| Summer Sunday ServiceSunday, June 23: Service at 10:15 a.m.
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True Commitment
Rev. Mary Gear
Poet June Jordan teaches us that we must not only be willing to die for what we think is right, but also be willing to live for what we believe. What does it mean to live for what we believe?
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| Bill's Blog will return in August
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Summer Service Schedule Has Begun!
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We have shifted to our summer worship service schedule of one service each Sunday beginning at 10:15 a.m. We will remain at one service through Labor Day weekend.
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| Registration Now Open for UU Chalice Summer Day Camp!
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Join us this summer for a week of community building, nature exploration, spiritual practice, and lots of fun, all grounded in Unitarian Universalist values and principles. Options include leadership training for youth to be youth counselors or aides.
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Celebrate Mary Gear’s ministrySunday, June 23, after service
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Rev. Mary Gear will be ending her ministry here at the end of June. Please come to a reception to celebrate Mary and wish her well this Sunday, June 23, after the service.
Those wishing to send Mary a note of appreciation can do so by either:
1) sending a note via email to to her ministerial committee at ronaldahall20@gmail.com where notes received will be assembled into a notebook for her; or 2) stopping by the committee's table at the reception on the 23 where note paper will be provided and collected.
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Summer Pick-up Choir All Sundays through until 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 on Sundays at 9 a.m. for a quick rehearsal with our choir directors and sing with the choir in the service.
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Poems with J Mase III: A Night of Black Trans SurvivalThursday, June 27, 7–8:30 p.m., performance with Q&A afterward
J Mase III is a Black/trans/queer poet, author, and educator based in Seattle by way of Philadelphia.
His work has been featured on MSNBC, Essence Live, Everyday Feminism, Black Girl Dangerous, the New York Times, Buzzfeed, the Root, the Huffington Post, TEDx and more.
He is the author of If I Should Die Under the Knife, Tell my Kidney I was the Fiercest Poet Around, as well as And Then I Got Fired: One Transqueer’s Reflections on Grief, Unemployment, and Inappropriate Jokes about Death.
As a performer, he has shared stages with world renowned artists like Chuck D and the Indigo Girls.
"I promise you there is nothing more important that you could be doing than to come and hear the prophetic wisdom and artistry of J Mase III." -DeReau K. Farrar
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Art and Nature: An Interactive WorkshopSaturday, June 29, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Join us for a contemplative afternoon at the Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove. Both making art and spending time in nature can bring us fully into the present moment, allowing us to connect with our interior self and with that sense of the sacred that nature can provide. Spaces are limited. Advanced registration required. No prior art experience is necessary.
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Summer Sunday ReflectionSundays, June 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18, and 25
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
This summer our lay ministry team will be offering an opportunity to come together after the worship service to hold space and reflect on what has moved you as part of that experience.
Details: No charge. Drop-ins welcome.
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White Supremacy in Oregon: History and Current Issues
Tuesdays, July 9, 16, 23, and 30, 6:30–9 p.m
We will delve into our state’s history and current realities in order to build an understanding that will help us develop a better future for all of us.
Sliding scale fee: $40, $55, or $75.
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Mindful Movements for EveryoneThursdays July 11, 18; Aug. 1, 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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Crossings and Making It Home: A Writing Workshop with Katie RadditzTuesdays, July 16 and 23, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
What is the meaning of home? With writing and visual prompts. Using memoir, family history, present experience, and empathy, we will hope to gain a deeper understanding.
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Osteoporosis, Fragility Fractures, and AgingSunday, July 21, after service, 11:30 a.m.
Many fractures result from ground level falls in people who have low bone density that was not identified prior to their accident. Learn how to prevent fractures, while increasing your overall understanding of bone health.
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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 US 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 MercyCorps in international endeavors. And more!
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GSC Cambodian partners Ven. Vibol and Prof. Susan Hagadorn (she is actually a Unitarian!)
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| Global Service Corps 25th Anniversary Friends and Family Program in Cambodia September 8–22
Peace Action Group (PAG) and Global Service Corps (GSC) are co-sponsoring a special GSC 25th Anniversary Friends and Family Program in Cambodia.
This is in celebration of congregants Rick and Maxine Lathrop’s 25+ years as founders and directors of Global Service Corps. GSC has provided service-learning programs in seven developing countries, including the past 11 years in Cambodia.
You are invited to join the Lathrops in Cambodia for a two-week program running from September 8–22. This trip will include lectures and visits to historical sites, cultural activities, a nine-day service-learning experience, and a final weekend in Siem Reap visiting Angkor Wat and other sites.
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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 at 503-954-3534, marshamwarner@comcast.net.
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June Art WallSusan Cunningham is showing her acrylics on the Art Wall in June.
Most of this series was created in Mexico, influenced by the colors and noisy
life that surrounds her there.
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BookstoreMore books are available to help us better understand the transgender experience and terminology.
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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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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Summer Paths to Engagement
Check out the Paths to Engagement guide available this Sunday at the Adult Programs table or view it online here.Take advantage of the classes, retreats, and other special events happening at First Unitarian this summer!
