north star can we follow toward a promised land whose contours are only beginning to emerge?
| |
Guest Blog by DeReau Farrar, Director of Music "Living With Tradition" A note from Rev. Sinkford: Congregational singing is such an important part of our worship life at First Unitarian. Our worship leaders take care every week to select hymns that fit our worship theme and support the spiritual work we do in the sanctuary. We have a robust, on-going conversation about the music we sing, made particularly important as we introduce new selections. I invited DeReau Farrar to blog this week on this subject to share some of his thinking and the concerns that are part of our selection and worship planning
| |
A question has come up about why so many of the hymns we sing are from outside of our two hymnals. I love questions like these because they show that people are paying attention. They show that the worship life of this community is important to and having an impact on the people. This is part of why I so love this work.
| |
Foundation "Burn the Mortgage" UpdateSome of you may not have heard the news that was announced from the pulpit on April 8:
WE DID IT!!
We have received gifts and pledges that will allow us to pay off the entire mortgage on our Buchan Building.
Great thanks to all the individuals and families who made this possible.
And great thanks to the First Unitarian Foundation Board for their visionary leadership in initiating this effort with the commitment of that significant initial matching gift.
We plan to make the actual payoff on April 30. Mark your calendars and plan to be in church on Community Sunday, June 10, when we will have a ceremonial burning of the mortgage and celebration!
WE DID IT!!
| |
Get Your Auction Catalog! Last Sunday for Early Registration! The 2018 auction catalog will be available this Sunday for a $2 donation at the Auction table in Fuller Hall. Pick up your copy and check out the exciting events and items offered by our generous congregants. The catalog is also online now IN COLOR! This is also the last week to register early for a bid number and be entered to win the drawing for a $25 credit towards one auction purchase. Check out auction sponsorships at the auction table. Questions about how bidding works on Sundays May 6, 13 and 20? We’ve got answers for you, come visit us in Fuller Hall after services! The Auction begins next Sunday, May 6th at 10 a.m. in the Buchan Reception Hall. Happy Bidding!
| |
Q&A Session with Bill Sinkford
Sunday, April 29, 1 p.m.
Join Rev. Bill Sinkford in Eliot Chapel for one of his regular series of Q&A sessions. After a very brief update on developments at the church, he will respond to the questions you bring about the church or about our faith.
| |
Support the ICE out of NORCOR Campaign
Support the ICE out of NORCOR Campaign, a statewide interfaith action, commemorating the one year anniversary of the immigrants’ hunger strike at NORCOR, a four-county prison in The Dalles with a contract with ICE to detain immigrants. This is in violation of the intent of our state’s sanctuary law. The hunger strike brought national attention to the deplorable conditions at the prison where those imprisoned have no opportunity for family visitation, must pay 75 cents per minute for phone calls, and are offered sub-standard food to name just a few of their complaints. A local interfaith group of activists has been holding daily vigils for the past year.
Join us at the statewide vigil on Saturday, April 28. A group from First Unitarian, along with others from around the city and state, will be carpooling to The Dalles that day. For more information, go to www.imirj.org or contact Wendy Rankin at wendyjrankin@gmail.com.
| |
Alliance May ProgramWednesday, May 2, 11 a.m. Lunch; Program at 12:30 p.m.
Featuring First Unitarian Portland member Darrell Grant sharing his philosophy of “Music As Change Agent.” Now Professor of Music at Portland State University, Grant has risen from his start as one of jazz’s young lions to an internationally recognized performer, composer, and educator who harnesses the power of music in the service of community, sustainability, and social justice ...Continued
| |
Police Peace PDX 2018Wednesday, May 2, 5:30–8 p.m. Eliot Chapel, First Unitarian Portland
Presented by: Youth Educating Police
FREE. For more informatoin and to RSVP, go to https://policepeacepdx.com/Community Police Forum Focused on Addressing Police and the Community in Dialogue and Workshops We are pleased to have the opportunity to host this third-annual event planned and produced by Portland-area students.Sponsored by Ending the New Jim Crow action group.
| |
Debtors’ Assembly and Public BankingSaturday, May 5, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Join EJAG, Strike Debt Portland, and Portland Public Banking Alliance in a public forum about the role of and effect of debt on our society. When student debt or medical debt or parent and grandparent debt gets to be excessive, how do we respond?
