Please Join Our Live Stream
Sunday, November 8Worship Service at 10:15 a.m. PDT
Family Worship Service at 9:15 a.m. PDT
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On Our Knees
Rev. Bill Sinkford
Many of us were ready to "fall to our knees" in gratitude for new national leadership or be "forced to our knees" dreading four more years. Other Americans feared the reverse. Perhaps we must accept that the election will not solve our most important problems and ask what we are called to do now...even "on our knees."
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Bill's BlogThe Work Goes On
As I write, election results are becoming clearer. Despite early returns, the Democratic challengers will likely secure an electoral college victory. The drama that seems always to be generated by our current President continues to swirl. He declared himself the winner late Tuesday night and his campaign has filed suit in three states to stop the counting of ballots (a truly bizarre demand in a nation that claims to be a democracy and an even more bizarre demand in at least one state where the President is currently behind)...continued.
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| Featured NewsAll timestamps are scheduled in Pacific Standard Time (PDT) unless stated otherwise.
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Transgender Day of Remembrance Interfaith Vigil
Thursday, November 19,
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gather virtually with us for an interfaith service featuring local and national spiritual leaders (including our own Rev. Bill Sinkford), live music and a candle lighting ceremony.
We invite all people, transgender or cisgender to join us in this reverent observation. A virtual reception will follow the service where you are invited to join us in fellowship.
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Police Violence Against the People of Portland Forum
Forum is available on YouTube!
The George Floyd BLM protests, possibly the largest uprising in U.S. history, sparked an extraordinary protest movement for Black Lives and against police violence in Portland. These protests, which legal observers describe as overwhelmingly peaceful, have been met by police brutality. The array of military weapons deployed has injured hundreds if not thousands of Portlanders.
On September 23, First Unitarian hosted a comprehensive forum organized by a network of organizations concerned about the Portland Police Bureau's conduct with regard to protests. We heard from victims of kinetic munitions, tear gas, long-range acoustic devices, bullrushes, beatings, threats and intimidation, as well as from legal, medical, psychological, and human rights experts who elucidated the long-term health consequences and threats to our first amendment rights.
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Judge Rules in Our Favor
First Unitarian Portland is a plaintiff in the lawsuit led by the Western States Center to limit the scope of federal policing of protests at the federal courthouse in Portland.
On November 2, Judge Mosman issued the injunction, limiting federal agents to policing activities within a one block perimeter of the courthouse.
The judge found that as a plaintiff, the church demonstrated that federal forces had harmed its religious mission by putting a chill on our call to faithful action through the free exercise of speech. The injunction was issued and remains in effect despite government appeal.
We appreciate the court's recognition of the centrality of witness, social justice and protest to our faith, and we rededicate ourselves to those religious practices.
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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Caring Circle for Parents
Starting Next Monday, November 9
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
In these challenging times for families, our lay ministers invite you to join a Caring Circle for parents.
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LAST CHANCE! – Join a Fall/Winter Session
Expanding our offerings so that more congregants may engage!
Our first rounds were well-attended, highly educational and included lively and meaningful discussions. Find a club you're interested in below:
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Q and A with Rev. Bill Sinkford
Sunday, November 15, at 11:45 a.m.
Bring your questions about First Unitarian Portland, Unitarian Universalism, theology—whatever is on your mind—to ask our senior minister, Rev. Sinkford.
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Welcome to First Unitarian with Rev. Thomas Disrud
Sunday, November 15, from 1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
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. If you are ready to become a member, please click here to complete our enrollment form.
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Living with Loss: How Will I Get Through the Holidays?
Saturdays, November 21, December 5 and 12, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Holiday times can be some of the most challenging times for those who are grieving a loss. Holidays may not be the same, yet we offer hope that holidays can still be meaningful.
This virtual class, Rev. Wendy Fish and Kristin Guest will offer support through sharing information on the grief process, listening to your stories and connecting with others.
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Alliance Wreaths are Here!
ON SALE NOW October 19 – November 15
We are not going to let a pandemic set us back! We are not going to let down the women, children and marginalized groups who benefit from our greens sale.
From the comfort of your own home, you can order online and choose from among 3 styles for safe pickup at the church garage on Friday, December 4, and Saturday, December 5, from 10 – 2 p.m.
There is one style of wreath available for shipping anywhere within the U.S., including Portland.
