| Sunday ServicesSunday, June 17: Service at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
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Revolutionary Roots-Intern Minister Crystal ZerfossOn this Father’s Day and Portland Pride parade, join us as we explore our revolutionary roots, honoring those who’ve come before and those continuing to bring about radical change. How do we, in this generation, grow forth nourished by such strong roots? Following the service we will join the Pride Parade and celebrate the power of love.
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Bill's Blog"Unfinished Business" This week I am working hard to “tie up” loose ends and work through my year-end “to do” list. Some of you are finishing or have just finished a school year. Or a major project. Perhaps you would recognize my focus on crossing items off, my need to declare victory even though next year’s version of most of these tasks will be there to greet me when I return from my break. There is much to be said in defense of “finishing” things, not least the sense of accomplishment it can provide and the chance to move on to the next step in the process or the deeper
level of understanding we want to achieve. There is much to be said for finishing.
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Changes Are Coming!Beginning this Sunday summer services will move to the Eliot Chapel at 9:15 and 11:15 am. We’ll be holding services in Eliot through the summer so that work to make the chancel area accessiblecan be completed. Social hour will continue to be held in Margaret Fuller Hall after each service.
This is all thanks to the Ramp It Up auction proceeds.Much appreciation goes to everyone who donated to make that possible. Construction has begun in the Sanctuary this week and things already look different. Stay tuned for updates.
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Teachers for 2018–19
We currently are looking to place 11 teachers in the Learning Community for the upcoming year. Yes, it is a commitment. Yes, you will receive as much from the kids as they receive from you. Yes, you have tons of support. We hope you say “Yes!” Please contact Rev. Mary Gear for more information.
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Reception for Crystal Zerfoss
This coming Sunday will be Crystal Zerfoss’s last Sunday as our intern minister. Join us for a reception to honor Crystal between services in Fuller Hall.
Say goodbye, wish Crystal well, and have some treats.
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Portland Pride ParadeJoin our Unitarian Universalist Pride Parade contingent! We’ll meet in front of Eliot Chapel at 12:15 p.m. following our 11:15 a.m. service and move together to the staging area at NW 9th and NW Davis.
We are positioned #151 of 180 entries. Find us by our yellow Standing on the Side of Love banner. A car will be in the parade for folx with accessibility needs. If you want to go earlier, our Social Justice Program Director Dana Buhl will leave from church at 11 a.m.
Questions? Alison Richter netslug@hotmail.com
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Trans Pride MarchSaturday, June 16, 2–4:30 p.m.
Although we do not have an organized contingent in the parade, First Unitarian Portland voices support for the Trans Pride March. The parade takes place Saturday, June 16, 2 –4:30 p.m. in the North Park Blocks, NW 8th and NW Davis. Please visit the official webpage for more information.
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Join the Movement! Oregon Poor People's Campaign
Join First Unitarian at Oregon Poor People's Campaign Day of Action
Monday, June 18 in Salem
Please join Reverend Bill Sinkford and Social Justice Director Dana Buhl for the Oregon Poor People’s Campaign last day of action Monday, June 18th in Salem! This action is a part of a national campaign taking place in 41 states and in our nation’s capital. It is a part of 40 days of action started on Mother’s Day to fight the four evils of poverty, systemic racism, the military economy and ecological devastation. More than 1,500 people in Oregon have signed up to be a part of this campaign.
Please register here to join us for any part of our Day of Action on June 18th. For safety, the address for the gathering will be given to you after you RSVP. Sometimes it takes a few days to process, but you should get it before the 18th. Thank you for being patient. We are working to protect everyone, especially those who are most targeted by the systems of violence we are working to dismantle.
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Oregon Poor People's Campaign Truthful Tuesdays
Tuesday, June 19, 4:30–7 p.m.
Eliot Chapel
National Poor People's Campaign Livestream Teach-In and local discussion designed to create opportunities for deeper education on the issues at the heart of this campaign and to build power among our community. For more information visit www.poorpeoplescampaign.org
and Oregon PPC on Facebook.
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June's Art WallJune Art Wall. Gia Whitlock's paintings are featured in June. Inspired by nature, the curves in her images weave unrelated shapes and concepts into a tapestry. She says her work is made of happiness and fruit shapes. Come and enjoy! See more here.
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BookstoreAdult Programs recently announced they will no longer hold their annual book sale. In response to several requests, however, our bookstore will continue to sell a small collection of used books on the landing next to the bookstore, provided congregants bring good books for us to offer. So, bring quality fiction in good condition to the bookstore any Sunday. Please–no children’s books, non-fiction, or any other category of books. We just don’t have the space or person-power to manage anything else. Thank you for helping us to provide this ongoing resource for our congregants. Books are always just $1 each. Come choose a great read.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Learning Community, Music & Arts, Social Justice
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Seeking First Share Coordinator
Do you love the fresh produce and flowers that show up after services in Margaret Fuller Hall during the summer? The First Share table is how we exchange the bounty of our gardens. We are seeking a First Share Coordinator for the months of July, August, & September. This volunteer would organize the table in Fuller Hall each Sunday after services and recruit others to help as needed. And, just a reminder, there will be two services throughout the summer due to the construction in the Sanctuary. If you are interested, please contact Cassandra at cscheffman@firstunitarianportland.org.
