| Sunday ServicesSunday, June 24: Service at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
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Summer Space-Rev. Thomas DisrudThe poet William Stafford said, “The earth says every summer have a ranch that’s minimum: one tree, one well, a landscape that proclaims a universe.” So as we head into summer, what is your universe? What is it that you need this summer? Spaciousness, fun, adventure?
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Bill's Blog will return in August
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Work Is Underway in the Sanctuary
Summer services moved into the Eliot Chapel last Sunday, and work is well underway in the Sanctuary to make the Chancel area accessible and to make other aesthetic improvements in the space. Services will continue in Eliot Chapel at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. through the summer. Social hour will continue to be held in Margaret Fuller Hall after each service. This is all thanks to the Ramp It Up auction proceeds. Much appreciation goes to everyone who donated to make that possible.
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Teachers for 2018–19
We currently are looking to place 11 teachers in the Learning Community for the upcoming year. Yes, it is a commitment. Yes, you will receive as much from the kids as they receive from you. Yes, you have tons of support. We hope you say “Yes!” Please contact Rev. Mary Gear for more information.
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Booked Your Group's Room for Next Year?
Does your group use a room at church for meetings? If so, have you reserved a room for the 2018–2019 church year? If not, contact John Rosette. Please note that Sundays are busy times at the church with events for all ages. We’ll do our best to accommodate groups but space may be tight. For social justice groups, contact Cassandra Scheffman.
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Witness for Immigration Justice in Sheridan This Sunday
Members of faith communities throughout Oregon are being asked to assemble in Sheridan, Oregon, this coming Sunday morning outside the Federal Correctional Institution for a public worship service. “The Road to Sheridan: Love Leads Us” will be at 11 am. Main Parking at Sheridan High School (433 S Bridge St, Sheridan, OR 97378). The service will include a direct ask of the Prison to allow ongoing clergy access to detainees so they can receive the pastoral care they need and have requested - and so that we can learn more about how they are being treated and whether or not they are being reunited with their children, spouses and other family.
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Urgent Petition Circulator Training this Sunday!
Measure 43, the proposed initiative which bans the sale of assault weapons and high-magazine guns in our state, is currently stalled in procedural snags. When the measure is released by the Secretary of State's office, hopefully June 25th or 26th, we will have only about a WEEK to collect the 100,000 signatures needed statewide to put the measure on the November ballot. This is a profound challenge.
We are offering petition circulator training this Sunday, between services (about 10:15 a.m.). Location: Room A303, right upstairs/elevator from Eliot Chapel on the third floor. Training will take about 45 minutes. Everyone concerned about gun violence has a chance to get engaged. Rev. Bill Sinkford is an endorser of Measure 43. Training presented by Peace Action Group of First Unitarian Portland.
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Portland Limits on Campaign Contributions
Stop by the Economic Justice Action Group table in Fuller Hall on Sunday to support this important initiative.
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June's Art WallJune Art Wall. Gia Whitlock's paintings are featured in June. Inspired by nature, the curves in her images weave unrelated shapes and concepts into a tapestry. She says her work is made of happiness and fruit shapes. Come and enjoy! See more here.
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BookstoreAdult Programs recently announced they will no longer hold their annual book sale. In response to several requests, however, our bookstore will continue to sell a small collection of used books on the landing next to the bookstore, provided congregants bring good books for us to offer. So, bring quality fiction in good condition to the bookstore any Sunday. Please–no children’s books, non-fiction, or any other category of books. We just don’t have the space or person-power to manage anything else. Thank you for helping us to provide this ongoing resource for our congregants. Books are always just $1 each. Come choose a great read.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Learning Community, Music & Arts, Social Justice
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Find information and sign-up for summer offerings at the Adult Programs table beginning July 1.
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First Share Begins July 8!
Enjoy every Sunday July 8 through September. Bring your over-abundance of produce and flowers to exchange or give to the First Share table in Fuller Hall. Everyone is welcome to take something home!
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Summer RE program begins July 8
On July 8 we will begin an eight-week summer program for children 10 years and younger.
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Nursery and Childcare Available
We always have childcare for our wee ones on Sunday mornings.
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Emails
A weekly email goes out to all families registered in the Learning Community. It has descriptions of the upcoming Sunday classes as well as events and announcements. Be sure to check it out!
The Learning Community sends out: - An explanation of specific programming for the upcoming Sunday
- An invitation for classes to light the chalice on Sunday morning
- An invitation from Pingg.com to join us at an upcoming social event
Be sure they're going to your inbox!
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Thirteen Salmon Family Center Closing
Last month Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS), the not-for-profit organization that has operated our Thirteen Salmon Family Center since it opened in the fall of 2009, announced big news that is exciting for them and bittersweet to our church community –on May 23 PHFS became the owner of a new large shelter in the Lents neighborhood of Southeast Portland. The new shelter will open for families later this summer, at which time our Thirteen Salmon Family Center will close. Read more here.
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Iran Forum: US withdrawal from the Nuclear Agreement and the Path to WarFriday, June 29, 6:30 p.m.
Eliot Chapel
Speakers: Jamal Abdi, President of the National Iranian American Council; Reese Ehrlich, journalist and author of several books on Iran; Catherine Thomasson, former national President of Physicians for Social Responsibility; and Jeff Curtis, Portland attorney who has recently traveled to Iran. The speakers will address the current US-Iran relationship and how the dangerous path toward war can be stopped.
