Join us forĀ Sunday WorshipSunday, November 20, 2022
Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Learning Community Classes 10:30 a.m.
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Childcare is available during our worship service for children two and under (located in the nursery).Ā
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TheĀ Velveteen RabbitĀ was published a century agoāin 1922. In it, the Skin Horse reflects to the Velveteen Rabbit about the process of becoming real: āIt doesnāt happen all at once, it takes a long timeā¦ thatās why it doesnāt often happen to people who break easily or have sharp edges or who have to be carefully keptā¦.ā Perhaps that advice still holds in our own time.Ā
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Staying Connected BlogWinners and Losers
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It has been ten days since the midterm election, and Iām still processing the results. As is usually the case, there has been lots of talk of winners and losers. Thatās how it goes: A narrative takes shape that confirms the expectations going into the election or (like this year) doesnāt. Of course, we prefer a good crisp narrative. It helps to try to make sense of these confusing and complex times.
But it is important not to lose sight of any given situation's subtleties. Nuance is so important. Thatās why it is always important to notice all the layers underneath something. How a shift here, in turn, shifts something else over here...continued.
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| Happening This Sunday
Gmail Users: You may have to scroll down to the bottom of this message and click onĀ "View Entire Message"Ā to see the complete Front Steps.
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Thank you to everyone who has given in support of "Rooted & Ready" to fund the church for 2023.Ā Ā
Every pledge and every gift helps fund the life and work of the church. Please know that your gift here is cherished.
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| We still need to raise an additional $290,000Ā to meet our budget for the coming year. Please help us reach our goal and pledge a gift today before the Holiday season.Ā
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"Tā Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Event!
Sunday, November 20, FromĀ 11:45 a.m. ā 12:45 p.m.Ā
Location:Ā Channing Room
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Join āTā Time, a gathering exclusively for trans, nonbinary, 2Spirit, and gender-expansive members and friends!Ā
We will have a small selection of complimentary teas available. You do not need to be a member of First Unitarian or consider yourself a Unitarian Universalist to join us ā come one, come all!Ā
No registration is required.
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SPECIAL SERVICE -Ā 7th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance Interfaith Vigil
Saturday, November 19, from 4 ā 5:30 p.m.
In-person:Ā Eliot Chapel (1011SW 12th Ave./Enter on 12th)Ā Virtually: Join the Boxcast
Sponsored by First Unitarian Portland, First United Methodist Church, Congregation Shir Tikvah & Multnomah Friends Meeting.
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Our very own Rev. Alison Miller will lead this year's gathering, and our Intern Minister, Eli Poore, will offer the keynote address.Ā
This interfaith service will feature local spiritual leaders, public officials, music, and a candlelighting ceremony for the fallen. Ā
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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YOU'RE INVITED! - LGBTQ+ Pride Holiday Potluck
Saturday, December 3, from 1 ā 4 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall (1226 SW Salmon St.)
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| Please bring a favorite dish to share with a list of ingredients for those with dietary preferences. We will also have some fun with a White Elephant Gift Exchange. If participating, bring a wrapped, repurposed, homemade, or new gift to exchange (max $20). Newspaper, paper bags, and recycled paper are encouraged for wrapping!
All are welcome, including families with children. Hope to see you there as we gather in community.
Also,Ā Volunteers are needed to assist with set up and take down. Please let us know if you need a ride or can provide a lift.
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NEW! -Ā Alliance Treasures and Bake Sale
Sunday, December 4 and 11, After Church
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| Join us for a unique shopping experience! We will have gifts and baked goods to enjoy while supporting marginalized women and children. A true sweet spot!
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TAKE ACTION! - Path Home Holiday Gift Drive
Drop-off: Sunday, December 4 and 11
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| COHHO invites you to participate in our Holiday Gift Drive for Path Home (formerly Portland Homeless Family Solutions - PHFS) families. The link below has the list of items you can purchase and details about dropping them off.
COHHO thanks you for your generosity and help in making this particular time of the year very special for Path Home families!