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Sacred Circles: Session Two – Will you join us?
Meets every other Saturday through Zoom
First Meeting: Saturday, November 14 from 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Do you long for a place to discuss the events of this intense year, the history leading up to it and how best to put your faith into action with your fellow church members?
This past summer, in the whirlwind of events that we here in Portland and the nation were experiencing, the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIRJ) created a well-designed curriculum of readings, videos, discussion points and actions to respond to those events at the intersection of immigrant justice and racial justice.
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Monthly Mailers and Zoom Gatherings
Registered families should have received their October mailer packets for the theme of Home. Watch your Learning Community news for details about a zoom session for each age group as we round out the month. Please share your feedback about the mailer packets and zoom sessions which will help us in planning future months.
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Loving Kindness Meditation
Every Monday, 8:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Loving-Kindness towards self and others is a basic foundational view of Buddhism and other religions. Intern Minister Stacey Mitchell will gently guide you through this spiritual practice which cultivates benevolence, kindness, and amity.
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Contemplative Practice Group
Next meetings: Tuesdays, November 10 and 24 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
All are welcome! We begin by meditating for 20 minutes, in any style you are comfortable with. Then we discuss a spiritual “check-in” topic. We finish by sharing a poem related to the topic. We read it aloud twice with a pause in between, giving people time to reflect on a word or phrase that struck them. Afterward we discuss our reaction to it.
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Art For Social Justice
The Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and building the beloved community.
The choir and musicians at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Grafton and Upton collaborated in this time of social distancing to build a new way of connecting as a community and sharing a message to the world via this wonderful song Building a New Way by Martha Sandefer, arranged by our music directors Barry Hall and Bob Nicoll.
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Donation Drop Oppprotunity for Unhoused Campers
Need for Warm Blankets, Socks, Hats, Gloves, and Sleeping Bags
People who are camped at Laurelhurst Park and their supporters from www.beaconpdx.org are in desperate need of blankets.
Drop off located at Metanoia Peace House, 2116 NE 18th. The building is a mansion that has many people living there, so, if you knock or ring the bell, odds are excellent there will be someone there to receive your donation or leave your donation on the covered porch.
For more information contact Sandy 503-698-4463.
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Petition to Create Municipal Public Banks
Submitted by the Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG)
Let's keep our money local and reinvest profits back into our communities through public banks.
The Oregon Public Bank Alliance will present legislation to ease the creation of municipal public banks in the next legislative session. Please sign our petition declaring your support.
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In the Community
Member Karen Braucher Tobin has started chemotherapy treatment for cancer, and asks that we hold Karen, her husband Roger and daughter Elle in their caring concern. Prayers and cards are much appreciated. They can also contact her through her Caring Bridge page.
Member Linda Fitzgerald took a nasty fall while hiking at Smith Rock late last month and broke her elbow. Linda appreciates our good thoughts and prayers.
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Message from our Board Moderator
As we move into fall, we hope you’re all staying well. These are anxious times, and it is good to have our church community.
First, we thank all of you who have participated with a gift to Our Path Forward. As of last week, we have reached 93% of our goal, an achievement well worth celebrating. We expect additional gifts to come in over the next few weeks...continued.
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First Unitarian's Response to Covid-19
Here are a few important updates that affect our life together.
Sunday Worship
Staying Connected
Church Communications: Do you receive messages from the church including this weekly E-News and our Staying Connected emails? To receive church emails send a note to etafuri@firstunitarianportland.org.
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Naming First Unitarian Foundation in Your Will or Estate Plan
Help assure the long-term sustainability of this beloved congregation by including First Unitarian Portland in your will or estate plan.
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Have a Submission for E-News?If you have a 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 Tuesday.
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Sunday Live Stream & Social ScheduleJoin us LIVE from your computer or smart device by clicking on the links below.
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November Shared PlateIn November, we share our plate with the Chúush Fund: Water for Warm Springs. In partnership with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, MRG Foundation developed The Chúush Fund to directly benefit the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs as they work to restore their access and infrastructure for clean water.
In 2019, a water main break on the Warm Springs Reservation has meant continued water crisis on the largest tribal reservation in Oregon.
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Speaking of Justice: Weekly Update 11/05In this period of physical distancing, the sacred work of justice continues. Engage with what our Social Justice Action Groups are diving into.
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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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