Join us for Sunday WorshipSunday, June 19, 2022
| |
Sanctuary Service 11 a.m. // In-Person & Livestreamed
No Family Service. Childcare is available during the Sanctuary Service for children three and under (located in the nursery).
| |
Letting Go & Sending Forth
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
In-Person and Livestream
| |
As we celebrate the exceptional ministry of the Rev. Bill Sinkford and send him forth in love, we remember the joys and sorrows of letting go and the things that remain true and guide us through transitions in our lives and communities.
Rev. Dr. Frederick-Gray is president of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The service will include a Release of Call ritual between Rev. Sinkford and the congregation.
| |
The wrapping up of the church year has felt especially full this year with the calling of a new senior minister, Rev. Alison, and with saying goodbye and celebrating Rev. Bill this coming Sunday. And just around the corner is...Summer.
I’m pleased to let you know that Carter Smith, who has served us so ably this year as intern minister, will be staying on as summer minister in July and August. Carter will preach a number of the Sundays along with me and some guests. I’ll let her say more about that later in this blog.
Here’s wishing all of us a summer of rest, fun, adventure—whatever it is we need right now...continue reading.
| |
|
Happening this SundayTimestamps are Pacific Time (PT) unless stated otherwise. Check out our Events Calendar for First U PDX gatherings.
Gmail Users: You may have to scroll down to the bottom of this message and click on "View Entire Message" to see the complete Front Steps.
| |
SPECIAL EVENT! - In Celebration of Rev. Bill’s Ministry
Sunday, June 19, 11 a.m.
| |
Come join us Sunday, June 19, at 11 a.m. for a celebration of Rev. Bill Sinkford’s ministry. Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, will preach that morning and Rev. Bill and members of the congregation will participate in a Release of Call ritual.
| |
The service will be followed by a reception from 12:15-1:30 p.m. as we honor and send our best wishes to Rev. Bill and his spouse, Maria. A short program will be presented along with congregant gifts to thank Bill for his leadership over the last 12 years. Join us as we sing them a farewell with all our love.
| |
NEW! - General Assembly: Something for Everyone!
| |
The Unitarian Universalist annual General Assembly (G.A.) provides UU’s and friends of our faith the opportunity to build connections, worship together, and engage in innovative learning and collaboration. This year’s annual General Assembly – on-line and in-person – is here in Portland, running from June 22 – 26. If you’ve already registered to attend, you should have received programming information to help you decide what events you’ll take part in.
There are also several public events that are open to everyone virtually, and some in person. BUT PLEASE NOTE! If you plan to attend a public event in person, a 24-hour-in-advance no-fee registration which includes proof of Covid vaccination is required.
Livestream sessions available for virtual attendance:
- General Sessions (including the opening celebration and worship lead by First Unitarian Portland on Wednesday, June 22, at 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time)
- Service of the Living Tradition – Thursday, June 23, at 4 p.m. Pacific Time / Pre-register here for in-person attendance.
- Synergy Bridging Worship – Friday, June 24, at 4 p.m. Pacific Time
- Sunday Morning Worship – Sunday, June 26, at 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time /Pre-register here for in-person attendance.
| |
TAKE ACTION! - Youth vs. ODOT: A Public Witness at GA Tuesday, June 24, 5:15-6:15 p.m.
| |
Join CFE outside the Convention Center where hundreds of folks from GA will join the youth climate leaders to multiply their voices. A youth-led group, Youth vs. ODOT, has been rallying every other week for over a year in support of climate and transportation justice. Help us in protesting for their demands which include a full Environmental Impact Statement for the Rose Quarter Freeway Expansion.
Masks encouraged. You don't need to be registered at GA to attend this outdoor event.
| |
HEADS UP! - Portland’s Annual Pride Parade is back!
Sunday, June 19, at 11 a.m.
| |
It begins in the Park Blocks this Sunday! This is joyous news … AND it means that you may need to alter your route to church on Sunday, or start early.
| |
In the midst of many, seemingly relentless attacks on human dignity and our shared Earth home, it is a joy to receive good news of First Unitarian’s justice efforts. Over the last few weeks, I’ve received two such messages for the congregation.
The first piece of good news comes from our community partner the Portland Poor People’s Campaign to update us on their progress. In January 2020, First Unitarian shared our Sunday plate collection with Portland PPC to support their planned trip to Washington that year. Our gift was over $4,000. We had also supported them by providing space in our Buchan Reception Hall for a large organizing meeting and also opened classrooms over a two-month period where members of the PPC delegation could workshop their stories...continue reading.
| |
|
Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
| |
SUMMER UPDATE! - Vesper Prayer Service
Fridays at 5 p.m.
| |
Prayer Vespers will not occur on:
- June 24, July 1 and 8; August 19 and 26; and September 2
More information:
- Vespers will be canceled June 24, in order for everyone to attend a complimentary GA worship service that evening.
-
We will resume July 15, after our 2-week break.
-
Vespers will not occur from 8/19-9/2.
-
We will begin fall/winter weekly services on September 9.
| |
|
End your week with a brief quiet time of prayer, reflection, meditation and music offered by our Lay Ministers. Let this be a pause at the end of the week, to receive and to be held in love, without the need to converse. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
An ongoing commitment is not required.
| |
SUMMER UPDATE! - Loving Kindness Meditation
Mondays at 8 p.m.
