Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
🐣 Easter Egg Hunt after the service 🐣
There will be no Learning Community (RE) classes this Sunday. Nursery and toddler care is always available during our worship service. Learn about our program and read RE news here.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
| |
Easter Sunday: A Change of Heart
| |
People of all ages are invited to our festive annual Easter Service followed by an Easter Egg Hunt for our children. We are living through a season, where a metaphorical winter threatens to take over our lives. We are living through a moment where some may fear that oppression will have the last word. We have need of Easter and Spring to turn our hearts towards the budding of collective joy and liberation. Let us cultivate and celebrate our ability to follow in the footsteps of the prophets who lead the way.
| |
|
Minister's Blog
The Role of Ordination in Our Tradition
| |
|
Our congregation is a teaching congregation. Over time, we have served the wider Unitarian Universalist Association by accepting and mentoring intern ministers who are in the process of formation as religious professionals. Occasionally, we are blessed to be able to ordain someone who has served us as an intern, especially when they have continued in service as an Assistant Minister for a period of time. All of you are invited to the joyous occasion we are anticipating with great excitement – the Ordination of Danielle Garrett into the Unitarian Universalist Ministry on Saturday, June 7, at 2 p.m. in our Main Sanctuary (and online)...MORE
| |
|
THIS WEEK — Easter 2025 Services
| |
|
Thursday, April 17: Maundy Thursday Communion Service
Join Rev. Alison and Danielle Garrett at 5:30 p.m. in A108 for an informal, intimate communion service. Maundy comes from the Latin word for commandment, referring to Jesus's words the night of the Last Supper, "A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you." Join us in this short service that centers love and embodiment.
Friday, April 18: Good Friday
Join Rev. Alison and Danielle Garrett at 7 p.m. in Eliot Chapel or by livestream for our Good Friday service. This contemplative service is an opportunity to reflect on the pain and suffering of Jesus and remember the difficult price that is often paid in the work towards liberation and resurrection.
Sunday, April 20: Easter Sunday
Join us at 10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary or by livestream for a multi-generational Sunday worship service celebrating liberation and resurrection! An egg hunt for our children and youth will follow the service.
| |
|
LET THE BIDDING BEGIN! — Auction 2025: Welcome In!
This Sunday, April 20, through Sunday, May 4
Location: Online
| |
|
Bidding kicks off this Sunday, April 20, at 6 a.m. sharp! With over 120 exciting events, services, and vacation homes up for grabs, this year's auction is not to be missed. Check out the online catalog to see all the amazing items available for bidding.
New this year, you can view items in a calendar format for easier browsing by switching between Grid View and Calendar View below the Bidding Tips section.
Everyone must register to bid! Even if you participated in last year's auction, you'll need to register again to bid in Auction 2025. Don't miss out on the chance to win incredible items - register here now!
Set your alarms and get ready. You can bid 24/7 until Sunday, May 4th at 5 p.m. Let the bidding begin!
| |
|
NEW! — Board Forum This Sunday
This Sunday, April 20, noon
Location: Eliot Chapel
| |
|
The Board's Governance Committee will present two proposed changes to the church’s bylaws introduced in an earlier forum. One change will address privacy and security of our membership information; this follows the request last Fall by congregants to receive the member mailing list. The other will propose a reduction in the size of the Board from 12 members to 9; this follows an initial 2019 proposal by the board and subsequent research and deliberations.
This Sunday's forum and two upcoming forums are in preparation for our annual congregational vote in May. Next Sunday, April 27, the Board's Finance Committee and Exec. Team will present the final proposed budget for our 2025-2026 fiscal year. And on Wednesday, April 30, the Board will repeat their presentation on our proposed bylaws changes via a 7 p.m. zoom meeting.
| |
|
NEW! — Thank You from the Beacon Bookstore!
Location: Fuller Hall
| |
|
Thanks for browsing our Beacon Bookstore attached to Fuller Hall!
And a special THANK YOU to the children and young people who shopped with us last week after the Youth Service!