There will be time for telling your story; and a 4-person panel discussion. -Ellen Brown, founder of Public Bank Institute and author of "The Web of Debt" and "The Public Bank Solution'
-Dr. Nicholas Hartlep, Professor of Education Programs at Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, MN and author/editor of "The Neoliberal Agenda and the Student Debt Crisis in US Higher Education"
-David E. Delk, Chair of the Portland Public Banking Alliance
-Lane Thompson, Family Economic Opportunity Program Enrollment Specialist, Casa/Innovative Change
Doors open for registration at 9:30 a.m. in Buchan Reception.
$5–20 donation requested; no one turned away for lack of funds.
| |
Learn about Our Wellspring Program
Have you heard of the Wellspring program? Join us on Sunday, May 6 at 1 p.m., or on Sunday, May 20, at 11:15 am, for an informational meeting about Wellspring. It is a yearlong program of intentional deepening that has been offered at First Unitarian Portland for about five years. You meet with a group twice each month and explore a range of spiritual themes. In addition, participants engage in a daily spiritual practice and meet monthly with a spiritual director or advisor. You can also contact Rev. Tom Disrud at tdisrud@firstunitarianportland.org.
| |
Day of Mindfulness with Kate Dresher
Saturday, May 19 at 9 a.m–4:30 p.m.
The day will include periods of sitting and walking meditation, contemplation, and discussion. It is suitable for those new to and familiar with mindfulness meditation practice.
Facilitator, Kate Dresher, has been practicing meditation for 20 years and teaching loving-kindness and insight meditation retreats since 2010. Her teaching emphasizes practicing right where we are as a doorway to the natural unfolding of wisdom and love. Fee: $25. Please bring a sack lunch. Register at: http://tinyurl.com/1stCh-Registration
| |
'UU and YOU' Walks to Support Mental Health"Sunday, May 20. Registration begins 12 p.m. 5K walk starts at 1 p.m. at Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade (near SE Water and SE Main). One in five First Unitarian congregants now have or will experience some form of mental or emotional illness in any given year. The First U Mental Health Action Group (MHAG) is re-forming after a long hiatus, and our mission is to provide resources to help relieve some of that suffering. Our first activity will be to assemble a walk-a-thon team, "UU and YOU," to participate in the 2018 NAMIWalks Northwest event. Please read about the NAMIWalk at https://namior.org/events/2018-namiwalks-northwest/ Stop by the MHAG table on May 13 in the Social Justice corner of Fuller Hall for more information and to sign up.
| |
April's Art WallIn April Jodi Burton is featured. Her oils touch the transitory colors of Oregon’s landscapes. She tries to tell an atmospheric story in a spontaneous style rather than just copying the landscape.
| |
Bookstore
The bookstore has MORE copies of Kim Stafford’s “little books” that were so popular at the most recent Alliance meeting. We have “Little Book for Common Good” along with four other titles—just $5 each.
Did you miss the Book Sale? Don’t worry: a smaller version of the sale continues year-round on the landing next to the bookstore in Fuller Hall. All books are $1 each, and funds benefit scholarships for adult classes.
| |
|
Program EventsAdult Programs, Learning Community, Music & Arts, Social Justice
| |
|
Pick up your Winter/Spring 2018 Program Guide to classes and retreats at the Adult Programs table!
| |
Living Your Life with Intention
Four Thursdays: Apr. 26, May 3, 10, and 17; 7–9 p.m.
Class involves discussion, practice, and journaling and will use the companion book Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Dave Evans and Bill Burnett. Facilitator: Rev. Duane Fickeisen. No fee.
| |
Transitions: Resilience to Support Change
Four Thursdays: May 3, 10, 17, and 24; 1–3 p.m.
Explore transition as an active verb, experimenting with movement, collage, meditation, and other art forms. No fee.
| |
No More Books Please! The Book Sale Is Retiring…After a 10-year run of stellar success, the Adult Programs Committee has decided to retire the Book Sale. Over these past years, the Book Sale has raised thousands of dollars to support a scholarship fund to help people attend Adult Programs classes and retreats. Rest assured that we will continue to replenish the scholarship fund in other ways so that all of our events are financially accessible.
Many thanks to all of you who have donated books over the years. A special thanks to Katie Radditz, Sarah McKenzie, Ron Hall, and the many committee members and volunteers who worked hard to make the sale such a success.