Drop off at the COHHO Table after the service.
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Upcoming Events, Workshops & ClassesĀ
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Matins for AdventĀ Ā
You are invited to a new series of four virtual services to help you prepare for the holiday season with a spiritual focus.
DETAILS:Ā Zoom gathering. November 28 and December 5, 12,19 on Monday mornings from 8:00 a.m. ā 8:30 a.m.
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| Offered by members of the Spiritual Directors Guild, the services provide a 30-minute space with music, poetry, meditation, and prayer for the Advent season. Join us in private contemplation without conversation or expectation.
Ongoing participation is not required.
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| Last Sunday was Celebration Sunday, when we offered gratitude for the support of members and friends who sustain the church's work. As of last Sunday, we had reached 75% of our budget goal, so there is still some work to be done. We celebrated with ice cream bars and lemonade provided by the Church Board of Trustees in Fuller Hall after the worship service. Thank you to all of you who have made your pledge or gift. If you havenāt done so yet,Ā there is still time.Ā
Following our celebration last Sunday, Rev. Alison and the Board collaborated on an informational meeting about the draft of proposed changes to Article II of the UUA bylaws. This is the section that lists our purposes, principles, and sources. Congregations across the country are reviewing the new language, and we encourage everyone to visit the visit Article II webpage by November 28 to provide your feedback.Ā There will be another round of reviews beginning in January. We will be holding additional sessions on the changes and our congregationās response to them. There willĀ be a preliminary vote at General Assembly 2023....continue.Ā
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Friday Vesper Prayer ServicesĀ
Every Friday at 5 p.m.
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Gather for a quiet time of prayer, reflection, meditation, and music.
An ongoing commitment is not required.
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Loving Kindness Meditation
Mondays at 8 p.m.Ā
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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.Ā
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In the Community
Longtime member Anne Mason died on November 12 after a long illness. We hold Annās daughter, Ameena Amdahl-Mason, in our prayers today.
Shannon and Steve Planchon ask that their daughter Meghan be held in your thoughts and prayers. Meghan had surgery on November 10 to remove a malignant tumor associated with the recurrence of a rare cancer affecting the protective matter around her brain. She lives in Portland with her partner David Row. The operation was in Houston, and they are all there helping with Meghanās recovery.
Longtime memberĀ Annie Bennett is thrilled to announce the birth of her third grandchild. Zane Benjamin Jones was born on November 7 to parents Kyra Bennett and Isaac Jones. Kyra grew up at First Unitarian, attended R.E., and was a childcare assistant in the nursery. Mother and baby are doing well.
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Are You Going Through a Tough Time?
Would it help to talk with someone?
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| Our churchās 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 needāand are always confidential.
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Try My Jesus: Daily Reflections to Free Your Mind, Deepen Your Faith, & Invite Universal Love Into Your LifeĀ
Available now in our Bookstore!
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UU Minister Carlton E. Smith shows that you donāt have to be a prisoner to other peopleās beliefs about God, Jesus, heaven, or hell.Ā
You donāt have to be conflicted about your faith and how you live your life ā you can go deeper with integrity. Rev. Smith is Regional Lead for the UU Pacific Western Region in Congregational Life.
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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 informĀ her work as she brings out the patterns nature creates.
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DoĀ you have a birth in the family,Ā aĀ graduation, an anniversary, a memorial, or other events to share?
YouĀ 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 Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and to build the Beloved Community.
Curated by Ethel Gullette,Ā Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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IllumiNative is an initiative created and led by Natives to challenge the negative narrative surrounding Native communities and ensure accurate and authentic portrayals of Native communities are present in pop culture and media.
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Having trouble viewing our servicesĀ through the website?
Find our Livestreams onĀ 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 āFor E-News.ā
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 withĀ Bridging Voices.Ā Bridging Voices isĀ 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 aĀ commitment to anti-racismĀ in their work. Bridging Voices is Portlandās 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?Ā Show up for events/classes/socials and Ā 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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