| Sunday ServicesSunday, September 29: Services at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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Though You’ve Broken Your Vows
-Rev. Bill SinkfordPerhaps the only thing harder than forgiving others is forgiving ourselves. Perfectionism and lofty standards are usually seen as virtues, but they can also be spiritual challenges.
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Bill's BlogWhat Brought You to Church?“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” - Anais Nin
Rev. Carol Cissel, our guest preacher last Sunday, spoke about the will it takes to visit our church, or any church. She spoke about getting up, getting dressed, checking the website, driving if we drive, parking, walking in…on time. “It is not an accident that our visitors are here.”
Not an accident at all. There is all the effort required to get here on a Sunday morning, but beyond the effort, there is the uncertainty and the fear. A new place. A new community of people with new habits. And those fears that we so rarely acknowledge: Have I dressed right? Will there be other people like me? Will they welcome me? Will this, could this become my place?
Could I find new life in this sanctuary with its beautiful music, its formal worship, its justice commitments? Could I find new life? ...Continued
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Learning and Serving Sunday
Sunday, Sept. 29, following each service
Margaret Fuller Hall
Be sure to visit Margaret Fuller Hall downstairs after each service this Sunday for coffee and fellowship, AND to learn about the many classes, service opportunities, and ways to get involved here at First Unitarian. We have combined what many will remember as the Adult Programs Fair of years past with the chance to learn about our many justice efforts and the opportunities to serve our church community. Leaders from our diverse committees, action groups, and work teams are set up in Margaret Fuller Hall, and are eager to give you more information and answer your questions.
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Poets at the TableSunday, Sept. 29, 4–6 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
Please join the Committee on Hunger & Homelessness (COHHO) for a fundraiser to support Clay Street Table, which feeds the downtown homeless. Three distinguished Oregon poets will be reading their poems and talking about why they became poets. The three poets are Andrea Hollander, Oregon Poet Laureate Emerita Paulann Petersen, and John Brehm.
Tickets are $25. Email an RSVP for the event here.
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Last week for First Share!Bring your overabundance of produce and flowers to exchange or give to the First Share table in Fuller Hall.
Everyone is welcome to take something home! Sept. 29 will be the final Sunday for this year.
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Nourishing the Spirit: Practice for the Long Haul with Rev. Katherine JeschSaturday, Sept. 28, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Room A108
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Removing the Mystery: Gender Diversity 101Tuesday, Oct. 1, 6:30–9 p.m.
This workshop, led by TransActive Gender Project, is designed to assist in a better understanding of gender identity development, cultural gender myths and stereotypes, and their impact on gender diverse and transgender children.
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Behind the Scenes at First Unitarian.
Wednesday, Oct. 2, Brown Bag Lunch: 11 a.m., Event: 12:30-1:30 pm.
Channing Room
The Alliance October 2 program speakers will be several members of the administrative staff of First Unitarian. The topic is “Behind the Scenes at First Unitarian.” Come meet the people we rarely see but who make the church run seamlessly. Among our speakers will be: Kathryn Estey, Church Administrator; Erin Tafuri, Development and Database Coordinator; Heather Sparks, Community Events Manager; Jason Chapman, Facilities Manager; John Rosette, Front Office Receptionist; and Zaida Cooper, Controller.
Bring your brown bag lunch and join us at 11:00 am in Buchan ($3). The program will be in Eliot Chapel, 12:30-1:30 pm. RSVP to allianceRSVP@firstunitarianportland.org or call Jean Omelchuck at 503-493-9412.
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Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) MeetingWednesday, Oct. 2, 1:30–3 p.m.
Channing Room
Join IJAG for our monthly meeting where we will have opportunities to share with each other, followed by the showing of a short video, Maricela’s Story: Standing with Farm Workers Against Gender Based Violence, discussion, updates on recent activities, and action planning to support the Bandana Project campaign and county courthouse actions aimed at getting ICE out of our courthouses.
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Family Pumpkin ProjectSaturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m.