In consideration of this decision, we ask that you no longer bring books to the church because we will no longer have the capacity to handle them. You can donate your books to the Friends of Multnomah County Library or Goodwill. Thanks again to everyone for your support over the years!
| |
Childcare Position Available, Beginning June 2018
We are currently seeking someone to work primarily with infants and toddlers, with experience and comfort working with older kids every once in a while. This is a paid position ($12 an hour to begin; $15 after six months) every Sunday with additional days/times upon request. Must work both services, 8:45 a.m. –12:45 p.m. and often until 3 p.m. when we have additional programming. Experience with children is a must. Inquire through Cathy Cartwright-Chow.
| |
Nursery and Childcare Available
We always have childcare for our wee ones on Sunday mornings.
| |
Emails
A weekly email goes out to all families registered in the Learning Community. It has descriptions of the upcoming Sunday classes as well as events and announcements. Be sure to check it out!
The Learning Community sends out: - An explanation of specific programming for the upcoming Sunday
- An invitation for classes to light the chalice on Sunday morning
- An invitation from Pingg.com to join us at an upcoming social event
Be sure they're going to your inbox!
| |
Family Winter Shelter Volunteers NeededThe staff from Portland Homeless Solutions (the agency that manages 13 Salmon in our building and the Family Winter Shelter at Beth Israel) is grateful for our church's strong support of FWS, which will be open through April 30. We have many opportunities for meal providers, helping hands, and kid time hosts. As the closing date comes nearer, PHFS will need about 50 volunteers to help pack and clean up. They also need drivers and vehicles to help move supplies to storage. If this interests you, please contact FWS Volunteer Coordinator TC Schumacher: tc@pdxhfs.org
| |
Supplies Needed- Large trash cans
- Household cleaners
- Garbage bags
- Sponges
- Dish and hand soaps
- Laundry detergent
- Shower curtains with rings
- Dust pans and brooms
The emergency center was opened at the request of the Multnomah County/Portland Joint Office of Homeless Services.
| |
Soul Box Project Ongoing
The Peace Action Group is deeply committed to the Soul Box Project, paper origami art boxes revealing the gun violence epidemic in the US. The goal is 30,000 boxes delivered to Salem in Winter 2019. We plan monthly box making events at the Church throughout 2018 and are seeking paper supplies from you. Stop by the Peace Action table any Sunday with your paper donations. We seek paper of somewhat heavy weight; old calendars, art books, catalogs, and wallpaper are ideal. Any amount helps! Thanks!
| |
| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
| |
|
Help Wanted!!A team of volunteers has formed to address the unrelentingly vigorous weeds in the beds around our church campus and we need more help! As the summer progresses, projects will be planned to control weed growth and highlight our native plants. If you would like to spend a couple of hours with the team, please contact Marti Yoder at marti.yoder@gmail.com and have your name added to the notification list. More hands are needed to make this "light work."
| |
| 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.
| |
| Seeking Ushers
Here's a great volunteer opportunity: Become an usher and connect more deeply to members of our congregation. Won't you join our team? Contact usher coordinator Dev Dion or call 503-805-5899. Thank you.
| |
In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
| |
Member Lonnie Martinez asks for your prayers and thoughts of healing as he and his family mourn the loss of his stepfather, Harland Hall. “Pop” died on April 16 after living with cancer and leukemia.
Ken Wheeler is back at home recovering after having surgery to remove his spleen on April 18. We hold Ken and his wife Lorraine, and their family at this time.
| |
For the latest updates on Board activities, please visit the Board's webpage, which includes the latest time/location for all Board-related events and the latest updates from our Moderator, Randy Russell.
| |
Board of TrusteesThank you to all who completed the 2018 Congregational Survey. The online survey is now closed. If you completed the survey using the paper form, please return it to the church office or to the blue box located in the church’s Main St. Sanctuary Narthex by Sunday, April 29.
Please join your Board on Sunday, May 6, after the second service for our final forum of the year — Wrapping Up: 2018 Survey Results and Review of 2017–2018 Board Activities. The focus of the forum will be to share results from the 2018 Congregational Survey and to review the Board’s progress on its “1–year” (2017-2018) goals.
