Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
🥣 Souper Sunday after the service 🥣
Children & youth start in the Sanctuary at 10:15 a.m. then head to RE classes. Nursery and toddler care available during worship.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
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One of the main spiritual practices of humanity is storytelling. Most religions are anchored in a major story. The narratives we tell, read, and listen to have the power to shape our lives and our worldview. What stories can serve us in this time of uncertainty and fear, in this time of searching for hope and building resilience?
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Ministerial Blog
Generosity, Magic, and Our Reverse Offering
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and Family Ministries
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During our October 26 worship service, when we introduced our Season of Giving effort for this year, we sang The Magic Penny by Unitarian Universalist Malvina Reynolds:
“Love is something if you give it away, you end up having more. It’s just like a magic penny. Hold it tight and you won’t have any. Lend it, spend it and you’ll have so many they’ll roll all over the floor.”
We decided to experiment with that concept by enacting a Reverse Offering. We adjusted that magic penny for inflation and gave each child and youth in the sanctuary a $5 bill. By accepting it, they promised to make loving magic by spending their money to spread generosity and kindness, however they might define that. Read on for some stories!...MORE
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This is the time of year that First Unitarian asks its members and friends to make a promise of financial support (a Pledge) for the coming calendar year. We invite you to reflect on what this church means in your life and to practice generosity as a way of strengthening our shared community together.
Now is the moment for each of us to do our part.
- For those who can, please consider increasing your pledge by 10-25% or more. This will help us weather our loss of tenant income.
- If you maintain your gift, you help us remain steady and strong.
- If you need to give less this year, know that every gift offered matters.
- If you are new, we hope you will join in and offer what you can for 2026. We are happy to have you with us!
Your gifts sustain us as we work to weave a future filled with love and possibility, something that is more important now than ever.
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| Thank you to those who have Pledged a gift for 2026. With your help we have just reached $1,000,000 and nearly 70% of the way to our goal!
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| Friendly Reminder... Keep Your Valuables With You
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All areas of the church campus are open to the public on Sunday mornings and are not monitored for the safety of personal belongings. Please help keep your items secure by keeping them with you during your visit.
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NEW! — Souper Sunday
Sunday, November 9, during social hour
Location: Fuller Hall
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Join us this Souper Sunday in Fuller Hall! Our team of soup makers will be offering our regular tomato soup that is gluten-free and vegan, and a minestrone soup.
If you are inclined to contribute to the festivities, toppings for the soups or handheld desserts would be welcome. We're also accepting donations of clean ceramic mugs for serving. Please bring to Fuller Hall before the service. See you Sunday!
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NEW! — Rescheduled Gardening Day
This Saturday, November 8, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel steps (12th & Salmon)
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We got rained out by the deluge last Saturday so we're trying again!
It’s time to cut back perennials, rake, transplant donations, and mulch.
We would be glad of young and energetic people to help with shoveling mulch out of the truck into the wheelbarrow and around to garden beds. Most of our gardeners are skilled AND well into retirement, so more hands would make much lighter work!
If you are separating hellebores or sword ferns or PNW native plants in your own garden at home, we would happily take donations to augment the plantings in front of Eliot Chapel. If you live within a 20-minute drive of the church, we’ll even come get your offerings! Please take a photo of what you have and email Laurie L. Pick-up would be Friday, November 7.
If you are planning on joining the work crew, please bring gloves, trowels, and water bottles. Rakes and heavier equipment provided.
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FUSE Forum: Transitions and Housing Options
Sunday, November 9, 12 - 2 p.m.
Location: Buchan Hall
First Unitarian Senior Engagement (FUSE)
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Come at 11:30 a.m. for soup, sides & conversation!
First Unitarian Senior Engagement (FUSE) presents this forum on transitions and housing options:
- Should you “age-in-place” and/or build an Accessory Dwelling Unit?
- Would you prefer to move to a senior community? How do you get rid of your stuff?!
- Do you wonder if you qualify for affordable senior housing?
- What if you need medical or memory care?
Come hear a panel of First Unitarian members about their search for the best housing for them as they grow older. This forum is for people of all ages, including older members wondering where to live as they age and younger members wondering what might be the best housing option for a beloved older relative or friend.
No registration required.
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Alliance Greens Sale Ends This Sunday!
Location: Online
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The Alliance Greens Sale ends this Sunday, November 9. A variety of beautiful wreaths and garlands are available again this year with no price increases! Plus, there is a new item available for the first time, a 12-inch tabletop tree that can be replanted outside after the holidays!
