Join Us for WorshipSunday, October 31, 2021
| |
Family Service at 10 a.m. Â // Â Sanctuary Service at 11 a.m.
| |
November 7: What You Need to Know About In-Person Worship
We will worship in the Sanctuary for the first time in over 18 months on November 7. Halleluiah!
| |
We are working to make this beginning of the return to the Sanctuary as safe and simple and satisfying as we can. These precautions and safety measures are new, however; and it is inevitable that there will be bumps on the road as we re-gather.
Please treat each other and our dedicated volunteers and staff not only with respect but with KINDNESS. Every Sunday is a good day to have THANK YOU in your heart and on your lips but especially this first Sunday of the rest of the life of First Unitarian.
| |
All Souls Litany and Requiem
| |
We will remember those in our community who have died in the last year and be graced with Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem in D minor.
| |
Family Worship
Small Things Contain Enormous Light
| |
Carved pumpkins appear all around us this time of year. Yet it's not always the largest pumpkins that have the most gifts to offer.
Nicole will share a story about a young child who learns that even small things contain enormous light and love to share. Dustin will lead our music, and Cassandra will share a breathing meditation with us.
| |
Welcome to Our "Season of Giving"
| |
Your Pledge = Your Gift
When you pledge a gift to “Meeting the New Day: 2022” you are helping fund all that this church is and does.
For those new to pledging, you’ll want to know that a pledged gift is a non-binding sum you plan to donate to the church over the coming calendar year. Pledged gifts can be fulfilled now or anytime in 2022 on a schedule that works best for you.Â
Please pledge your gift of support BEFORE Celebration Sunday, November 14!Â
Here is what we are asking:
| |
•  If you are new to pledging we hope you will join us in helping fund the church.
•  If you and your family are struggling in these times, give if you can, what you can, and let us know how we may be able to help.
•  If you held your gift steady last year and your finances are more certain today, we ask you to make this your year for an increase. We will put it to good use!
•  If you stepped up last year with an increase we ask you to hold steady at that level or consider an additional one-time gift.Â
| |
Regardless of what you did last year, if you’re called to increase your gift as the church enters a new chapter in its life, we welcome your generosity.
| |
Help fund our ministry, services, programs and staff
by pledging a gift now —
and fulfill it now or anytime in 2022.Â
| |
Staying Connected BlogCatching Up to the New Day: A Credo
| |
I am inpatient for justice. Perhaps I am impatient as a matter of identity anyway, but that does not diminish my rabid impatience for justice. Further, I am impatient for people and systems that need to take time to weigh the pros and cons of pursuing justice when the cons relate to capital security. I am impatient for the people and systems that need to process the gains and losses when the potential losses are systemic gatekeepers and progress-blockers.
I am a universalist, and I believe fervently that there is room for everyone. However, I do not believe there is room for every idea...continued.
| |
| Gmail Users: You may have to scroll down to the bottom of this message and click on "View Entire Message" to see the complete Front Steps.
| |
NEW! - Social Justice Community Gather-In
Sunday, November 7, 1:30-2:30pm
| |
This monthly gathering is for ALL community members concerned and or engaged with issues of justice, whether or not you are part of a church action group. Join us for readings, music, reflection and time to get to know one another. Our justice work is done in community, and we hope you will consider yourself a part of our beloved justice community.Â
We look forward to being with you.
Rev. Abigail, Caitlynn, Intern Minister Carter, Dana, Leslie, Nikki and Sue.
| |
Alliance Annual Greens Sale
Wreaths are NOW for sale through November 14Â
| |
From the comfort of your own home, you can order aromatic holiday greens online. Choose from among 3 styles for safe pickup at the church garage on Friday, December 3, and Saturday, December 4, from 10-2 p.m.
Want to gift a wreath? There is one style available for shipping anywhere within the U.S., including Portland.
| |
Proceeds benefit women, children and marginalized groups.
| |
| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
| |
NEW! - The StreetBooks Story: An Alliance Program
Wednesday, November 3, at 10:30 a.m.
| |
All are welcome to this special presentation and conversation with Laurie Moulton, Executive Director, Street Librarian and founder of StreetBooks. StreetBooks is a bicycle-powered mobile library, serving people who live outside in Portland, Oregon.
| |
Interested in Becoming a Lay Minister?Wednesday, November 3 at 7 p.m.
| |
Lay ministers play an important role in how we build Beloved Community in our congregation. Lay ministers offer compassionate listening and support for congregants in times of special need that could include a spiritual crisis, bereavement, major life changes, health issues, or other personal concerns. Support can happen through one-on-one support and through the facilitation of small groups.Â
Applications will be accepted this fall and training begins in 2022.
| |
Beyond Categorical Thinking Workshop
Two-Part Workshop:
November 5, at 7:30 - 9 p.m. and
November 6, at 9 - 10:30 a.m.
| |
“Will the new minister hear me? Will my concerns and needs be met? Will the minister understand what I’m living with? How will the community respond to our minister?’
