| Summer Sunday ServiceSunday, August 11: Service at 10:15 a.m.
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Be the Change
Rev. Bill Sinkford
Our theology is clear. No god will intervene to guarantee that love wins. That is our work. But how do we embody a process for which there is no instruction manual, with an outcome we can only begin to glimpse?
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Traffic Updates for Sunday
Please leave extra time to get to church and park this week. There is a Thorns game that starts at 12:30 p.m. as well as the Portland Bridge Pedal that will affect bridges and traffic in the morning. It's a great day to take public transit!
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Bill's BlogDo Something
“Do Something!” The chant from the crowd gathered in Dayton, OH, began spontaneously, or so it seemed. The Governor of Ohio was speaking, offering thoughts and prayers for the victims of the latest mass killing. Gilroy, El Paso, Dayton…in one week. 250 mass killings this year. “Do Something!”
Like those citizens of Dayton and vast majorities of Americans, if the polls are to be believed, there is broad agreement on what should be done. From universal background checks to banning assault weapons the people are in agreement. From restoring mental health resources to Red Flag laws, we agree. Majorities across political and racial lines, gun owners and NRA members agree.
We know at least some of the things that should be done ...Continued
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Sunday, August 4, 2019 We at First Unitarian Church of Portland share the heartbreak of our nation at the escalating violence of gun terror in the United States.
Since we last worshipped together, 53 people have been killed in mass shootings in our country. We mourn their lives, we denounce hate and terrorism, and we especially decry the growing racist vigilantism and toxic fragility that has emboldened the perpetrators to commit such atrocities.
We pray that we may each, and collectively, find the strength and clarity to engage in the real actions that might reverse this epidemic: enacting rigorous gun legislation, building resilient and connected communities, and engaging with all those who feel isolated, disempowered, and embittered to bring them back in to loving relationship with themselves and the world before they act on their hatred and fear.
May we find in ourselves and our communities the strength and the faith to work for a better world. Amen.
- Rev. Mira Mickiewicz
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Summer Sunday ReflectionSundays, Aug. 11, 18, and 25
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
This summer our lay ministry team offers an opportunity to come together after the worship service to hold space and reflect on what has moved you as part of that experience. Meets in the Channing Room this Sunday.
Details: No charge. Drop-ins welcome.
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Interested in Becoming a Learning Community Teacher?Sunday, Aug. 11, right after service: 11:15 a.m.
Daisy Bingham
Join us right after the service to learn more about how you can volunteer, inspire and connect with our community's youth. Our current teachers Ann and Dave will be there to answer all your questions. They will also give you insight to what it’s like to be a teacher.
To learn more about the classes we are offering this year. please visit our website.
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Summer Pick-up Choir Love to sing? Join the Summer Pick-up Choir! Every Sunday through Labor Day weekend; starts at 9 a.m.
All people of all ages are invited to participate in our summer pick-up choir beginning this Sunday! Simply show up at 9 a.m. for a quick rehearsal with our choir directors and sing with the choir in the service.
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Younger Adult Potluck Brunch!Sunday, Aug. 11, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Join us for fellowship, learn more about radical hospitality and group volunteer opportunities while enjoying some extra special brunch treats! Feel free to bring a dish to share. All are warmly welcome.
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Oregon Initiative Petition for Safe Gun StorageSundays, Aug. 11, 18, and 25
Work is underway to gather the 1,000 signatures needed to qualify Oregon Initiative Petition 40 for the November 2020 ballot. This initiative requires safe gun storage and safe gun transportation. Civil liabilities occur if a stolen or lost gun is used in a crime. No criminal penalties pertain.
The petition is available at the Peace Action table each Sunday in August. We have information about circulating this petition yourself; check with Peace Action folks. Signature deadline goal is early September 2019. Do your part to stop gun violence!
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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!
Details: Every Sunday through September.
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Mindful Movements for EveryoneThursday, Aug. 15, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Have you ever wanted a spiritual practice that is dynamic? This joyful movement practice is for all bodies, ages, and abilities. Combined with a blend of world music, each class has a theme that will guide you through a simple intention for your practice. Fee: $10 per class.
Details: Advanced registration appreciated, but drop-ins are warmly welcome. Pay online or cash/check at the door.
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Turn Your Passion into ActionSaturday, Aug. 17, Eliot Chapel, 6:30–9:00 p.m.
In support of the international Animal Rights March, First Unitarian Animal Ministry is co-hosting three guest speakers, including one from Humane Voters Oregon. Light snacks provided. Doors open at 6 p.m.
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Songleading for JusticeSunday, Aug. 18, 12–1:30 p.m.
In this participatory workshop, you will build skills and confidence for leading music in worship or in the streets.
No musical experience necessary.
Facilitator: Matt Meyer has been blessed to have performed with Ysaye Barnwell (of Sweet Honey in the Rock) and Pete Seeger. He will also be leading our worship service that morning.
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Summer Vegan PotluckSunday, Aug. 18, 5–7:30 p.m.
Share some of your favorite harvest foods of summer. No meat, fish, dairy, eggs, or honey.
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Skill-Building Workshops with Dr. David Campt
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We are pleased to welcome nationally renowned dialogue specialist Dr. David Campt for three inspiring workshops. Connection Trumps Conflict on Saturday, Aug. 24. This will be a fabulous opportunity to deepen skills for difficult political conversations as we enter the upcoming election cycle.
The White Ally Toolkit Mini-Workshop on Friday evening, Aug. 23, and the White Ally Toolkit: Going Deeper session on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 24, focus on white folks having conversations with white racism skeptics in our lives.
