| Sunday ServicesSunday, Dec. 2: Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
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Still Small Voice
Rev. Bill Sinkford
The lengthening dark invites us to turn inward, seeking comfort and the miracle of hope. Listening is perhaps the greatest gift we can offer one another. We cannot be loved if we cannot be known. How can we listen to each other into speech, into comfort, and into joy?
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Bill's BlogA Theology Adequate for the NightIt is the season of the long dark. From time out of mind, religious communities have found reason to gather and to light candles against the dark in this season. We moderns know the truth of the seasonal cycles. Some of us can even explain them coherently. The religious impulse to hold the dark at bay still calls us into the warmth and the light of community.
We reflect on the spiritual theme of “Listening” this month. The long dark is a time of greater quiet, of more silence but it is also a time of listening. Perhaps this year we have greater need of silence. There has been so much speaking and so much of that speaking has been shrill and hate-filled.
Perhaps it is not so much silence that we need as respite. Perhaps it is rest for which we yearn most ...Continued
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| 2019 Annual Fund Drive Update
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Total Goal: $1,506,750
Pledged as of 11/29: $1,324,557
Percentage of Goal: 87.91%
Number of Pledges: 760 Thank you to everyone who pledged to our 2019 campaign! If you have not yet pledged we are asking everyone to make their pledges of financial support before the holidays so that the church can make its plans and commitments for the coming year.
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The Annual Alliance Greens Sale
Sundays, Dec. 2, 9
Stop by Margaret Fuller Hall or the Buchan Atrium after each service and pick out your favorite wreaths and baked goods. In addition, browse our treasures and hand-made boutique items. Come see the Gingerbread House in the Buchan Atrium.
Buy a $2 ticket for a chance to win this beautiful Gingerbread House. All monies raised go to local charities that support women and children and to special Church projects like the Auction and the Mosaic.
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Please Help Fill Our Mitten TreeSundays, Dec. 2–16
Each December, the Learning Community prepares a tree for everyone in our congregation to fill with mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves. UU Animal Ministry is collecting items for pets, like leashes, collars, and jackets. Items can be new, gently used, or handmade. Items are given to local organizations. The mitten tree is located in the Buchan Atrium. Thank you for your generosity!
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This Year’s Holiday Gift Drive BeginsSundays Dec. 2, 9 Join the Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO) in collecting gifts for the holiday party that Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS) will host for their shelter families on Dec. 14. To make sure there are enough gifts for everyone, we have committed to donating a specific number of items, such as family movies, women’s bathrobes, slippers, and toiletry sets, and toddler toys. Drop your items at the COHHO cabinet on Dec. 2 or 9. Alternatively, you can donate toys for any age; $10 gift cards to Regal Cinemas, Fred Meyer, Target, or Starbucks; or any dollar amount on Visa or Amazon gift cards. Just drop them off at our table.
Write Cynthia with any questions.
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Christmas Giving TreeSunday, Dec. 2, 9. Gifts due Dec. 16 The Mental Health Action Group (MHAG) is collecting gifts for Central City Concern. A tree with gift requests will be in the lobby outside the Saturday, Dec. 2 and 9. Gifts are due Dec. 16. Call Rosebud Kirwin-Alvord, 503-645-8227.
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Poinsettias For the Sanctuary
Would you like to donate a beautiful 10" poinsettia for our Sanctuary display in memory or in honor of a loved one? You can do so by writing a $16 check to First Unitarian Church and sending it to Zaida Cooper at the church office. Please include your name, the person you are memorializing or honoring, and the message you’d like included (such as "ln loving memory of my sister, Caroline Howe"). You are welcome to take the donated poinsettia home after the Jan. 1 service.
