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Sunday ServicesSunday, Jan. 13: Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
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Time in the Desert-Rev. Thomas DisrudTransitions most often begin with an ending. And before you get to the new place there’s often some time spent in what’s sometimes called the desert–the middle period where you are in between what you’ve left behind and where you are going. It can be time rich in possibility.
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Immigrant Justice Action Group
Sunday, Jan. 13,
1:30–3 p.m.
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!
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Community for Earth January Monthly Meeting Sunday, Jan. 13, Social mingling 9–9:30, Meeting from 9:30–11 a.m. Join us this Sunday for the Community for Earth January monthly meeting.
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Seminary for a Day
Saturday, Jan. 26
8:30-4:30 pm. Are you yearning for greater depth in your spiritual life? Seminary for a Day will be returning on Jan. 26. 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. Her keynote address is entitled from "Liberal to Liberation: A Theological Response to Climate Disruption." She will offer an afternoon workshop on Ecowomanism. Also in the afternoon, leaders from the Oregon Just Transition Alliance will join us for a dynamic workshop, "Toward a Just Transition: What the Heart Wants the Hand to Do." Engaging with Portland leaders from frontline communities–those who are most impacted by climate change and economic injustice–will help us integrate the liberation theories elaborated by Rev. Betancourt, develop a framework for action, and build the relationships necessary for climate justice. Other offerings include Deepening Nature Connections with Children, Gentle Yoga and singing for justice. Please join us!
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Details: Saturday, Jan. 26, 8:30–4:30 p.m.
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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 the co-author of "Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg". Seating is still available in the overflow room with a suggested donation of $75 per person. Reservations are required. Funds raised support Planned Parenthood’s mission in our area. To join the First Unitarian table in the Overflow Room at this event, contact Betsy Riddell ( bet_ter@yahoo.com) or Judy Davis (jwdavis@hevanet.com).
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Art WallRuns until 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.
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First Unitarian Congregation Artists!The Art Wall is featuring you during in March 2019. Seize the opportunity to share your work with all of us. The show is open to any members of our congregation. If you would like to participate, you will find entry forms at the Art Wall table in Fuller Hall or on the Art Wall page on the Church website under Worship>Music and Arts>Visual Arts>The Art Wall. We are accepting submission forms now, but the deadline for entering is Sunday, Feb. 17.
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.
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First Unitarian Portland HistoryDo you like history and sharing your interests with others? After 20 years of leading our popular First Unitarian history tour, Kate Brickey is ready to pass her immense knowledge onto a new tour leader. She will generously pass on her materials and provide guidance as needed. If you are interested, please contact Kate at k8brickey@gmail.com.
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Bookstore
The book “Justice on Earth” is the current UUA Common Read.
Earth justice is a focus of Seminary for a Day on Jan. 26, and our church will have book discussion groups on this title starting in February. These are three great reasons to get your copy at the bookstore today. We also have some great fall and holiday books and many other everyday titles added to our 50% off shelves.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Learning Community, Music & Arts, Social Justice
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Faith Leaders Speak About Homelessness
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Speaking of Justice: Faith in Action
Climate Justice
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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.
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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.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS)
PHFS is in dire need of volunteers for our 13 Salmon Family Center, Family Winter Shelter, and Lents Family Shelter If you would like to read what’s entailed please go to www.pdxhfs.org and look under “become a volunteer."
New volunteers will go through a general training Next volunteer training is Jan. 26 from 6 –7 p.m.
Please contact Therese “TC” Schumacher at tc@pdxhfs.org to sign up and for directions.
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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
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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.
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| 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.
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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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| 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.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows We hold member Susan Smallsreed. Susan’s husband, Tim Feliciano, died suddenly on Jan. 4 of a heart attack. He was 68.
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December Moderator's Letter
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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, Jan. 6, Attendance:1st Service: 256
2nd Service: 408
Musicians: 36
Total: 700
Livestream: 120
Grand Total: 820
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First UU Animal Ministry Thanks You
The members of our First UU Animal Ministry sincerely thank the donors who brought in new and gently used companion animal accessories for distribution to the Portland Animal Welfare Team. Dozens of leashes, collars, harnesses and other needed supplies were enthusiastically accepted by Rachel Berry, Executive Director of PAW Team.
The donations were taken to their office and clinic on NE 82nd Ave. to be put to use. They were especially grateful for the large dog harnesses, collars, and leashes which are typically in short supply.
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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
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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.
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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 gift 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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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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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.
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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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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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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.
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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 the New Jim Crow—Healing the Justice System 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) 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 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
Wednesdays Night Meditation
Group meets Elliot Chapel, 7 to 8:30 pm. Silent meditation for 30 minutes, followed by reading and discussing a book by Buddhist author. Please email with your phone number if you are considering coming. Mary Ann Harman. Mary Ann Harman.
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| 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.
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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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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.
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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!
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