Dive into an amazing weekend to gain skills for meaningful political discourse and to advance racial equity. You'll learn effective tools to engage in honest and persuasive conversations with your friends, relatives, and neighbors.
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Community Minister Ordination
Saturday, Aug. 24, 3 p.m.
Eliot Chapel
Abigail Clauhs, a UU young adult who works as a palliative care chaplain here in Portland, will be ordained by First Unitarian Portland as one of our affiliated community ministers, in Eliot Chapel (with a reception to follow).
Abigail graduated with an M.Div. in Interfaith Chaplaincy from Claremont School of Theology and completed her chaplain training at Providence Portland Medical Center. She was recently approved for ordination by the UUA's Ministerial Fellowship Committee.
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First Unitarian Rahab’s Sisters Meal Preparation Team
Thursday, Sept. 26
Together, we will prepare a full meal for 120 and get to know each other in the process. No cooking experience necessary.
First Unitarian Rahab’s Sisters Meal Service Team
Friday, Sept. 27, 5–10 p.m.
We will serve the meal that the volunteer team prepares on Thursday.
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August Art Wall
The committee shows our own work during the summer months. One of Leslie Pohl-Kosbau’s etchings is featured here. In addition, Julie Forbes is showing assemblages and enhanced photos of some of her other pieces. Elizabeth Burger has a huge collage of hand-made paper and metal in the show. Mary Holderness has a wide variety of watercolors. Brent Schauer has photos and photo collages. And Connie Cleaton is showing collages and watercolors.
Come down to Margaret Fuller Hall and see how varied their work is.
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BookstoreWe have books available for allies to better understand the experiences of transgendered individuals.
Copies of Green Buddhism, authored by church member Stephanie Kaza, are also available.
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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Global Justice Issue of Speaking of Justice!
In this issue, you’ll read about the justice ministry of UUs for Justice in the Middle East and the role of U.S. policies in creating the crisis of immigration in this country.
An article about First Unitarian’s long-time support of the UU/UNO highlights how we support the human rights efforts of the United Nations. You’ll learn about the service projects that the Amani Project and Quilts for Empowerment are undertaking in Kenya, and gain a deeper understanding of the role of Mercy Corps in international endeavors. And more!
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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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Summer in the Learning CommunityOn summer Sundays, we offer childcare for our youngest ones during the service, which is at 10:15 a.m.
For families with older children who may not be ready to sit through the whole service, we offer live streaming of the service for families in the Daisy Bingham room right next to Margaret Fuller Hall. There will be tables with games and space to move around. The Parker Room in our Eliot Center also offers live streaming, and is always available Sunday mornings as well.
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Summer After-Service Childcare
During the summer while we have just one service at 10:15 a.m., childcare after service will be available by reservation only. Please be in touch with your staff point person or Nikki, if you have a church event or meeting after service and need childcare. We request two weeks' notice. Please note that childcare for young ones is always available during the service.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Does Sunday Morning Coffee Arrive by Magic?No! It does not! It arrives because our wonderful Sunday morning Social Hour volunteers brew it up and serve it to us with a smile! But their ranks have diminished in recent times, and they are calling for more helpers. You are needed, dear congregants!
Choose a regular Sunday each month to volunteer, or offer your help as a substitute when called upon. Either one would be appreciated.
Excellent training is provided by our experienced volunteers. Email John in the front office or call him at 503-228-6389 x102. This is a great way to get to know new 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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Time-Limited Projects Await!While there are many opportunities for long-term commitments within our congregation, there are also myriad options for people desiring time-limited projects for a contribution of effort and energy. Questions? Contact Marti Yoder.
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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
We send our love and blessing to a special group of congregants. This week, 15 youth from YRUU, the church’s high school youth group, are traveling through the American South on a civil rights pilgrimage.
Along with five adult chaperones, the youth are traveling through the Mississippi Delta, Selma, Montgomery, and Birmingham, Alabama before finishing their journey at the UU church in Memphis, Tennessee this Sunday.
It is the support of this congregation that has made this journey possible, and every youth and their families offer their sincere gratitude to this community.
The youth look forward to sharing their insights and stories with you when they return.
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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, August 4 Attendance:Sanctuary: 284
Musicians: 26
Total: 310
Livestream: 62
Grand Total: 372
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June's Plate Collection
They write: "Please let the congregation know that such a generous donation makes a huge impact with an organization of our size. With this gift we could do any one of the following:
- Fund our biggest event (Alternative Prom) entirely
- Cover the cost of the food we provide youth at drop-in for a whole year
- Pay our rent and utilities for three months."
Thank you for your generosity, First Unitarian members and friends.
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Free Boxes!
The Archives Committee has several boxes available for free.
If you are interested in taking them for your needs, please contact: John Rosette.
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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, 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. Meetings will resume in September.
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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 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. 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 2–3:30 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, recommended actions are disseminated. 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. 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: Meets first and third Wednesdays 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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Our August plate collection will be shared with Don't Shoot Portland. Operating from two locations in Northeast Portland, their community action plan embodies a monthly free legal clinic for tenants, a children's art and social justice council, a clothing tree, community meals, as well as Know Your Rights and bystander intervention training. Don't Shoot Portland says community is at the heart of what they do and is what keeps them going.
Don't Shoot Portland received the 2019 "Best of Portland" recognition from Willamette Week in two categories: 1st Place for "Best Community Driven Non Profit" and 2nd place behind the ACLU of Oregon for "Best Civil and Human Rights Non Profit."
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