Loving Kindness will take a summer hiatus. Their last summer session is on Monday, July 27 and they will resume in September.
| |
Join us for a moment each week to extend Loving Kindness to yourself, to those around you and to the world. Surround yourself in the blessings from those who have loved you and those who love you now. With this Meditation, over time, one can cultivate feelings of happiness and dispel loneliness, while letting go of fear and anxiety. No previous meditation experience necessary. An ongoing commitment is not required.
| |
Learning Community Classes Break for Summer
| |
Our Learning Community classes have ended for summer break (except for our 5th-6th grade OWL program which will continue through mid-June). Childcare during the 11 a.m. sanctuary service continues to be available every Sunday in the nursery for children under age 3. Be on the lookout for opportunities for families to gather outdoors during the summer to help us stay connected and explore possibilities for our regathering in the fall.
| |
Deep Gratitude for Our Teachers
We are tremendously grateful to our volunteer teachers who made our classes this year possible, even while we could not meet in person for most of the year. Thank you to all of our teachers who said "yes" this year, in spite of the added risks, required commitment to teach during our one sanctuary service time, and after two years away.
Our teachers supported our young people as they became reacquainted with one another, our buildings, and community, and who brought with them the impact of the last two years living in a pandemic--which has surely felt long for all of us but is a significant amount of time in the life of a child. Thank you to our 24 teacher volunteers this year for making our Learning Community a place of love, joy, and affirmation. Thank you to our six Religious Education Committee volunteers who supported our classes and family worship every Sunday. You all make it possible.
| |
NEW! - The Power of Climate Justice Workshop at GA
Sunday, June 25, 1:45-3:15 p.m.
Location: Portland Ballroom 252-253
Available only to those who have registered for General Assembly
| |
Oregon frontline communities have created “Green New Deal” programs to address the impact of climate change. This workshop will describe how they have succeeded, and explore whether similar efforts can be replicated in other communities.
Rev. Bill Sinkford will moderate the panel with rising figures Gresham City Council President Eddie Morales, State Representative Khanh Pham, and Jaimes Valdez, deputy administrator of the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF). Morales is a driving force in East County Rising, a grass-roots movement to help residents of one of the poorer urban regions in the nation. Pham helped organize PCEF, which is raising tens of millions of dollars annually to promote green jobs and cushion the effects of climate change, especially among people of color.
For GA registrants: Visit Booth #400 in the Exhibit Hall, staffed by CFE members, to learn more about East County Rising Community Projects, which is the recipient of a portion of the GA Sunday worship service offering. The Exhibit Hall will be open to the public Sunday afternoon June 26.
| |
Speaking of Justice
Human Rights & International Law Must Be Respected Universally
| |
Russia has been rightly condemned for international law and human rights violations in its invasion of Ukraine. Massive sanctions as well as boycotts and divestment have been imposed on Russia, and Western media has given all this constant attention. But there is hypocrisy here. Similar violations by the US and its allies have not been sanctioned and have received much less attention...continue reading.
| |
SPIRITUAL CONNECTION - Art for Social JusticeThe Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and building the Beloved Community.
Curated by Ethel Gullette, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
| |
"Oh, freedom, Oh, freedom, Oh freedom over me. And before I'd be a slave I'd be buried in my grave And go home to my Lord and be free."
Oh Freedom by the Golden Gospel Singers
| |
In the Community
Longtime member and former moderator Jim Zehren suffered a heart arrhythmia attack on June 5 and happily survived. We hold Jim and wish him well as he recovers.
We hold Hunter Androsenko-Hale, a young adult who grew up in our church, as he heals from surgery. Hunter and his mother, Cynthia Hale, welcome our healing and positive thoughts during this time.
| |
NEW! - Are UU an Interior Decorator or Designer? Our Music Program hopes you’ll help!
| |
Did you know there are some nice big rooms behind the area of the church sanctuary where the choirs practice and perform during services? Music is stored in some rooms as are Learning Community supplies, but large sections of the room are just empty. As we all return to church and recreate community within these walls, we are eager to empty and transform one large room. We’ve surveyed music program participants and there is high enthusiasm for a lounge with comfy seating for a dozen or so people to meet or socialize, adjacent to an area where small groups can practice with the piano already there. We need a place to store coats and valuables while we perform. Members have volunteered to help paint, sew, help with minor construction and move items.
There are modest funds earmarked for this and some members who have offered to make a direct donation to the project. We imagine an uplifting décor with perhaps even a custom painted mural! We are hoping this might be a project you’d help design as a volunteer or at a reduced fee.
Our timeline is to make this happen over the summer! If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact Joyce.
| |
June Art Wall: Jenn FeeneyJenn’s focus is monotype, also known as the painterly print. Using a piece of plexi as her plate, she applies the ink using brayers and brushes. She then manipulates the ink using solvent, rags and various tools. Her approach is intuitive… never really having a plan, but instead letting the ink colors she chooses to lay out and the tools around her inform the work. Her work has been described as organic and cellular and resembling underwater scenes, imaginary botanicals, unknown planets and microscopic views. Click for more information.
| |
Do you have a reason to celebrate? Say it with flowers!
| |
Do you have a birth in the family, a graduation, an anniversary, a memorial, or other reason to celebrate? You can acknowledge it to the entire congregation by sponsoring a floral bouquet. As we reconnect with friends, say it with flowers on the Chancel.
| |
Having trouble viewing our services through the website?
Find our Livestreams on Boxcast, YouTube or on Facebook.
| |
Have a Submission for E-News?If you have a church-related submission you would like published in our weekly Front Steps (E-News), please submit it here with subject line “For E-News.”
Submission deadline is noon on Tuesdays.
| |
|
| Sunday Livestream
& Social Schedule
In-Person Social Hour – in Fuller Hall after the service
| |
June Shared Plate
For the month of June, we share our plate with the Northwest Abortion Access Fund that serves Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. NWAAF provides a toll-free hotline staffed by trained volunteers and they help people pay for their abortion care including travel, safe lodging and clinic fees...continue.
| |
Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and stay engaged!
| |
Trying to find connection with those in the congregation with similar interests?
Contact one of the many groups run by members of the church and connect.
| |
Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
| |
|