Use this link to place your order online. Please feel free to share the link with friends and neighbors who might also be interested. Friendly assistance with ordering will be available after service on Sunday during social hour.
Your purchases will be available for pick up at the church on December 5 and 6. Wreaths may also be ordered for mailing.
Funds raised from this sale will benefit recipients of The Alliance’s allocation grants to be awarded to non-profit organizations that support women, children, and marginalized communities.
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Souper Sunday Mug Drive
Location: Fuller Hall
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Our mug supply needs a boost! If you have clean, no-longer-used, reasonable-sized ceramic beverage mugs, please bring them to Fuller Hall.
Mugs that are too large or too tiny can be passed along to donation centers—but the “just right” ones will help us serve up warmth and community on Souper Sundays.
Thank you for helping to keep this beloved tradition going strong!
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Grief and the Holidays
Sundays, November 9 and 23, and December 7 and 14, 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian
Rev. Duane Fickeisen and Dr. Bill Yasnoff
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In this class for people who are grieving the loss of a close family member, we will explore the nature of grief, offer the opportunity to share your own grief story, and make a plan to navigate the winter holidays. We will meet in person on four Sunday afternoons, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., on November 9 and 23 and December 7 and 14. The Rev. Duane Fickeisen and Dr. Bill Yasnoff will facilitate the group. Both are members of First Unitarian and have personal experience with being widowed and in facilitating grief groups.
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Registration for OWL Available Now: Classes for Adults and Youth
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We have a long tradition of offering Our Whole Lives (OWL) lifespan sexuality education.
OWL values:
- Self worth
- Sexual health
- Responsibility
- Justice/inclusivity
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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!
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NEW! — Beacon Bookstore Off Fuller Hall
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We have received some new books in the last couple of weeks. Come visit and check them out!
Thinking about giving books for the holidays? Your gift can also help First Unitarian!
Most of the books we carry provide 40% of their sale price to the church budget. Our Stonehenge and Water Knot greeting cards provide 100% of their sale price to the church.
We are very happy to special order books for you! They don’t need to be anything we would normally carry; we use a regular small bookstore wholesaler and can get just about anything currently in print. Please think of us as your friendly neighborhood small independent bookstore with benefits. A little closer to Thanksgiving, we’ll have Bookstore Gift Certificates – a nice gift for someone who is also a congregant. We can make them in any denomination. 😊
The selection of children’s books is fat right now – lots to choose from both in our regular Fuller Store and also on the 1st Sundays when we’re in the Buchan Atrium.
We still have some of the new navy First Unitarian T-shirts and a few other small gift items!
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CHECK WEEKLY — November 9 Newsletter
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and Family Ministries
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Dear Ones,
We have about a week and a half before we open OWL (Our Whole Lives) registration to those from other UU churches and beyond. Currently, we have spots left for adults, 4-6th graders, and 7-9th graders. Please check out the information below in case you or someone you know in the greater community might like to participate...MORE
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NEW! — MigraWatch Virtual Training
Wednesday, November 12, 7 p.m.
Location: Zoom
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The November 15 in-person training is now full. You're invited to join us online this upcoming Wednesday. Registration required!
Learn how to safely identify and respond to potential ICE activity in your community:
- How to spot and verify ICE presence
- How to plug into PIRC's rapid response network
- Know Your Rights
After training, you can join the PIRC hotline ecosystem and receive real-time alerts to help confirm ICE sightings in your community. Register here.
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Each week we offer unhoused neighbors a secure space to shower, enjoy a meal, get clean clothing, and experience refuge from conditions on the street. We are always looking for more volunteers to make this possible. Volunteers sign up for 2-hour shifts that work for their schedule - and enjoy meeting other congregants this way. If you're interested, please click here.
Your donations make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. We are in special need of the following items:
- Food: Bread for sandwiches, peanut butter, jelly, dinner rolls, small oranges
- Men's clothes, especially jeans/pants/sweats (30 - 36)
- Hoodies, sweatshirts, coats, and rain gear
- Boxer briefs - NEW (M, L)
- Women's underwear - NEW (S, M)
- Direct monetary donations
Drop off your items in the marked cabinet in Fuller Hall during church hours or during Shower Project hours (Wednesdays and Thursdays between noon and 4 p.m.). Thank you for your support!
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CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel G., Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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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.