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Forest Defense is Climate Defense!Tuesday, Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
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An educational forum about how our forests can help fight climate change. As the climate continues to change at a rapid pace, Oregonians are talking more about ways to reduce the carbon emissions from our energy and transportation sectors; however, notably absent from these conversations is one of Oregon’s largest sources of carbon emissions: logging. Join us on Dec. 4 for an insightful discussion about the relationship between the climate and our forests. Join us at 5:45 p.m. for beverages and snacks donated by local businesses. Several nonprofits will be tabling and offering information about their work, so come early to grab a seat and connect with us! Be sure to enter at 1226 SW Salmon. At our forum, we’ll be hearing from experts about how clear-cutting is a major source of carbon emissions and how forests, when protected from industrial logging, can mitigate climate change by capturing and storing vast amounts carbon. We'll also highlight a few ways you can take action to help defend our forests, and we’ll close with a Q&A with the panelists. This free event is organized by Oregon Wild, Community for Earth of First Unitarian Portland, Climate Action Coalition, and 350 PDX, with support from numerous other nonprofits in the Portland area. This event is part of a series of educational forums around the state about how our forests can help fight climate change. The “Forest Defense is Climate Defense” tour has already been to Corvallis and Eugene, and will soon visit Oregon City, Newport, and other communities around Oregon.
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Alliance ProgramRSVP by Saturday, Dec. 1 “Music Changes Everything: How BRAVO is Bringing El Sistema to Oregon” describes The Alliance’s Dec. 5 program featuring the talented Seth Truly, Executive Director of Bravo Youth Orchestra, along with first to fourth-year students from BRAVO’s three wind ensembles. "Changing the world one string at a time" and building community through music, BRAVO presents 40 concerts and offers 350 hours of music training a year. Their repertoire includes classical, jazz, Civil Rights and peace anthems, and folk tunes from around the world. Join us for a celebration of music and its power to enrich students and the world! Reserve a place at the Dec. 5 catered luncheon (11 a.m., $14), followed by our program in the Eliot Chapel (12:30 –1:30 p.m.). Reservations for the luncheon are due by Saturday, Dec. 1. RSVP to allianceRSVP@firstunitarianportland.org or call Jean Omelchuck: 503-493-9412
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Rise Up for Refugees: A Benefit for UNRWA
Friday, Dec. 7, 6–8:30 p.m.
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Join us and be part of the campaign to make a difference! Palestine Refugees Need Your Help!
The lives, rights, dignity, and future of over five million children, women, and men are at risk after the abrupt withdrawal of US funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Since 1950, UNRWA has provided this vulnerable community with quality education, health care, protection, employment, and essential services, pending a just and lasting solution for their plight. Now, this vital relief and development agency faces the greatest challenge in its proud history.
Benefit Dinner
Join us for an educational benefit dinner to raise awareness and support for UNRWA and the refugees it serves. A UNRWA USA representative will update us on this humanitarian crisis and Palestinians who have received UNRWA support will share their stories.
6 p.m.: Networking and Resource
6:30 p.m.: Buffet Dinner: Hoda's Middle-Eastern Cuisine
7 p.m.: Program Begins
About UNRWA
UNRWA was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1949, mandated to provide assistance and protection to over five million Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), and the Gaza Strip.
Tax-deductible donations for UNRWA can be made on the registration site any time through Dec. 28.
This event is presented by:
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Nourishing the Spirit: Practice for the Long HaulSaturday, Dec. 8, 10:30–12 p.m. Are you feeling discouraged in these difficult times? Are you fatigued and burnt-out from social justice work? Join us for a rejuvenating class with Rev. Katherine Jesch. Details: No cost. Drop-ins are welcome.
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LGBTQ+ PRIDE Holiday Party
Saturday, Dec 8 at 6–8 p.m.
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A Celebration of Resilience and TransformationTuesday, Dec. 11, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Personal stories of successes and challenges after incarceration.
Hosted by Ending the New Jim Crow, Dec. 11, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Daisy Bingham Hall, free/donations welcome, light refreshments.
In the spirit of holiday celebration, this event will feature the personal stories of several formerly incarcerated individuals who have succeeded in transforming their lives, both inside and outside of prison. Often they have done so with the help and encouragement of individuals and organizations who believed in them and cared about their well-being, who treated them with respect and a belief in their inherent worth and dignity. Also invited are representatives of local agencies who have directly impacted the lives of our speakers: Red Lodge Transition Services, the Family Preservation Project, Second Chances Are for Everyone (S.C.A.F.E), and Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA). After listening to the panelists’ stories, we will explore ways to transform our justice system to one that is humane and restorative, with opportunities for personal growth, education, rehabilitation services; one that offers hope and new opportunities for life inside prison, in reentry, and beyond.