Dear families, join the fun for our 10th annual family social service project. We will be meeting Saturday, Oct. 5, to pick pumpkins at Al's Garden Center in Wilsonville. We’ll then wash them at the Stewarts' home with a snack to follow.
On Sunday we will need help unloading the pumpkins at church and selling them after each service. This is a great way to have your children involved doing a social justice project with the church. The proceeds will go to our Immigrant Justice Group.
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Bystander Intervention WorkshopSaturday, October 5, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Room A108
In this workshop you will learn how to safely intervene as a bystander to de-escalate the threats that too many of our community members are enduring daily. Our instruction offers a practical approach to de-escalation and bystander intervention that is appropriate for all community members who wish to make a positive difference in our community.
Facilitator: Oregon Peace Institute provides education and resources for peace and nonviolent conflict resolution in individual, community, national, global, and environmental contexts.
Fee: This workshop is offered on a sliding scale. Suggested: $35, supported: $20, supporting, $50, scholarship needed: $0.
Entrance through the gated breezeway on 1011 SW 12th Ave.
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A Walking History Tour, Unitarians of River View CemeterySunday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m., River View Cemetery
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First Connections Returns!The First Connection series will resume on Oct. 6. Designed with newcomers to the church in mind, but everyone is most welcome. First Connections is a way to get to know others in the church, how things work here and how to make connections. First Connections will be offered between services beginning at 10:30 a.m. and concluding in time to get to the second service, around 11:05 p.m.
What Does Membership Mean?Sunday Oct. 6, 10:30 a.m.–11:05 p.m.
Come and learn about what it means to be a member of First Unitarian. Why take that step? There will also be a chance to sign the membership book and to become an official member.
Our Church HistorySunday Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m.–11:05 p.m.
Come and learn about the history of our church including the women who came together and raised money to found the church back in the 1860s. Led by Cindy Cumfer, who wrote the most recent history of our church.
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Chaos, Climate, Creation: Transformation and Renewal on EarthWednesday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m.
As the chaos in the world increases, most ideas of the future become fatalistic. Yet, the situation only seems hopeless when viewed from the narrow logic of a collapsing world view. Old ways of seeing the world are blocking more vital paths of imagination, vision, and healing.
This world, despite all its troubles, remains a place of ongoing creation. Yet creation can only work through the souls of those alive at a given time. What we learn from mythic stories and imagination is how our human nature can make us part of the ground of being and the vital pulse of the living world.
Join us for an evening of myths of renewal, tales of transformation, and a resounding call to find unity and wholeness in this time of conflict and confusion.
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Transforming Hearts: Welcoming in CongregationsSaturdays, Oct. 12, 26, Nov. 2, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
First Unitarian Portland’s Lay Ministers will facilitate this program for allies. This course, which explores gender and welcoming at First Unitarian, was created by transgender Unitarian Universalists with UU congregations in mind.
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Oregon Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice 10th Annual Meeting
Register now and join with others! Our voices are needed to help stem the tide of fascist growth, global warming, racism, sexism, human rights violations, and economic hardship.
Speakers:
- Human Rights: Reverend Richard Davis, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem
- Immigration: Alaide Vilchis Ibarra, Executive Director, Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ)
- Climate Justice: Leonard Higgins, Climate Activist, Board Member UU Ministry for Earth
- Deepening Our Democracy: David Delk, Board Member Oregon UU Voices for Justice, Co-Founder of Oregon Honest Elections
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Staff Recital SeriesOur music ministry program is thrilled to introduce a recital series, which will feature members of our talented music staff between services in Eliot Chapel, usually on the fourth Sunday of every month.
We meet next month on Sunday, Oct. 27. Please join us!
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Art WallStan Carpenter's photography is featured on the Art Wall in September. Come see the dramatic shots of architecture, landscapes, and nature.
The Art Wall’s mission is to integrate art into the spiritual life of First Unitarian Portland by providing a venue for congregants to be moved by quality artwork from artists within the church and throughout the metro region.
