Join us for Sunday WorshipSunday, November 6, 2022
Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Together Time Sunday
Families begin together in worship service for the initial part then leave together to go to their Learning Community Classes.
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Childcare is available during our worship service for children two and under (located in the nursery).
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Democracy Begins Next Door
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Our democracy is rooted locally, in our cities and our counties, and even in our neighborhoods. Let us explore the relationship of neighbor as a part of our annual spiritual theme of “Rooted in Relationship,” especially as we lead up to the final days of the midterm elections. One of our six Unitarian Universalist sources is: “Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves.” How do we put loving our neighbors into practice in ways that promote the health of our democracy?
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Get Ready to Fall Back!
Daylight Saving Time in Oregon ends this Sunday, November 6, at 2 a.m.
Don't forget to change your clocks!
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K-1 class planting fall bulbs
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Staying Connected BlogMoving Forward with Strength and Joy in Our Learning Community
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This past September marked the first in-person fall ingathering of our Learning Community of children and youth of all ages since 2019. Since March of 2020, our families, volunteers, and staff have engaged in various ways to keep our Learning Community afloat, and there were indeed many meaningful moments, unexpected opportunities, and powerful connections. Yet we felt the fragmentation of our community, ongoing challenges, and needs to constantly reassess during those many months that grew into years. But with intention, we move forward...continue.
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| Happening This SundayTimestamps are Pacific Time (PT) unless stated otherwise. Check out our Events Calendar for First U PDX gatherings.
Gmail Users: You may have to scroll down to the bottom of this message and click on "View Entire Message" to see the complete Front Steps.
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Welcome to Our Season of Giving
Rooted & Ready: 2023
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Please pledge by Celebration Sunday, November 13!
Heartfelt thanks go out to the generous and impassioned members and friends who make our church a beacon of light in these challenging times.
You are what helps us realize our mission and vision. Please know that your gift here is cherished.
Total Goal: $1,600,000
Pledges as of 10/28: $1,051,271
Number of Pledges: 519
66% of Goal
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We ask that you consider checking the “Sustainer” box on your pledge form to let us know that you are among the people we can count on in the future. A "Sustainer" pledge is an indication of your commitment to have your pledge renew automatically with us year after year until you cancel it with us. You will still have the opportunity each year to make changes to your pledge.
Help fund our ministry, services, programs and staff by pledging a gift today!
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Send Us Your Video Clips to Help Spread the Word
DEADLINE: Tomorrow, Friday, November 4
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We want to hear from you! We are grateful because you are a part of the collective ‘WE’ who makes all of our work possible. Please send us your 20-second video clips inspired by one of the questions below.
These may be played in the services, sent out in E-news, or used on OUR social media platforms. We thank you in advance for helping us spread the word, create community and celebrate what we have here that is worth sharing.
These should be short, casual, self-made, and from the heart! Please hold your cell phone on its side to capture your video horizontally.
- What keeps you coming back Sunday after Sunday?
- What calls you to make First Unitarian your spiritual home?
- What work does the church do that impacts you the most?
- What ministries are you glad to support for the sake of others?
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Click the image to send clips to Stewardship@firstunitarianportland.org
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"T” Time: An Event Exclusively for Trans, Nonbinary, & Gender-Expansive
THIS SUNDAY! - November 6, 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Location: Channing Room
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| Join our first “T” Time, a gathering exclusively for trans, nonbinary, 2Spirit, and gender-expansive members and friends. You may choose to attend in person or online via zoom. We will have a small selection of complimentary teas.
You do not need to be a member of First Unitarian or consider yourself a Unitarian Universalist to join us – come one, come all!
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SPECIAL SERVICE - 7th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance Interfaith Vigil
Saturday, November 19, from 4 – 5:30 p.m.
In-person: Eliot Chapel (1011SW 12th Ave./Enter on 12th) Virtually: Join the Boxcast
Sponsored by First Unitarian Portland, First United Methodist Church, Congregation Shir Tikvah & Multnomah Friends Meeting.