It’s always fun to chat with folks visiting our bookstore from other churches. Visitors often check us out. Part of the bookstore’s mission has always been to be a welcoming place for people who need a little bit of peace from the lively chatter in the parish hall – or as some say, “the cocktail party” that is the Sunday Coffee Hour. Sometimes it nice to observe before diving into a new crowd. The bookstore welcomes both you and your coffee cup. See what First Unitarians are reading and talking about; find a great gift for a grandchild, a friend, or yourself; or explore a book you’ve wondered about – just sit and read for a few minutes.
Our shelves house books about Unitarian Universalism, other religious paths, parenting, poetry and memoir, justice topics (LGBTQIA+, racial justice, environmental issues, social and economic justice, justice for immigrants and refugees, and more), hymnals, meditation and prayer, picture books for children (and adults), and other current hot topics. We have a used books section where you’ll find mystery and romance, and who knows what else! The selection of greeting cards includes beautiful photos of the Portland Japanese Garden by congregant Sam M. as well as Stonehenge and Waterknot cards.
Extra added feature: about 40% of the sale price goes right to the Church’s bottom line. With Stonehenge and Waterknot cards, it’s 100%!
| |
|
Help Us Plan OWL
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and Family Ministries
| |
|
First Unitarian has a long tradition of offering Our Whole Lives (OWL), the UU lifespan sexuality education program for kindergarten through adulthood. We’re planning to do this program a little differently next year, including launching a class for adults, and we want your feedback!
Please help us by completing the short survey below.
| |
|
NEW! THIS WEEKEND — Let's Make the Garden Beds Look Beautiful for Easter!
Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. - noon
Location: Meet on 12th Ave by the church
| |
|
We will be having a gardening session this Saturday to celebrate the season. Please bring water, gloves, weeding tools (trowels, weeding forks, gardening knives as you may have them). We'll be bringing shovels and larger tools. We'll be picking up trash (if you have grabbers, bring them!), planting some annuals for color in the planters along the 12th Ave and Main Street Stairs, transplanting and spreading mulch.
Next gardening session will be on Saturday, May 17.
| |
|
SAVE THE DATE! — Danielle's Ordination
Saturday, June 7, 2 p.m.
Location: Main Sanctuary
| |
|
We are delighted to host Danielle Garrett’s ordination on June 7 at 2 p.m. at First Unitarian Portland’s Main Sanctuary. Please visit the Ordination page on our website for all the details and ways to help with the planning and volunteering. You can also make a financial gift to help cover the cost of the ordination festivities at this link.
| |
|
First Steps Class on May 4
Sunday, May 4, after the service
Location: Channing Room (A101)
| |
|
You can become a member at any time of the year. If you were inspired by our service on April 6 and want to consider joining First U PDX in membership, email Jen Thomas with questions or to receive a membership packet.
If you are new to the community, a great place to start exploring First U PDX is to come to the next First Steps Class on May 4. Childcare will be available.
Hope to see you Sunday, May 4.
| |
Around the Church
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!
| |
|
You don’t have to be an artist to join, just be interested in art. Members commit about one day a month to attending a meeting or helping install the new show, usually the last Thursday of the month. Committee members recommend artists who might be a good fit for Fuller Hall and the committee juries the artists. If you are interested, contact Connie C.
| |
|
CHECK WEEKLY — April 20 Newsletter
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and Family Ministries
| |
|
Dear Learning Community,
Thanks for showing up so enthusiastically last Sunday to support our YRUU youth, who gifted us with a beautiful worship experience about liberation. You can view it here. The service included two excellent homilies, an original composition on piano, and many other meaningful moments. As the youth shared, they welcome anyone who wishes to be in touch with them to email me. I’ll be sure to pass along any messages.
Are you interested in getting to work with our wonderful youth? Please be in touch if you'd like to consider joining the advising team next fall...MORE
| |
|
NEW! — Join COHHO to Learn About Food Insecurity in the Portland Area
This Sunday, April 20, 11:45 a.m.
