Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Children & Youth Summer Session 10:15 a.m.
Childcare is available during our worship service for children six months to 3 years old.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
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What on Earth Have You Done?
Rev. Mitra Rahnema, Guest Minister
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There are moments when this question is an accusation. Other times it is an evaluation. And at its best, it can be a spark of reflection and direction. Let us examine how we might reveal more meaning as we study our own lives.
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Rev. Mitra Rahnema is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and Starr King School for the Ministry graduate. She has offered ministry to congregations in Missouri, Michigan, and California and has served as DRUUMM Trustee and as UUMA Committee on Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression, and Multiculturalism member. Mitra is the editor of the 2017 book and UUA Common Read, “Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry.” She is dedicated to building vibrant and engaged anti-oppressive communities. Mitra currently serves as Interim Minister in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, but knows Portland, OR, is her home.
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Ministers Column
Music Ministry Transition Team
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As we announced from the pulpit, our Music Ministry Transition Team held our first meeting last Sunday, July 7 to begin to reflect on our music ministry and how it serves children, youth, and adults of all ages in the choir community and in the wider congregation. We are in a time of rebuilding and reimagining our music ministry, which will include assessing our current capacity, identifying and supporting the traditions which continue to nourish us, and experimenting and adapting with new ways of doing things. Below you can read all about the current scope of the team’s work and about the members who are serving on it.
*Note about summer: Thank you to Garrett Bond, who is serving as our Summer Music Coordinator and to Ellie Hodder, Signe Lusk, and Joe O’Donnell, who have agreed to assist with musical offerings.
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Pride Kick-Off: Tea and Treats
Sunday, July 14 from 12 - 1 p.m.
Location: Channing Room
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Join us for "Tea and Treats" during pride kick-off week! All LGBTQ+ and questioning folks are welcome. Meet new friends, share experiences, and celebrate our vibrant community.
Hosted by the folks from First Unitarian's "T Time" meetup group.
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Young Adult Weekly Meetups All Summer!
Next Meeting: Sunday, July 14, immediately after the service
Location: Channing Room
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Expect fun social events, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities to connect.
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Join the Summer Pick-Up Choir
Arrive on Sunday mornings of your choice at 8:45 a.m
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Summer is here, which means we welcome the return of our annual Summer Pick-Up Choir.
The choir is open to anyone who would like to participate weekly. If interested, simply show up to the sanctuary on the Sunday mornings of your choice at 8:45 a.m. Music will be provided when you arrive, and we'll all learn together for the 10:15 a.m. service.
No experience or ongoing commitment necessary.
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KUDOS! — Thank John Boelling for his Service to Our Community
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As many of you know, John Boelling has stepped down as associate music director after many years of serving our music community. To honor his time with our congregation and express our gratitude, we have created a space to share well-wishes, stories, memories, and photos. Say thank you to John by adding your contribution to the Kudoboard.
Kudos Instruction Note:
- Click "+ Add to Board"
- Create a post by adding text and/or media, then "Skip Email"
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Kids Summer Session with the Learning Community!
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Join our exciting summer Religious Education (RE) program, where families can explore the 8 Unitarian Universalist Principles together.
Every Sunday at 10:15 a.m., enjoy fun activities, engaging worship, and enriching Learning Community sessions.
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Summer 2024 Activities at First Unitarian
Summer Spiritual Vibes: Rest, Reflect, Renew
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Summer’s slower pace is an opportunity for us to gather in community, have a little fun, and refresh our spirits! I invite you to lean into our summer church theme, “Rest, Reflect, Renew,” with these low-commitment, laid-back offerings. Join us at one that sparks your interest, or come to all of them.
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THIS TUESDAY — S’mores & Campfire Sing-Along
Tuesday, July 16 // from 7 - 9 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall & Courtyard
All ages, all experience levels, and all singing voices are welcome for a sing-along and sweet treats! We’ll join in our favorite hymns and campfire songs and make a joyful noise together. Feel free to bring your guitar or harmonica if you’d like to jump in on accompaniment!”
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Drop-In Brown Bag Discussions
Bring your lunch and join summer minister Danielle Garrett from 12 - 1:30 p.m. in the Buchan Reception Hall for informal conversation and community building.
- July 24: Finding the Sacred in Pop Culture—Discuss meaningful books, movies, TV shows, and music.
- August 7: UU History Grab-Bag—Explore favorite moments and figures from Unitarian Universalist history.
- August 21: All We Kindred Pilgrim Souls—Talk about pilgrimage experiences and spiritual travel.
Evening Community Gatherings
Join us in the Buchan Reception Hall and Courtyard.
- July 16: S’mores and Campfire Sing-Along—Enjoy treats and songs from 7 - 9 p.m.
- July 25: Poetry Night—Share a dessert and read a favorite or original poem from 7 - 9 p.m.
- August 9: Summer Potluck—Bring a summer dish to share from 6 - 8 p.m.
Summer Vespers Schedule
Join our contemplative Vespers services on Zoom at 5 p.m. every Friday. This summer, services are on July 19, 26, August 2, and 9. Join us via Zoom.
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Upcoming Classes, Events & Gatherings
Enjoyed coming to gatherings at First Unitarian Portland? Consider contributing to sustaining our community. Your support goes a long way in fostering meaningful connections. Thank you!
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NEW! — Curious About Electric and Hybrid Cars?