Come down to Margaret Fuller Hall any Sunday and see it in person!
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BookstoreA new church year, a new selection of books.
Wellspring books are in stock; books to support experiences of transgender individuals; and wonderful new children’s books.
Bring in your expiring ChinookBooks to share last-minute coupons in Margaret Fuller Hall after both services Sept. 29 and Oct. 6. New ChinookBooks and apps are also on sale at our bookstore.
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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Youth Chapel ServiceSunday, Sept. 29
In our Eliot Chapel this Sunday morning, Sept. 29, our children and youth from 3rd grade through high school will be participating in a Youth Chapel service. They will be learning about our UU roots, what Coming of Age is about, and creating a chalice collage together. Parents are invited to join us in Eliot Chapel from 9:15–10 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.–12 p.m.
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The Learning Community 2019–2020 Registration Is Now Open!If you are a returning family, check out our website to find our online form, or just click below to register your child/children for the 2019–2020 church year classes.
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Interested in Becoming a Learning Community Teacher?
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Sunday Afternoon ChildcareWe offer childcare for all ages each Sunday from 1–3 p.m. while you attend an event or meeting at church. Request care for your child(ren) at the Eliot Info Desk by 1 p.m. that day. Staff are released at 1 p.m. if no one has requested care by then.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Join Our Sunday Morning Hospitality Team!Imagine the smiles on our congregants’ faces as you serve up fresh coffee on Sunday mornings. Offer a variety of teas, juice, and occasional crunchy snacks. Become a member of our Sunday coffee host team by choosing a regular Sunday each month to volunteer, or offering your help as a substitute when called upon. Either one would be much appreciated. Excellent training is provided by our experienced volunteers.
Email John in the front office or call him at 503-228-6389 x102. Or just stop by the Fuller Hall kitchen on Sunday morning and add your name to the list.
This is a great way to get to know folks!
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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 at 503-803-8991.
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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 by email.
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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 John Veneruso is pleased to share the news that his daughter, Sara Veneruso, married Wilson Stolle on Sept. 14. Sara was first introduced to Unitarian Universalism many years ago in this church when she was in high school. She just graduated from WSU Spokane Speech and Hearing Sciences Graduate School and is happily attending the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane. John is a lay minister and member of our Broadway Bridge Choir.
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Welcome back to the new church year!
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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, September 22 Attendance:1st Service: 188
2nd Service: 272
Musicians: 35
Total: 495
Livestream: 90
Grand Total: 585
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Give the Joy of Flowers for Sunday’s Service
Have you ever wondered where the beautiful Sunday morning 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 or call her at 503-954-3534.
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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, a 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.
Remember our program if you are having out-of-town guests who need housing. For details, contact Ruth Robinson.
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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 us 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.
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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
We normally meet 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)We meet 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. We 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 JusticeWe usually meet 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) meets the first Wednesday of the months of September–May, from 1:30–3 p.m. in the Channing Room.
Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. Our meetings include time for reflection, sharing, and information about 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.
Through the IJAG Google group, we disseminate recommended actions. Join us for the important work of immigrant justice! Questions? Contact us here.
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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 Eliot 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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Mental Health Action GroupMHAG exists to educate the congregation about mental health issues and to support those in the congregation living with mental illness or whose relatives live with mental illness. We meet every third Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Buchan Building.
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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. Questions? Contact Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
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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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| 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. This is 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 at 10–11:30 a.m. Now welcoming new members. Questions? Call Dorothy at 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.
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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.”
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 10:15 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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In the spirit of September's spiritual theme of "Radical Hospitality," we share our collection plate with Rahab's Sisters. To create community with those marginalized by poverty, houselessness, sex work, violence, or substance use, every Friday Rahab's Sisters open their doors to anyone who identifies as a woman, or whose gender identity makes them vulnerable. All are encouraged to come as they are to share a homemade meal seated together. The heart of Rahab's Sisters is the community created together every week through activities, conversations, and human connection.
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