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An Evening of Pie & PoetryThursday, June 14, 6:30–8:30 p.m. in Buchan Reception Hall. While enjoying a slice of pie, you can hear First Unitarian poets read from the best of their year’s work. Donations appreciated (suggested $5) or a book of poetry as a donation to the church libraries.
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June 3 was the Last Day of Our School Year
July 8 we will begin an eight-week summer program for children 10 years and younger.
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Learning Community Teachers Needed for 2018–19The essential qualities of a good Learning Community teacher are a love of children, a sense of wonder about life, empathy and the ability to listen, and a willingness to share who you are more than what you know. Above all, teachers are mentors and companions for the children on their spiritual path. One of the best ways to learn about what it means to be a practicing Unitarian Universalist is by spending time with young people on the journey. Each year more than 50 people commit themselves to teaching in our Sunday program for Children and Youth. Everyone is paired up with a co-teacher, lessons are well spelled out, and resources are plentiful. Prerequisites include at least a six-month attendance at First Unitarian Portland, an interview, and a background check. If you are interested, please reply to Rev. Mary Gear for an application or more information.
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Nursery and Childcare Available
We always have childcare for our wee ones on Sunday mornings.
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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!
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Iran Forum: US withdrawal from the Nuclear Agreement and the Path to WarFriday, June 29, 6:30 p.m.
Eliot Chapel
Speakers: Jamal Abdi, President of the National Iranian American Council; Reese Ehrlich, journalist and author of several books on Iran; Catherine Thomasson, former national President of Physicians for Social Responsibility; and Jeff Curtis, Portland attorney who has recently traveled to Iran. The speakers will address the current US-Iran relationship and how the dangerous path toward war can be stopped.
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Thank YouThe Committee for Hunger and Homelessness thanks you for the outpouring of generosity of gifts and help you've given the winter shelter. We sincerely couldn't have done it without your help. The shelter closed April 30, until winter months return. A reminder: we still have families at the 13 Salmon Family Center in the lower level of our Buchan Building. Donna Richards webbed@msn.com.
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Supplies Needed- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush/paste
- Soap
- Razors
- Baby wipes
- Baby formula
Please leave supplies in Fuller Hall cupboards by the kitchen.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Social Hour Helpers Needed Sunday Mornings
With two services continuing through the summer, we need a few more beverage service helpers and subs on Sundays in Fuller Hall. Choose one Sunday each month, either 8 a.m.–10:50 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m., with time to attend service in between. Please contact Emily at 541-408-1516 or ewh1960@gmail.com. Training provided by experienced volunteers.
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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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| 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.
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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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| 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.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
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Member Carolyn Buhl's cousin Denise Millhorn Kolar died on June 8. Denise bravely battled various aggressive cancers for nine years and she was ready to let go. Carolyn was able to visit her in Tucson last month to say goodbye in person. We hold her close as she grieves her dear cousin. Member Marilee Thompson asks for our prayers. Marilee continues to live with a great deal of pain in her back which keeps her from getting to church. She welcomes contact from her church friends and our prayers for healing.
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Board of Trustees—Results of the 2018 Annual VoteThank you to all members of First Unitarian who return completed ballots to approve the Church’s operating budget and elect members to our Board of Trustees, Nominating Committee, and the independent Foundation Board of Stewards. Details on the results of the Annual Vote are in Moderator Randy Russell’s May letter, along with other important Board-related updates. A summary of the results of our 2018 Annual Congregational survey, along with notes and presentation materials from the Board’s May 6, 2018 congregant forum, are now posted on the Board’s Communications Committee page. As always, please check out the Board's main webpage for the latest time/location for all Board-related events.
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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.
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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 Attendance1st Service: 228
2nd Service: 258
Musicians: 36
Total: 522
Livestream: 78
Grand Total: 600
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Yarn Donations Needed
The UU Knitters, who meet at the church on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month to work on projects for the benefit of the community, is getting low on donated yarn. We are looking for yarn of any type–wool, cotton, and synthetics. Please bring donations to the church office, and staff will get them to the right place. Thank you!
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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. 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 the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May. We do not meet during the summer and will resume September 23, 2018.
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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 Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays. Questions? Email co-chairs Mary Andrews and Ellen Vanderslice.
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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)
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.
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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.
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Meditation Group
Wednesday Night Meditation Group continues every Wednesday, 7–8:30 p.m, Eliot Chapel. Beginners welcomed. Questions? Mary Ann Harman.
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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.
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| Parents of Teens Support Group, 1–2 p.m.
Second and fourth 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.
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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 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.
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SPECTRUM: LGBTQIA Spirituality Discussion Group
An ongoing discussion group for LGBTQIA-identified folx. 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.
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| 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.
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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? Don Liedel, 503-319-8934; 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 Fuller Hall.
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| UU Poetry Group
Twice monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Albert Starr.
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| 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.
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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. 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.
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| To update your contact information with First Unitarian Portland, click here.
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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.
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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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Our June shared plate recipient is Outside In, a non-profit that helps homeless youth and other marginalized people move toward improved health and self-sufficiency. Approximately 40% of the youth that come to Outside In each year identify as LGBTQ. June's plate collection for LGBTQ services will be matched one-to-one, thanks to a generous donor. As Outside In celebrates its 50th anniversary, First Unitarian is proud to remain in our relationship since its inception.
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