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Summer in the Learning CommunityOn summer Sundays, we will 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 livestreaming of the service in the Daisy Bingham room right next to Margaret Fuller Hall for families. There will be tables with games and space to move around. The Parker Room in our Eliot Center, also with livestreaming, is always available as well.
Registration is still open for UU Chalice Camp summer day camp! Join us this summer for a week of community building, nature exploration, spiritual practice, and lots of fun, all grounded in Unitarian Universalist values and principles.
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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, nbeezley@firstunitarianportland.org, if you have a church event or meeting after service and need childcare. We request two weeks' notice. Please note, 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.
This is a great way to get to know new folks!
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What Are Your Talents? We’d Love to Hear More!Are you interested in leading a class, workshop, or event this fall in service to First Unitarian or would you like to refer engaging teachers from our broader community? Please email Kerry (preferably by early July) with a brief description of your idea: kheintze@firstunitarianportland.org
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Computer/PC savvy?
We need you! The church Archives Committee is seeking a volunteer who can commit six to eight hours per month–ideally on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons–managing the church’s archival records and keeping the consolidated inventory secure.
Great help is available from Facilities Manager Jason Chapman when needed. Email Ron Jamtgaard or call him at 503-297-6240.
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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 ( mainaptolemy@gmail.com) at 503-803-8991.
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Interested in Working on Disability Issues?If you are interested in a group that would bring together persons living with a range of disabilities, a member of the church is interested in exploring such a group. It would be a place for support as well as education and advocacy. If you are interested in being part of such a group, contact Pat Wallace at 971-400-0841, or patjw100@gmail.com.
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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 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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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
Marti Yoder has been in Hartford, CT, for the memorial for her youngest sister, Amy Robinson, who died on May 8 of a very rare neurological disease that progressed in a matter of weeks. Marti was with Amy and the family during the final two weeks of Amy's life and felt the support and comfort of this congregation during that very stressful time.
We hold member Jackie Martin and her daughter Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s fiance, Royal Francois, died suddenly and unexpectedly on June 7 at the age of 54. He and Elizabeth were planning to marry this August. The cause of his death has not yet been determined.
Member Linda Fitzgerald asks for prayers for her Mom, Peggy Reynolds, who fell and broke her pelvis and neck on June 14. Peggy is now receiving hospice care at a hospital in Rockford, IL. This is not how the family wished for her to end her life. Please hold Peggy, Linda, and their family during this stressful time.
Longtime member Janice Clark has found it necessary to leave home and enter a full time care facility due to mobility issues. Her inherited condition of muscular dystrophy has worsened and taken away her independence, but she still feels a strong attachment to our church community and would enjoy hearing from her friends. She has been involved in many aspects of the church and most recently an inspirational member of the Animal Ministry group and Social Justice Council. For contact information, inquire at the front office.
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May Moderator’s LetterThe May Moderator’s Letter is now on-line. Follow this link to read the full letter, which includes the results of our May election. For the latest updates on Board activities, visit the Board's webpage, which includes the latest time/location for all Board-related events.
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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, June 16 Attendance:Sanctuary: 332
Musicians: 9
Total: 341
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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.
Our B&B program is personally enriching. Many lasting bonds of friendship have been made between guests and hosts. Our coffers are also enriched. All rental proceeds go to the church.
Remember our program if you are having out-of-town guests who need housing. For details, contact Ruth Robinson, mickrob@comcast.net.
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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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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, lucygarrick@icloud.com.
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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 on the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May. The May 26 meeting was the last one for the church year. 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 Justice 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) usually meets the second Sunday of every month from 1:30–3 p.m. 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 reflection, 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 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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| 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 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 shared plate recipient for the month of June is The Living Room, a safe haven for GLBTQQ youth ages 14 –20 in Clackamas County. The Living Room believes that all youth deserve a safe place to be themselves, to be supported, and to be comfortable and accepted in their own skin. We support GLBTQQ through drop-in activities, events, school support, and community education. Every week, The Living Room opens its doors to all youth ages 14–20 to hang out, meet new friends, find support, and have fun! Each drop-in has an activity that youth can do if they'd like. These activities are planned by the youth and include things like support groups, gayme nights, art/craft projects, open mic and karaoke nights, and movie watching.
Throughout the year, youth from The Living Room help plan events for GLBTQQ youth in Clackamas County. The Living Room hosts an annual Youth Conference known as GSA Summit in the Winter, an Alternative Prom in the Spring, Pride Activities in the summer, and outdoor events throughout the summer and early fall. The Living Room knows that schools can be a rough place to be, especially if you identify as GLBTQQ! We work with schools to provide support in whatever way we can. Usually this means helping to start clubs that support GLBTQQ students (such as a Gay-Straight Alliance, Queer Student Alliance, or Diversity Club), provide support to existing clubs, help plan events, and provide training to club leaders. We also work in conjunction with GLSEN-Oregon to work with advisers, staff, and faculty to help schools become a safer and more supportive environment for students.
Working through partnerships and community organizations, The Living Room provides opportunities to reach out to and educate others about working with GLBTQQ youth; specifically from Clackamas County. We have worked with mental health providers, schools, and have even led workshops and local and national conferences. If you're interested in a workshop, panel, or having us table at an event, please contact us!
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