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This year's gathering will be led by our very own Rev. Alison Miller and our Intern Minister, Eli Poore will offer the keynote address.
This interfaith service will feature local spiritual leaders, public officials, music and a candle lighting ceremony for the fallen.
We invite all people, transgender or cisgender to join us in this reverent observation.
There will be a reception after with the opportunity for both indoor and outdoor socializing with light refreshments provided.
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UPCOMING - Living with Loss: How Will I Get Through the Holidays?
Details: Virtual meetings. Saturdays, (3 days), November 19 and December 3 and 10, from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Facilitated by Rev. Wendy Fish and Kristen Guest
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Holiday times can be some of the most challenging for those grieving a loss. Grief is difficult at any time of year. It is doubly difficult as those around us prepare to celebrate. Holidays may not be the same, but we hope that holidays can still be meaningful.
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| Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Death with Dignity Act
Thank You First Unitarian!
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October 27, 2022, was the 25th anniversary of the implementation of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act. Compassion & Choices thanks the First Unitarian Portland for its commitment to end-of-life options for all.
The original Death with Dignity Act was written in an annex of First Unitarian, and the Universalist Unitarian Association’s 1988 resolution remains the only denominational endorsement of death with dignity laws. We are sincerely grateful for the support that this congregation has continually lent to our efforts to secure compassionate end-of-life options across the nation.
We are excited to continue this work in collaboration with the church. We are so delighted to be able to commemorate this auspicious anniversary by hosting an event for longtime supporters in the beautiful Buchan event space.
To learn more about how you can educate and advocate for end-of-life care and options, please visit CandC.org.
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SPECIAL ONLINE SERVICE - Celebrating Our 100th Vesper Service
Friday, November 4 at 5 p.m.
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Gather for a quiet time of prayer, reflection, meditation, and music. We look forward to sharing this time of quiet reflection with you when we are all holding so much in our hearts.
Congregants and visitors are invited to bring their prayer requests to be held during the service.
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NEW - Try My Jesus: Daily Reflections to Free Your Mind, Deepen Your Faith, & Invite Universal Love Into Your Life
Saturday, November 12, at 2 – 4 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel (1011SW 12th Ave./Enter on 12th)
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You are invited to this special presentation and book signing of Try My Jesus with author Carlton E. Smith M. Div.
You don’t have to be a prisoner to other people’s beliefs about God, Jesus, heaven, or hell – you can be free. You don’t have to be conflicted about your faith and how you live your life – you can go deeper with integrity. You don’t have to feel separated from the Universal Love of God – you can open your heart to it so that you and everyone around you are blessed.
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Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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BOOK EVENT - War in Ukraine: Making Sense of a Senseless Conflict by Medea Benjamin
Wednesday, November 16, at 7 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel (1011SW 12th Ave./Enter on 12th)
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You're invited! Join us as we welcome Medea Benjamin, co-founder of Code Pink and activist for peace. Hear her message on how the more prolonged war continues, the harder it is to end it. "The time to start is now by getting our the parties to the negotiating table."
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ORDER NOW! - The Alliance Virtual Greens Sale
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It's that time of year! Place online orders for beautiful holiday wreaths and garlands for yourself or to send as gifts. Proceeds from this anticipated annual sale support charitable agencies that care for women, children, and marginalized communities.
The online store will be open through November 13.
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Seeking Leadership Candidate Suggestions
Due on Thursday, November 10
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Would you or someone you know be interested in serving in a leadership position as a member of the church's Board of Trustees or a member of the Nominating Committee?
The Nominating Committee has begun its annual search, seeking names of potential leaders to replace Board and Nominating Committee members retiring. The committee works to find candidates and recommend them to the congregation for election next spring.
Your help is most welcome! If you or anyone you know might be interested in being considered, please email the candidate's name and why they might qualify to committee co-chairs Laura and Amy.