Location: Room A108
| |
|
You're invited to join us at our April meeting this Sunday at 11:45 in A-108 in our Eliot Center next door to the Sanctuary building. Our primary focus will be on the critical status of food insecurity and availability in the Portland area. We'll hear from Barbara F., Lift UP board member and UU, who will give an update on food collection and distribution to low-income residents in Northwest and Downtown Portland. And from Laleah M., Food Not Bombs volunteer and COHHO member, who will describe her involvement in this national network of local groups organized to share food with others in their community.
Please email COHHO with your questions. We hope to see you on Sunday!
| |
|
NEW! — Share Your Nature Stories!
Sunday, April 27, 8:45 a.m.
Location: Buchan Reception Hall
| |
|
Join members of Community for Earth for a casual post-Earth Day celebration. We can share some of our favorite nature stories and chat about our favorite places.
During our conversation, you could…
- Tell us about a memorable wildlife encounter
- Share a great travel picture
- Read a favorite nature poem
- Tell us about a wonderful tree
- Or just come to enjoy some treats and listen!
Sign up here for a reminder and to arrange to share a digital photo.
| |
|
UPDATE — April is Earth Month!
Earth Month Action Team of Community for Earth (CFE)
| |
|
During April, the Earth Month team will share actions and practices to consider all month (and all the time) in support of April 22, Earth Day.
This week’s Earth Month message is about "caring for your soul as the biosphere changes." The biosphere, the life-supporting veneer of our planetary rock, has been taxed by the Anthropocene, the current Earth epoc of change driven by humans. Attention to how our souls are doing through this anxiety-producing epoc is needed. Earth month is a good time to consider new practices to feed your soul and quell uncertainty.
Here are some tips:
- Make it OK to talk openly about dealing with earth change anxiety.
- Create sharing circles focused on this, or join Cascadia Stack climate emotion circles.
- If you are older, ask young people what you can do for them, and if you are younger, ask older people how they have adjusted to 50 or more years of change.
- Finally, connect in-person, locally, to build support for the journey.
| |
|
LAST CHANCE — Sign the Petition Calling for an End to U.S. Military Support for Israel
Sunday, April 20, during social hour
UUs for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME)
| |
|
The killing of Palestinians by Israel is done with U.S. bombs dropped from U.S. planes. Most UUs agree that U.S. complicity must stop. The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) in 2021 stated that U.S. military aid to Israel must stop until Israel respects the human rights of Palestinians, and 75% of the delegates to last Summer’s UUA General Assembly voted for an Action of Immediate Witness calling for an end to U.S. military support for Israel.
Members of First Unitarian Portland now have the chance to tell their Congressional Senators and Representatives the same thing by signing a petition that will be at the UUJME table during coffee hour through April 20. The petition with all the signatures will then be taken to the U.S. Senators and Representatives in the Portland area.
| |
|
SAVE THE DATE — Interfaith Advocacy Day
Tuesday, April 29, starting at 9 a.m.
Location: St. Mark Lutheran Church in Salem, OR
| |
|
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon invites us all to their Oregon Interfaith Advocacy Day in Salem. Visit their website or read below for more details:
Now is the time for people of faith to rise up in hope and to call for justice and compassion in our legislative system. Together we can be the prophetic voice at the Oregon Capitol, standing with the marginalized in our communities and upholding the moral imperative for a state budget that supports the common good. Our goal is to create a mass mobilization of informed and influential citizen-lobbyists!
The morning session at St. Mark Lutheran Church will feature a keynote address, training on effective advocacy and issue briefings. In the afternoon, participants will march to the Oregon Capitol Building, where they will present concerns to their legislators. Talking points and legislative appointments will be provided.
ISSUE AREAS
May include the following: Immigration & Refugees, Housing & Homelessness, Climate & Environment, Healthcare, Hunger, Criminal Justice Reform
SCHEDULE
Morning session: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
A sack lunch will be provided for participants.