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Thank YouThe Committee for Hunger and Homelessness thanks you for the outpouring of generosity of gifts and help you've given the winter shelter. We sincerely couldn't have done it without your help. The shelter closed April 30, until winter months return. A reminder: we still have families at the Thirteen Salmon Family Center in the lower level of our Buchan Building. Donna Richards webbed@msn.com.
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Supplies Needed- Toothbrushs/paste
- Baby wipes
- Baby formula
Please leave supplies in Fuller Hall cupboards by the kitchen.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Social Hour Helpers Needed Sunday Mornings
With two services continuing through the summer, we need a few more beverage service helpers and subs on Sundays in Fuller Hall. Choose one Sunday each month, either 8 a.m.–10:50 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m., with time to attend service in between. Please contact Emily at 541-408-1516 or ewh1960@gmail.com. Training provided by experienced volunteers.
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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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| Help Wanted!A team of volunteers has formed to address the unrelentingly vigorous weeds in the beds around our church campus and we need more help! As the summer progresses, projects will be planned to control weed growth and highlight our native plants. If you would like to spend a couple of hours with the team, please contact Marti Yoder at marti.yoder@gmail.com and have your name added to the notification list. More hands are needed to make this light work.
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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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| Seeking Ushers
Here's a great volunteer opportunity: Become an usher and connect more deeply to members of our congregation. Won't you join our team? Contact usher coordinator Dev Dion or call 503-805-5899. Thank you.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
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A memorial service for member Ryc Williamson will be held this Saturday, June 23, at 1 p.m. in the Eliot Chapel. Ryc died on June 1. Joe Omelchuck, 90 years old, died last Tuesday, surrounded by his family. He led an active life and had a quiet death. He and his wife Barbara and his first wife, Jean, blended their families. Many members of his family are members or long time participants here at First Unitarian. We told Jeff and Karen, and their children Annie and AJ; Julie Omelchuck and Jeff Wright and their children Lena and Dylan; and Jason and Julie, and their children Chloe and Zane. Joe will be missed. Ruey Ryan, father of member Elissa Ryan Morris, died on last Thursday (June 14) two months shy of his 93rd birthday. He lived in Battle Ground, Washington. He leaves two daughters and five grandchildren. Elissa was able to be with him when he died. We hold her and her family at this time. David Willer, the brother of member Judy Wilder, died on Monday, June 11 in Illinois at the age of 72. He had a series of illness and, at the end of his life, was cared for by hospice. We hold Judy and her family at this tender time of loss. Troy McKinlay Craine graduated June 17 from Portland State University with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science and Management. And on June 21 Troy will have gender affirming surgery. Troy says, “These events mark major milestones in my life and prayers, thoughts, good wishes and more are greatly received as I begin a new section on my path in life.” Erin and Dieter Ratzlaf announce the birth of their daughter Anneke Dove Ratzlaf, born on May 7. We wish them much happiness.
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Board of Trustees—Results of the 2018 Annual VoteThank you to all members of First Unitarian who return completed ballots to approve the Church’s operating budget and elect members to our Board of Trustees, Nominating Committee, and the independent Foundation Board of Stewards. Details on the results of the Annual Vote are in Moderator Randy Russell’s May letter, along with other important Board-related updates. A summary of the results of our 2018 Annual Congregational survey, along with notes and presentation materials from the Board’s May 6, 2018 congregant forum, are now posted on the Board’s Communications Committee page. As always, please check out the Board's main webpage for 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 Attendance1st Service: 127
2nd Service: 129
Musicians: 29
Total: 285
Livestream: 72
Grand Total: 357
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Yarn Donations Needed
The UU Knitters, who meet at the church on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month to work on projects for the benefit of the community, is getting low on donated yarn. We are looking for yarn of any type–wool, cotton, and synthetics. Please bring donations to the church office, and staff will get them to the right place. Thank you!
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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. We do not meet during the summer and will resume September 23, 2018.
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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 Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays. Questions? Email co-chairs Mary Andrews and Ellen Vanderslice.
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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)
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. Contact Wendy here.
See our webpage for more info.
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LGBTQIA Pride Group
Find out the latest social events by picking up a flyer at our Pride Table in 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, 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 room B304 of the Buchan building. 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 parents of teens to talk and share parenting topics and the joys and challenges of navigating life as parents, with the guidance of a lay minister. We are an open group. Childcare provided.
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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 Group
Monthly on the third Thursday, 12–1:30 p.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? Anna Thorn, 503-720-1984.
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| Sunday Morning T'ai Chi Chih
Sunday morning T'ai Chi Chih, 8:15–9 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? Don Liedel, 503-319-8934; 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 Fuller Hall.
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| UU Poetry Group
Twice monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Albert Starr.
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| UUA Outreach Group
Monthly on the last Wednesday at 7 p.m., usually in B310, but check the sign board when entering. Questions? Ken Wheeler.
If your interest lies in the larger picture of UU ministry, join us! 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. Questions? Kim, 503-869-1486.
III: First and third Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. Questions? Dorothy Lewis, 503-292-1337.
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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| To update your contact information with First Unitarian Portland, click here.
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Do You Have an Item for E-news 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
This email address gets 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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Our June shared plate recipient is Outside In, a non-profit that helps homeless youth and other marginalized people move toward improved health and self-sufficiency. Approximately 40% of the youth that come to Outside In each year identify as LGBTQ. June's plate collection for LGBTQ services will be matched one-to-one, thanks to a generous donor. As Outside In celebrates its 50th anniversary, First Unitarian is proud to remain in our relationship since its inception.
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