Join us for Worship
Sunday, January 2, 2021
Family Service 10 a.m. // Sanctuary Service 11 a.m.
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The First Day of the Rest of Our Lives
In-Person & Live Stream
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How can we begin a practice of accountability when we can’t even define it? How can we embrace a discipline of the spirit based only on glimpses of its rightness and its challenge?
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There are a number of "non-reserved" seats available on Sunday mornings. You're welcome to come to the church Sunday morning and ask about a non-reserved seat. Of course, you'll need to show your vaccine card at the door if the church hasn't already seen it.
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Family WorshipÂ
Wonder Box Sunday:Â Being True to Ourselves
Nicole Bowmer, Associate Director of Family Ministries
Live Stream Only
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This Sunday we will introduce our spiritual theme for January, accountability, and bring out the Wonder Box to see what’s inside to help us explore this new theme.Â
Nicole will share a story about the importance of listening carefully to others while still being true to ourselves and what is inside us, told through the experiences of animals preparing for winter. Dustin will lead our music and Dana will invite us into a meditation.
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Staying Connected Blog
At the End of the Year
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As we approach the end of 2021, and look to a new year, I’m noting the range of emotions in me: relief (that we made it through); some dread and maybe even fear (how many variants will 2022 bring, how much longer will this go on?); and maybe even some hope (will the longer this disruption lasts open up the possibility of some longer-lasting changes...continue.
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| | Upcoming Events This Sunday
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PLEASE JOIN US! - Social Justice Community Gather-InSunday, January 2, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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This monthly gathering is for ALL community members concerned and or engaged with issues of justice, whether or not you are part of a church action group. Join us for readings, music, reflection and time to get to know one another. Invitations for upcoming actions and community events will be shared. Our justice work is done in community, and we hope you will consider yourself a part of our UU justice community. We look forward to being with you!
From the Social Justice Leadership Team:Â Â Rev. Abigail, Caitlynn Hill , Intern Minister Carter Smith, Dana Buhl, Leslie Pohl-Kosbau, Nikki Beezley and Sue Palmiter.
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NEW! - Special New Year's Eve Vespers ServiceFriday, December 31, 5 - 5:40 p.m.
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Prepare to welcome the new year in a quiet, reflective special vespers prayer service on New Year’s Eve, 5 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. on Zoom. We will share a festival of poetry and music, and hold prayer together.
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NEW! - Alliance Presents...Helping Hands Re-entry Outreach CentersÂ
Wednesday, January 5, 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
From The Alliance
Presenter Alan Evans, Founder & CEO/Executive Director
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Turning a life of lived experience into an
opportunity to serve those still experiencing homelessness and addiction in Oregon.
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NEW! - Alliance Grant Nominations Due January 24
With proceeds from the Greens Sale, the Alliance makes small grants to organizations in the Portland area.
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In keeping with the church’s adoption of the 8th Principle, preference will be given to organizations that support and advocate for building a just community that seeks to dismantle racism and inequity, as well as organizations that support women, children and underserved communities. Although only Alliance members may recommend candidates for the grants, we want to broaden our voices and community connections. We encourage new members to join at any time to take advantage of this opportunity to help an organization of your choice.
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Seminary for a Day - Doing the Inner Work of Racial Justice with Rev. Abhi Janamanchi
Virtual Event - Saturday, January 29, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., PST
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If you are engaged in the work of racial justice and long for spiritual connection in this work, join us for this year's virtual "Seminary For A Day."
This is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how racism has shaped our UU faith and our congregations; how structural racism still operates today, often unnoticed; and what is involved in cultivating Beloved Community and working against racism and oppression in all of its forms.
We will practice mindfulness meditation, conversation, and experiential exercises that get to the heart of healing internalized racism and being anti-racist. We will seek to create brave space, engage in courageous conversations on what is healing and what is harming racial justice, and rest in restorative meditation and embodied practices.
About Rev. Abhi Janamanchi: Rev. Abhi serves as the Sr. Minister of the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethesda, MD. He describes himself as a Hindu-Unitarian Universalist and says that his Unitarian Universalism makes him a better Hindu.