Climbing PoeTree is the combined force of Alixa Garcia & Naima Penniman, who have sharpened their art as a tool to expose injustice, channel hope into vision, and make a better future visible, immediate, and irresistible. To listen to their song "We Rising Up," click the video:
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In the Community
Last Sunday’s chancel flowers were given by the family of Warren Bacon on the one year anniversary of his death, November 2, 2024, and in recognition of all those Souls we hold in memory. They were beautiful. Thank you!
Member Julie Grice is back in OHSU Hospital for treatment of an infection. Julie says she is "feeling fine" and hopes to go home soon. We hold her as she receives treatment and regains her strength.
A joy: Congregant Patrice Koblavi was approved for US citizenship on Wednesday of this week. Patrice has attended services at First Unitarian since 2018, not long after arriving in Portland where he came to seek asylum from his home country in West Africa. In 2019 Patrice was granted asylum and is profoundly grateful to have been approved for US citizenship. He will take the oath to complete the process in a ceremony which is yet to be scheduled. Patrice thanks God and the support of this community. As we celebrate Patrice, we also continue to pray and work for the rights of all who seek safe harbor in this land.
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- Contact a Minister: Our ministers are available for pastoral support to congregants in need and to officiate at rites of passages including memorial services and weddings. Call the church office at 503-228-6389, or send an email.
- Contact a Lay Minister: Lay Ministers support the pastoral work of the ministerial staff. They are church members who offer one-to-one caring and support for folks in times of need. Call the church office at 503-228-6389, or send an email. You can learn more here.
- Friend to Friend Outreach Program: This program provides connection to seniors and individuals who may be homebound and unable to attend church regularly. It offers members up to four in-person visits per year from a Lay Minister. Send an email to Lay Minister Steve K.
- Lotsa Helping Hands Support Network: This care calendar enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times. For support or questions, email coordinator Leslie C. To volunteer, send a request here.
- Join an Affinity or Support Group: Build community through our identity-based affinity groups and experience-specific support groups. Learn about them here.
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You Will Be Interested...
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NEXT THURSDAY — DRUUMM Elder Spiritual Odyssey with Rev. Bill Sinkford
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This Elder Spiritual Odyssey is more than a storytelling session—it is a sacred space to honor the journeys of our elders who have shaped and strengthened Unitarian Universalism through their wisdom, activism, and leadership. It reflects DRUUMM’s vision of building a multigenerational, multicultural faith community grounded in resilience, reconciliation, and the shared pursuit of liberation.
As Bill reflects on his life’s work, we are invited to engage in meaningful dialogue and draw lessons that connect the struggles of the past with our hopes for tomorrow. Together, we will form a circle to hold and honor these stories, building a bridge between generations and cultivating a deeper collective identity within our faith.
Rev. Dr. Sinkford’s ministry has been a beacon of transformation. A lifelong Unitarian Universalist and founding leader of DRUUMM, he served as the first African American President of the Unitarian Universalist Association (2001–2009) and later as Senior Minister of First Unitarian Church of Portland, where he was named Minister Emeritus in 2022. Called back to serve during pivotal moments in our movement, including as one of three Interim Co-Presidents of the UUA in 2017, Bill has consistently guided our faith through times of challenge and renewal. His voice for racial justice, inclusive language, and spiritual depth continues to inspire new generations.
We invite you to join us for this powerful evening of reflection and gratitude—to listen, learn, and celebrate the living history of a leader whose ministry has shaped who we are and who we are still becoming. RSVP here.
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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.
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November & December Art Wall Exhibition
Biennial Congregant Art Show
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Come down to Fuller Hall to see the talented artists we have in the congregation during November and December!
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Got something for Front Steps? Send in your church-related submission for our weekly publication. Submit it here (preferred) or email us here with "Front Steps" as the subject line.
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.
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| November's
Shared Plate
This November, we share our plate with the Sanctuary Fund of the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ), a long-time partner First Unitarian. IMIrJ is guided by the shared teachings of diverse faith traditions of the members that call us to uphold the dignity and humanity of all people, especially those most impacted by injustice. We believe that every person deserves a safe place to live, food on the table, and the opportunity to move forward and thrive. The Sanctuary Fund provides emergency financial support to newly arrived immigrant families and individuals facing the consequences of deportation.
Through the Sanctuary Fund, our interfaith movement provides support that extends beyond emergency relief, fostering stability, a sense of belonging, and the conditions for long-term well-being. We believe true sanctuary is not only protection—it's the collective work of creating a just and generous world where everyone can flourish.
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| Want to know what this church has to offer? Visit our Calendar by clicking above to see our list of events/classes/socials!
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