Sunday, August 11, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
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Join Us for an Electric Vehicle (EV) Test Ride Event!
Come and be part of our Community for Earth volunteers and fellow congregants for an exciting EV Test Ride event! Enjoy a delicious lunch at the church while engaging in a Q&A session about electric vehicles. You'll have the chance to test ride and chat with the owners of various Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles, including Rivian, Bolt, BMW, Leaf, Prius and RAV4 Primes, Volt, VW, and more.
Don't miss out on the fun and unique EV experience!
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UU the Vote Summer Letter Writing Update
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Thank you, letter writers! You've taken over 5,000 letters from the UU the Vote table to write at home. Our goal is 10,000 letters; we've received over 2,000 back for the October mailing.
While we initially had until fall, we've realized that we need more time to prepare the letters for mailing. We kindly request that you start returning your completed letters on Sundays this summer. This will help us avoid a last-minute rush and ensure we can effectively meet our goal. Your commitment to this schedule is greatly appreciated!
UU the Vote will be at Social Hour every Sunday through the summer. Look for the blue tablecloth and keep writing!
Reminders:
- Postage rates increase on July 14, so buy your stamps now.
- Tuesday morning sessions will resume in September.
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Water Crisis Continues on Warm Springs Reservation
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Residents of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation urgently need safe drinking water as they face the hottest part of summer.
First Unitarian Portland and other Oregon churches have provided significant help over the past year, but more is needed. While the water treatment facility is being replaced, additional funding is required to replace clay and lead pipes. Our support helps the Bend UU congregation partner with the tribes to provide bottled water. To contribute, please send a check payable to UUFCO with "Water for Warm Springs" on the memo line to:
Attn: Church Administrator Leora Mauck, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend, OR 97703-9400
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Support LiftUp This Summer
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We are supporting LiftUp throughout the summer, from June 16 to Labor Day. Please place in the COHHO bins in Fuller Hall by the kitchen any of the following most needed food items: brown rice, whole grain pasta, shelf-stable milk, canned protein (tuna, chicken, salmon), nut butter, any low sodium broths, canned veggies, and sauces.
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NEW! — Donate WATER to the Shower Project!
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The Shower Project is going well, and our guests appreciate the service, especially the clothing donations. We urgently need the items listed below to continue providing for our guests. Your donations of these specific items will make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your support!
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In the Community
Jeri Lynn Draper, mother of member Allen Draper, died on May 31 at 72. Allen shares that Jeri was a loving mother, a social butterfly, and an active volunteer for many organizations in Pekin, Illinois. We hold Allen, his sister Jeramie, and the rest of their family in our hearts during this time.
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Do you have a birth in the family, a graduation, an anniversary, a memorial, or other milestones to share?
You can acknowledge it to the entire congregation by sponsoring a floral bouquet. As we connect with friends, say it with flowers on the Chancel.
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NEW! — Summer Art Wall Exhibitions Art Wall
Tapestries by Stephen Karakashian
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This summer, enjoy the art of The Art Wall Committee Members in Fuller Hall. Also, check out the tapestries of artist Stephen Karakashian in the church Narthex.
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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Caregivers Support Group: Open to Newcomers. Fourth Sunday of each month at 9 a.m. via Zoom.
SUMMER BREAK — Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD): We meet on the third Sunday of each month from 12:15 to 1:45 in Fireside. Contact Marni for summer activities.
First Connections: We meet monthly on the third Sunday for all new and returning folks! And it is a terrific way to meet new folks just coming into the community. Bring a brown bag lunch. Questions? Email Pat.
Vespers will be on break on August 15, 23, and 30. It will resume on July 19 through August 9 and then again on September 6.
Good Times: Movie Group Sunday movie meetup this Summer on July 14 and August 11, 4 - 6:30 p.m., at members' homes to discuss current films in theaters or streaming. Contact Christine for details and to join our group email list.
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: Sojourners and Sojourners 2 are two groups that meet for two hours at First Unitarian. Members support each other through aging with facilitated discussions, activities, personal stories, and social events, fostering growth and friendship. All are welcome, but both groups are limited in size; no drop-ins, please. || Email Lucy with questions.
"T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: Meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room at 12 - 1 p.m.
EVERY SUNDAY — UU the Vote: Join Us For Community and Letter Writing
The blue tablecloth will be available every Sunday until October. Letters can be dropped off and picked up at the church office.
Letter Writing Schedule:
Women's Circle II: Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
EVERY SUNDAY — Young Adult Summer Meetup! Every Sunday at 12:15 p.m., the meeting room may vary. Expect fun social events, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities to connect. Questions? Contact Caroline.
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Got something for Front Steps? Send in your church-related submission for our weekly publication. Use "Front Steps" as the subject line and submit here. Deadline: Tuesdays at noon.
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| Livestream Schedule
Friday Vespers – 5 - 5:40 p.m.
via Zoom (No Vespers this week) (Summer Dates: July 19, 26, August 2, 9)
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This summer, we will be sharing our plate with several UU-focused organizations.
DRUUMM (Diverse Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries) is a UU People of Color ministry and anti-racist collective bringing lay and religious professionals together to overcome racism through resistance and to transform Unitarian Universalism through our multicultural experiences. DRUUMM serves hundreds of UUs of color (and counting) through chaplaincy, community-building, worship, and leadership development.
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