Afternoon meetings with state legislators: times will vary
| |
|
CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel G., Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
| |
|
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.
On 12 July 2022, Ada Limon, who is of Mexican-American descent, was named the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States, becoming the first Latina to hold that title. To watch her reading of "A New National Anthem," click the video below:
| |
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.
| |
March/April Art Wall Exhibition
Artwork by volunteers, originally created by Leslie Lee
| |
During the months of March and April 2025, the Art Wall will feature a series of six panels known as The Soul Box Project.
Originally created by Portland artist Leslie Lee in 2018, it is an artistic representation of the impact of gun violence in the United States.
On average, every year, 600 people in Oregon are killed by a gun. The six panels that are a part of the display are a visual account of that tragedy...MORE
| |
|
Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
| |
|
The Alliance: The Alliance provides regular opportunities for fellowship, life-long learning, and spiritual growth for its members as well as service to the church and larger fellowship. Learn more about our program and monthly presentations here.
Caregivers Support Group: Open to Newcomers. Fourth Sunday of each month at 9 a.m. via Zoom.
Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD): We meet on the fourth Sunday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Fireside and via Zoom. Contact Marni T.
Connect & Reflect: Join Rev. Alison Miller and Jen Thomas on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of most months through June from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. on Zoom. Come share in conversation centered on the topic of the most recent sermon. Look for the discussion question during Sunday morning preservice slides and our weekly Order of Service.
Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO): We meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month after services. Contact Cynthia S. for details or to be added to our email list.
Community for Earth (CFE): We meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month before worship services (hybrid) and on the 4th week of the month at rotating times. Contact our group or visit our calendar for details.
Contemplative Practices: First Thursdays and third Thursdays from 1 - 2:30 p.m. This is a drop-in group. Any silent sitting practice is welcomed and no prior meditation experience is needed. Contact Patty C. and Ron W. or visit the event page for more information.
Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG): Check the IJAG page on the church website for ways to get involved and groups that need our energy and gifts. For meeting info, contact Laurie L.
Lotsa Helping Hands: A care calendar that enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times. To join, send a request here. For questions or to receive support, contact Leslie C. or Susan P.
Mental Health Caregivers Group: Second Wednesday every month via Zoom 7 - 8:30 p.m. Email Ellen Z. for more information.
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 G. with questions.
"T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: A group for anyone who identifies along the transgender spectrum. There are no requirements for medical transition status or gender presentation to attend. People who are questioning their gender and parents of trans kids (and their kids, too!) are welcome. We meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room, shortly after the service until around 1:00 PM. Questions? Email Aileen.
Wednesday Night Meditation: Every week from 7 - 8:30 p.m. All mindfulness and Buddhist-based meditations. Beginners welcome. A thirty-five-minute meditation followed by a member-led discussion to increase understanding and integration of Buddhist principles into our daily lives. For the link, contact Robert S.
Women's Circle II: Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim S.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month. Email Anne M.
| |
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 5 p.m.
If your submission is urgent and couldn’t be sent before the deadline, please include “URGENT” in the subject line.
| |
|
| April's
Shared Plate
For the month of April, we share our plate with Adelante Mujeres. They write, "Latine women and their families, generations of poverty, racism, sexism, and isolation have limited opportunities for empowerment. We're on a mission to change that." Through education, leadership training, and enterprise opportunities, Latine women and their families are becoming strong, empowered leaders. Adelante Mujeres serves more than 17,000 people in and around Washington County, Oregon each year.
| |
| This Week's Shower Project Requests
Your donations make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. All donations are greatly appreciated. At this time, we are in special need of the following items:
- Blankets of all shapes and sizes!
- Men's pants (all sizes, especially 32x32)
- Sweatshirts (all sizes)
- Men's belts
- Backpacks
- Men's shoes (sizes 10+)
- Snacks of all kinds
- Coffee creamer
Please bring your items to donate to the cabinet in Fuller Hall, next to the kitchen. Thank you for your support!
| |
| Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and stay engaged!
| |
|