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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FILM - Traces of the Trade: A Story From the Deep NorthSunday, January 9, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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Traces of the Trade, is another opportunity to delve into anti-racism learning. The film centers on the family of a white minister in New England as it tries to reconcile its current social standing with its heritage as the direct descendants of the largest slave-trading family in the United States. The great-great-grandchildren find slavery abhorrent, but cannot deny the family's history.
What are they called to do today to reckon with history? What does this history mean for their understanding of their own wealth and education? Will they connect with that history or keep it safely and emotionally split off?
Please join us to watch the one-hour film followed by a facilitated discussion. There will be an optional breakout room for BIPOC participants.
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Living the Questions: Contemplative ConversationStarts Wednesday, January 12, 8 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.Â
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One way we can continue to nurture and support one another is by keeping focus on the perennial values that give meaning to our daily lives.
Sophia Douglas facilitates these informal virtual get-togethers that focus on a central theme topic. Spaces are very limited. Â
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Loving Kindness MeditationMonday's 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. With this Meditation, over time, one can cultivate feelings of happiness and dispel loneliness, while letting go of fear and anxiety. No previous meditation experience necessary. An ongoing commitment is not required.
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Welcome to First Unitarian with Rev. Thomas DisrudSunday, February 6, 12:45 p.m.Â
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Are you new to First Unitarian Portland? We are so glad you are here. This virtual class will offer an orientation to the church, to Unitarian Universalism and what it means to be a member. This will be a chance to meet other newcomers and to have your questions about the church answered.
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Thank You for Your Donated Gifts This Holiday!
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PHFS staff told us that they "were able to provide holiday gifts for 79 families made up of more than 180 kids! As families picked up gifts last week, they enjoyed Christmas carols from the Portland State Opera and the Oregon Symphony.
By providing holiday gifts, our supporters made things a little bit easier for these parents so they can focus on what’s really important this time of year - spending time together as a family. In-kind donations are a crucial part of our support system and we couldn’t support families without them.Â
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NEW! - Art for Social Justice: Desmond TutuThe Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and building the Beloved Community.Â
Curated by Ethel Gullette, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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This week's art for Social Justice is a tribute to Desmond Tutu (October 7, 1931 - December 26, 2021), who was a South African Anglican bishop and theologian, known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist. "Precious Lord" is performed by the Cape Town Youth Choir.
Arranged by Roy Ringwald, as a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr, Text by Joyce Merman.
Bishop Tutu also wrote The Book of Joy with His Holiness the Dalai Lama; they had a deep friendship, full of purpose and of joy, so we include a short film of them together, as an aspiration for all relationships in the New Year.
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Tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu - "Precious Lord" | Cape Town Youth Choir
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In the Community
Wayne Delk, the twin brother of member David Delk, died on December 14 at a rehab center in Portland. Wayne had spent his last three months in hospitals and at the rehab center trying to gain enough strength to live back at home with his partner, Rick Yagle. Rick and Wayne had been loving partners for more than 40 years. He will be much missed by his brother David and partner Rick.
Staff member Kerry Heintze, who is from Boulder Colorado, asks that we hold the residents of Boulder County in our prayers who are currently evacuating devastating fires.Â
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Do you have a reason to celebrate? Sponsoring Sunday morning Chancel flowers is a way to support the church and acknowledge life events. Want to celebrate a birth in the family, graduation, a birthday, an anniversary, or a memorial, or other special event?
You can acknowledge it to the entire congregation by sponsoring a floral bouquet. As we reconnect with friends, say it with flowers on the Chancel.Â
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December Moderator Letter: Season’s Greetings
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It was wonderful to welcome the Amity Choir back into the sanctuary last Sunday. Though we are proceeding with caution, it feels like we are moving back toward the church we knew before COVID. Attendance at in-person worship is growing and we hope to welcome vaccinated children back to RE in the new year...continued.
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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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Having trouble viewing our services through the website?
Find our Live Streams 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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January Shared Plate In January, we share our plate with the The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. RCRC is a broad-based, national, interfaith movement that brings the moral force of religion to protect and advance reproductive health, choice, rights and justice through education, prophetic witness, pastoral presence and advocacy...continued.
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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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