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BookstoreCome to your bookstore and check out the many titles covering important social justice issues that we are facing now, along with books by and about two valuable Supreme Court Justices–Sotomayor and Ginsberg. We’ve also got some great new meditation manuals. Don’t forget to get your Chinook books! Book and app combo–just $25; app alone–$15. See you at the bookstore.
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Social Justice E-Magazine: Speaking of Justice
Our Climate Justice issue of Speaking of Justice: Faith in Action is here! Inside First Unitarian Portland's social justice e-mag, you'll find a letter from the editors, along with a deeper look into Climate Justice
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Emergency Winter Shelter
We will be hosting families for the Emergency Winter Shelter from Dec. 4 through April 30. Please bring diapers (all sizes), large cans of hearty soups, peanut butter, and tuna and leave in cupboards outside of kitchen Margaret Fuller Hall.
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COHHO Needs Kids' JacketsThe children at Lents Family Shelter and the Emergency Winter Shelter are in need of warm jackets, underwear, and socks, in all kids' sizes. As of this writing, there were only three jackets available, and it's getting cold. Please leave in Margaret Fuller Hall in cupboards to the left of the kitchen. Thank you, Donna R. webbed@msn.com
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Learning Community, Music & Arts, Social Justice
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Announcing Sunday Afternoon Childcare!Each Sunday afternoon, we'll be offering childcare, 15 minutes before an event, from 1–3 p.m. for group meetings and events happening after services. Please check in at the Eliot Center Info desk if you need care for children ages four months and older. Please note that when care is not requested by 1 p.m., staff will be released. Contact cscheffman@firstunitarianportland.org with questions.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Short-term Volunteer RUSH Project
We’re looking for data-entry volunteers to help with a short-term project in the church office. The need is immediate. General computer skills are needed, including some experience with basic Excel worksheets (no fancy formulas!). Please contact John in the front office (503-228-389 x102) or Heather in our Rentals Department 503-228-6389 x412 for more information.
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Soul Box Project News—HUGE success so far
The Peace Action Group is very pleased to report that our broader church community not only met our goal of creating 500 boxes per month but our total count for November after adding in Sunday’s event, was a whopping
1,405!
Thanks to every one of you who has been making boxes at home. That’s why we are able to contribute to the growing number of boxes being collected from all over the State of Oregon and beyond. Leslie Lee the founder and director of the project reported that 30,184 have already been received...ahead of projection! The first big installation to raise awareness of the ongoing public health crisis of gun violence will be Feb. 15—The Oregon State Capitol exhibit. This exhibit will represent the total number of deaths in our country in just this year! There will be a smaller version of the exhibit called a “Hall of Souls” at Cerimon House in the Alberta Arts district in January. Like any growing nonprofit group, the Soul Box Project needs contributions. If you want to lend your financial support, please visit soulboxproject.org, and click on “donate.” Meanwhile, keep making those boxes at home. Remember to use 8 1/2 X 8 1/2 inch paper, stuff them, and bring them to the Peace Action table Sundays, or drop them off at the church office during regular office hours. Then join us on Dec. 23 after services for Soul Box Sunday box folding in Daisy Bingham.
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Social Hour Helpers Needed Sunday Mornings
With two services continuing throughout the year, we need a few more beverage service helpers and subs on Sundays in Margaret Fuller Hall. Choose one Sunday each month, either 8–10:50 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m., with time to attend the service in between. Please contact Emily at 541-408-1516 or ewh1960@gmail.com. Training provided by experienced volunteers.
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| Seeking UshersUshers 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 at 1stuushers@gmail.com.
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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? Marti Yoder at marti.yoder@gmail.com.
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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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| 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 Leslie Comnes, 503-236-2963.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
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Member Donna Lane had open heart surgery on Oct 30 to receive a new heart valve. Donna reports that her recovery is going well. She appreciates our healing thoughts, cards, and visits.