Also, please make sure to check out Board of Trustees Moderator Randy Russell’s April letter, which includes an update on our successful Burn the Mortgage campaign, and details of the Annual Vote, also to be conducted in May. For the latest updates on Board activities, please visit the Board's webpage, which includes the latest time/location for all Board-related events.
| |
Regional Assembly In Portland This Weekend!The four districts of the UUA’s Pacific Western Region will gather April 27–29 in Portland for the 2018 Regional Assembly. Washington Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, advocate for women’s immigrant, civil, and human rights; and the Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, newly elected UUA president, will appear. Programming includes workshops, worship, district meetings, and an optional social justice activity. A day-long professional day designed for religious professionals is planned for Friday, April 27, before the start of Regional Assembly. Discount lodging is available at the Portland DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, site of the Regional Assembly. Registration has closed but adults can still register at the door.
| |
Represent First Unitarian in the UU Democratic Process: Be a General Assembly DelegateThe UUA Outreach Group is accepting applications from those who wish to be a First Unitarian Portland delegate to the 2018 Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations General Assembly (GA) to be held in Kansas City, MO on June 20–24. Delegates can participate in person in Kansas City or remotely here in Portland. Financial support is available for delegates. All voting members are eligible to be a delegate. For more information about delegate selection and responsibilities, and to obtain an application, stop by the UUA Outreach Group table in Fuller Hall or go online here.
| |
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. Please fill out our Intent Form, or for more information, visit our website.
| |
Sunday Attendance1st Service: 223
2nd Service: 307
Musicians: 22
Total: 552
Livestream: 108
Grand Total: 660
| |
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. 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 Group
We usually meet the fourth Sunday of the month.
| |
| 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 Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays. Questions? Email co-chairs Mary Andrews and Ellen Vanderslice.
| |
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)
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. Contact Wendy here.
See our webpage for more info.
| |
LGBTQIA Pride Group
Find out the latest social events by picking up a flyer at our Pride Table in 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.
| |
Monthly Grief GroupGrief is a common thread that connects many of us in our community. This drop-in group will hold compassionate organic space for listening, learning, and resources to live with the many forms of grief and caregiving. The group meets the third Sunday of each month from 1:15–2:45 p.m. in room B304 of the Buchan building. Facilitated by Rev. Rick Freeman and Sophia Douglas.
| |
| Parents of Teens Support Group, 1–2 p.m.
2nd and 4th Sundays
Connect with parents of teens to talk and share parenting topics and the joys and challenges of navigating life as parents, with the guidance of a lay minister. We are an open group. Childcare provided.
| |
| 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 Group
Monthly on the third Thursday, 12–1:30 p.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? Anna Thorn, 503-720-1984.
| |
SPECTRUM: LGBTQIA Spirituality Discussion Group
An ongoing discussion group for LGBTQIA-identified folks. Meets second and fourth Thursdays, 7–9 p.m. Join in exploring spirituality through a rainbow lens. Contact Intern Minister Crystal Zerfoss with questions at czerfoss@firstunitarianportland.org.
| |
| Sunday Morning T'ai Chi Chih
Sunday morning T'ai Chi Chih, 8:15–9 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? Don Liedel, 503-319-8934; 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 Fuller Hall.
| |
| UU Poetry Group
Twice monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Albert Starr.
| |
| UUA Outreach Group
Monthly on the last Wednesday at 7 p.m., usually in B310, but check the sign board when entering. Questions? Ken Wheeler.
If your interest lies in the larger picture of UU ministry, join us! 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. Questions? Kim, 503-869-1486.
III: First and third Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. Questions? Dorothy Lewis, 503-292-1337.
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.
| |
| To update your contact information with First Unitarian Portland, click here.
| |
Do You Have an Item for E-news 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
This email address gets 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.
| |
April's offertory is shared with the Oregon Just Transition Alliance: The Oregon Just Transition Alliance is a movement of communities facing environmental racism, climate change, and economic exploitation—the front lines of injustice and the front lines of change. They bring together organizations committed to base-building in most impacted communities. They gather to create ownership over our collective future and move Oregon toward an economy that is rooted in our shared values, the principles of a Just Transition. OJTA creates a new center of gravity in the broader environmental/climate justice movement consolidating frontline, environmental justice communities, and organizations committed to a movement-building, multi-sector, and holistic just transition framework into a formidable force.
| |
|