In answering these questions, a picture of the “ideal minister” (categorized by age, gender identity, nationality, physical or cognitive ability, race, sexual orientation, etc.) comes to mind. With this picture in place, it can be easy to unintentionally exclude ministers who fall into certain categories. The BCT program is designed to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent unfair discrimination in the search process for a new minister.
| |
What Is Spiritual Direction Anyway?Saturday, November 6, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
| |
Have you heard about spiritual direction and wondered what it’s all about? Here’s a chance to learn more and explore how it might support your spiritual journey.
Meet members of the church’s Spiritual Directors Guild as they explain what it is and describe their work as spiritual companions.
| |
Living with Loss: How Will I Get Through the Holidays?Saturdays Starting November 13, at 10:30 a.m.
| |
This class, facilitated by Rev. Wendy Fish and Kristin Guest, will offer support through sharing information on the grief process, listening to one another's stories, suggesting ideas for holiday plans and connecting with others. This class is directed toward those who have experienced the death of someone they love, or a divorce or estrangement.
Limited to 8 participants. Advance registration required.
| |
Welcome to First Unitarian with Rev. Thomas DisrudSunday, November 14, at 12:30 p.m.Â
| |
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.
| |
Plan Ahead for General Assembly Portland 2022
| |
Registration for GA, the Unitarian Universalist Annual Meeting, will begin November 1. If you wish to sign up to volunteer at GAÂ for 20 hours in lieu of the registration fee, be sure to sign up by November 1, because all positions fill up quickly.
| |
|
Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
| |
Vesper Prayer ServiceFriday's at 5 p.m.
| |
End your week with a brief quiet time of prayer, reflection, meditation and music offered by our Lay Ministers. Let this be a pause at the end of the week, to receive and to be held in love, without the need to converse. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. An ongoing commitment is not required.
| |
Art for Social JusticeThe Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and building the Beloved Community.Â
Curated by Ethel Gullette, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
| |
The Ashes by Yosimar Reyes
| |
|
In the Community
Member Tom Alexander died on October 18 at the age of 79. Tom lived with Alzheimer’s Disease in his last years. A memorial is scheduled for Tom this Saturday, October 30, at 1 p.m. in the Eliot Chapel. His service will also be livestreamed here. We hold his wife Laura Rogers.
| |
Do you have a reason to celebrate? Say it with flowers!Beginning November 7
| |
Fresh flowers will again grace the Chancel for Sunday services. Sponsoring those flowers is a way to support the church and acknowledge life events. Do you have something to celebrate from these last 18 months? If you had a birth in the family, graduation, a birthday, an anniversary, or a memorial, or other reasons, you can acknowledge it to the entire congregation by sponsoring a floral bouquet. As we reconnect with friends, say it with flowers on the Chancel.Â
| |
NEW! - Moderator Letter:Â Dear Fellow Congregants
| |
Excited relieved, happy, and
nervous (a little bit)Â
were the emotions I felt when I heard the news from our ministers that in-person services will begin on November 7. It has been a long time coming (approximately 19 months) but I am deeply appreciative that First Unitarian took a measured, science-based approach to resuming in-person gatherings...continued.
| |
JOIN US! - Nominating Committee SearchCandidate suggestions needed by Wednesday, November 10.
| |
Would you or someone you know serve our church well as a Board member or a member of the Nominating Committee?
The Nominating Committee has begun its annual search for new Board and Nominating Committee members to replace those who are retiring. It’s the committee’s job to find candidates and propose them to the Congregation for election next spring.
Send your candidate's name and a couple sentences about why they qualify in an email to committee co-chairs Dean and Joyce.
| |
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.
| |
Having trouble viewing our services through the website?
Find our Live Streams on Boxcast, Youtube or on Facebook.
| |
Have a Submission for E-News?If you have a church-related 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 Tuesdays.
| |
|
|
Sunday Live StreamÂ
& Social Schedule
Join us LIVE from your computer or smart device.
| |
October Shared Plate For the month of October, we share our plate with Honor the Earth, a Native organization who provides financial and organizing support to Native environmental initiatives. Honor the Earth works closely with other women-led Indigenous groups fighting to Stop Line 3 tar sands oil pipeline...cont.
| |
Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and  stay engaged!
| |
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.
| |
Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
| |
|