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I’m sure we’ve all run across Economic Person in some form, usually in textbooks, sometimes in person. Either way, you know them: the person always looking out for their own benefit first. The person who never acts on feelings but only on data, always looking to optimize their return on investment...continue.
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Loving Kindness Meditation
Mondays at 8 p.m.
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Join us for a moment each week to extend Loving-Kindness to yourself, to those around you and to the world. Surround yourself in the blessings from those who have loved you and those who love you now. No previous meditation practice necessary.
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Film Salon: The SettlersSunday, November 13, 12 p.m. PT // 3 p.m. ET on Zoom
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The Settlers is the first comprehensive look at Israel's continued construction of settlements in the West Bank, which is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Today, the settlers threaten to destroy what little peace remains in the Middle East.
Join a panel discussion of The Settlers with Shimon Dotan, Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro, and Lara Friedman.
This event is co-sponsored by UUJME along with the Israeli/Palestine Network of the Presbyterian Church, Jewish Voice for Peace, Tzedek Chicago, the Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace, the Quaker Palestine Israel Network, the Indiana Center for Middle East Peace, Disciples Palestine-Israel Network, and the Virginia Coalition for Human Rights.
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Art for Social Justice
The Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and building the Beloved Community.
Curated by Ethel Gullette, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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Hip Hop Caucus, creator of People’s Climate Music, has partnered with Taboo, solo Hip Hop artist and member of the Grammy Award-winning pop group Black Eyed Peas, to debut “Stand Up/Stand N Rock”. This song and video were created in support of the Standing Rock Reservation and the Sioux Tribe, as they lead a peaceful, powerful, and diverse movement to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).
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In the Community
There will be a memorial service for longtime member Fritzi Frager this Sunday, November 6, at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Fritzi died on September 14 at the age of 79.
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Are You Going Through a Tough Time?
Would it help to talk with someone?
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| Our church’s Lay Ministry team provides caring listening for individuals experiencing grief, illness, isolation, depression, loss of a job or relationship, or other life challenges. Meetings may be one time or over time, depending on the need—and are always confidential.
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New Books at the Bookstore!
From The Book Store
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Support body liberation: ‘Anti-Diet’ by Christy Harrison and ‘The Body is not an Apology’ by Sonya Renee Taylor.
Also, all books donated by Rev. Bill Sinkford are now available for just $5 each. See you at the bookstore!
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Karen Miller blended her lifetime passions of science and fiber art to create her "Octopus Garden." Japanese culture and techniques also inform her work as she brings out the patterns nature creates.
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Do you have a birth in the family, a graduation, an anniversary, a memorial, or other events 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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The Rise of Aryan and White Nationalism
Sunday, November 6, at 11:45 a.m.
Details: Enter FCC from Park Ave. between Columbia & Jefferson or via the parking garage (off of Jefferson between Broadway & Park Ave.)
Hosted in the Fellowship Hall of First Christian Church
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Please join Rev. Dr. Rodney Page - former executive director of Church World Service – who will present a lecture on "The Rise of Aryan and White Nationalism" that we are seeing in the U.S. today.
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Having trouble viewing our services through the website?
Find our Livestreams on Boxcast, YouTube or on Facebook.
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Have a Submission for E-News?If you have a church-related submission you would like published in our weekly Front Steps (E-News), please submit it here with subject line “For E-News.”
Submission deadline is noon on Tuesdays.
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| Sunday Livestream
Schedule
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November Shared Plate
For November, First Unitarian Portland shares our plate collection with Bridging Voices. Bridging Voices is a youth chorus for LGBTQ+ and allied youth ages 13-21. We are thrilled to host them once again for their Annual Winter Concert.
They strive to be a safe, accessible place for youth to experience empowerment and unity through music and have made a commitment to anti-racism in their work. Bridging Voices is Portland’s first LGBTQ+ and Allied Youth Chorus and one of the nation's largest choruses of its kind.
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Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and stay engaged!
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Trying to find connection with those in the congregation with similar interests?
Contact one of the many groups run by members of the church and connect.
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Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
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