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November Moderator's LetterPlease make sure to check out Kathy Ludlow’s November Moderator’s Letter. She shares information about the recent board forums, the Annual Fund Drive and opportunities for groups and committees to hear from your board. For the latest updates on Board activities, visit the Board's webpage, which includes the latest time/location for all Board-related events. Please note that the Dec. board meeting time is changed. It will be a one-hour meeting held from 6–7 p.m. in the Buchan Reception Room.
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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, Nov. 25 Attendance:1st Service: 200
2nd Service: 292 Musicians: 32
Total: 524
Livestream: 96
Grand Total: 620
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Do You Lead or Participate in a Small Group?
We have lots of small groups in our congregation that offer community to members and friends. In fact, we have so many groups that it can be hard to keep track of them all. We created a short survey that is intended to help us learn as much as possible about the groups we have at the church. The survey should only take 5–10 minutes. We would also appreciate any feedback you have about how First Unitarian Portland can support your groups.
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Interested in Joining a Women’s Circle?Women's Circle II is welcoming new members. All women are welcome on the second and fourth Monday evenings in the Channing Room from 7–8:30 p.m. Contact Kim Streuli, 503-869-1486, and/or streulik@gmail.com.
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Attention LiveStream Viewers
Do you regularly watch First Unitarian’s Sunday services in real time on Sunday mornings? Are you adept at sending and receiving text messages?
Our Sunday morning sound and video technicians could use help from a couple of techy types out in cyberland to let them know when there is a livestream glitch while the service is being streamed. Please email the church office (office@firstunitarianportland.org) if you’re interested in volunteering for this important job. We need you!
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Bed and Breakfast
Do you have a spare bedroom you could make available to other UUs visiting Portland? Our Bed & Breakfast program is in need of hosts. You provide a bed and a simple breakfast. Proceeds go to the church. To learn more, contact Ruth Robinson: mickrob@comcast.net or 503-246-2131.
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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 photos@firstunitarianportland.org or click 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. Many groups 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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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
Normally meets 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 the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May.
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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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Community for Earth (CFE)
The Community for Earth (CFE) is again selling the eco-friendly and community supportive Chinook Book—each with its own app ($25)—and individual apps ($15). Use of the wide variety of coupons frequently more than covers the cost of the Chinook Book and/or app. Buy yours today in our Beacon Bookstore. Cash sales at the CFE table. Questions? Susan Weinstein at 360-440-0564.
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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 the New Jim Crow—Healing the Justice System Usually, 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) has begun meeting the second Sunday of every month from 1:30–3 p.m. in Buchan (302). Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. We offer quarterly educational meetings on topics of relevance to the congregation, focused on issues/needs of immigrant and refugee communities. Through the IJAG Google group, recommended actions are disseminated. Our meetings include time for reflections, sharing, and an educational program about one of 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. We hope you'll join us for the important work of immigrant justice! Contact Ann Zawaski for questions: annzawaski@gmail.com.
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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 Night Meditation Group continues every Wednesday, 7–8:30 p.m., Eliot Chapel. Beginners welcomed. Questions? Mary Ann Harman.
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Monthly Grief GroupGrief is a common thread that connects many of us in our community. This drop-in group will hold compassionate organic space for listening and learning, and resources to live with the many forms of grief and caregiving. The group meets the third Sunday of each month from 1:15–2:45 p.m. in Buchan (B304). Facilitated by Rev. Rick Freeman and Sophia Douglas.
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| Parents of Teens Support Group, 1–2 p.m.Second and fourth Sundays
Connect with other parents of teens to talk and share around parenting topics and the joys and challenges of navigating this phase of life as parents, with the guidance of a lay minister. We are an open group and parents are welcome to come as you are able. Childcare provided 15 minutes before an event. Gather in Buchan (B301) at 12:30 p.m. after the second service, and meet formally from 12:45–1:45 p.m. every other week. If you’d like to be added to our contact email list, please contact Sara Robertson, sara.seely@gmail.com.
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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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| 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. More. Questions? Contact Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
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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: First and third Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. Not accepting new members at this time. 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.”
This will get to all the right people. 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 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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In December, half of our plate will go to our church’s Emergency Fund for Members. This fund helps members facing some kind of critical need like loss of housing, utility shutoff, or some other unexpected, necessary expense. This is one of the ways we build beloved community in our congregation.
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