| Sunday ServicesSunday, December 1: Services at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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Waiting for New Life-Rev. Bill SinkfordIn this season of long dark, we wait and even pray for hope to be reborn in us and in our world. What new hope is waiting to emerge? What prayers are in the process of being answered, even as we wait?
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Bill's BlogThanks for the Imperfect
This Thanksgiving I find myself reflecting on the absence of perfection. You have heard me preach about the problems of perfection as a standard, the way it encourages all of us to embrace definitions of the good that are culturally determined…and leaves us all perpetually unsatisfied with our performance and, sadly, with ourselves.
Preaching against perfection does not diminish, however, the truth that we are so divided, nor that so much in our body politic is in disarray.
I think of our deeply flawed political process and lament the fact that it seems more and more imperfect. Perfection would mean agreement with me, I suppose. I acknowledge that in moments when my anger and irritation give way to honesty.
I think of our deeply flawed civil religion, our celebration of American exceptionalism, which has justified such violence to native peoples and enslaved peoples and poor people for so long. The holiday we celebrate today is no exception ...Continued
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First ConnectionsThe First Connection series is designed with newcomers to the church in mind, but everyone is most welcome.
Meaning of MembershipSunday, Dec. 1, 10:30–11:05 a.m.
Learn about what membership means and sign the membership book if you are ready.
Holiday Traditions at the ChurchSunday, Dec. 8, 10:30–11:05 a.m.
Come and learn about some of the holiday traditions at First Unitarian. Including the Christmas Pageant, the Winter Solstice Service, and the Alliance Greens Sale.
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No Learning Community Classes on Sunday, Dec. 1 (and no Together Time)On this Sunday after Thanksgiving, we will not have classes. Families are all welcome to join worship in the sanctuary. Childcare is available for ages 4 and younger.
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Greens Sale Alert
Sunday, Dec. 1
Order wreaths for delivery to loved ones and special greens for your home, the latter to be picked up on Dec. 8 or 15.
Those are the dates for the full sale, offering up holiday wreaths, a wide variety of donated treasures, a boutique table of items made by church members, and a table full of lush goodies from Alliance kitchens.
This Sunday you'll find a greens sale table in Margaret Fuller Hall and in the Buchan Atrium. Bring your checkbook/credit card and gift list, including mailing addresses, and join in the fun that raises money to be quickly given away to social service agencies and for special projects here at First Unitarian.
Gift wreath purchase includes postage.
Special orders are available for pickup on Sunday, Dec. 8 or 15.
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Annual Fair Trade BazaarSunday, Dec. 1, 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
A unique autumn event to benefit women and their families. Give gifts that reflect your values. Handcrafted, high quality art, jewelry, baskets, textiles and more that support and empower artisans through fair wages.
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COHHO Begins Holiday Gift Drive!Accepting gifts Sunday, Dec. 1 after each service in Fuller Hall at the COHHO (Committee on Hunger and Homelessness) cabinet.
As is our tradition, we will be collecting gifts for the holiday party in December given by Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS) for their families. Thank you in advance for helping to make this very special time of the year very special for PHFS families!
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Holiday Giving Trees Collecting Gifts Starting Sunday, Dec. 1–15
Sanctuary Narthex/Lobby & Buchan Atrium
In collaboration with the Learning Community and the Social Justice Program, First Unitarian Portland participates in gift giving for the holiday season. Consider bringing a gift on behalf of our community!
The Learning Community will be collecting mittens, socks, scarves and hats for local organizations that focus on children and families.
Mental Health Action Group will be collecting gift cards for those living with mental illness for Central City Concern. They have very few choices in their lives, empower them with up to a $30 gift card. Pick up a tag that has a specific request at the Sanctuary Narthex/Lobby Giving Tree, starting Sunday, Dec. 1st. Please bring the gifts back no later than Dec. 15 with the tag attached.
Questions? Call Rosebud Kirwin-Alvord, 503-645-8227.
Animal Ministries will be collecting dog coats, leashes, collars, jackets etc. that will go towards the Paw Team.
Central City Concern gifts go to the tree in the Sanctuary Lobby. All other giving tree gifts can go to either tree.
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Immigrant Justice Action Group Monthly MeetingWednesday, Dec. 4, 1:30–3 p.m.,
Room. A108
Our speaker, community minister Rev. Connie Yost, will engage us in conversation about current conditions at the border. Connie traveled to Arizona in October to participate in community outreach with No More Deaths. We’ll have a time for reflection and updates on current actions and events impacting migrants. Your ideas and energy for IJAG programs and activities are also welcome. We hope to see you on Wednesday.
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Alliance Monthly Luncheon and Meeting
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.
Come join us at the Alliance luncheon and monthly meeting. Our own Rich Scher will lead us in a holiday sing-along. Rich came to First Unitarian five years ago and became deeply involved in the music program. He sings with the Chancel Choir and regularly plays percussion at services and special events. Rich composed and played background music for the UU podcast Wondering Wilderness, created by DeReau Farrar and Reverend Mira Mickiewicz. His sing-along program for the Alliance last season was a real hit, and he expects to continue the tradition with the December meeting.
Lunch for this meeting is catered, at $15 per person, and begins at 11 a.m. Don’t forget to make your reservation by Friday of the week preceding the meeting!
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Mindful Movements for EveryoneThursday, Dec. 5, 6–7 p.m.
Fireside A303
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 or 6 class series discounted at $55
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LGBTQIA + Pride Alcohol- & Drug-free, Holiday PartySaturday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
You are invited to our white elephant holiday finger food potluck party!
No alcohol or drugs. For more information or to volunteer, visit our Pride Table located in Margaret Fuller Hall after service or email us.
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Solar Power Viewing and Dedication!Sunday, Dec. 8, 1–1:30 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
The solar panels on our roof are almost ready to start generating clean electricity! On Dec. 8, we will officially dedicate and launch the solar power program at 1 p.m. in Buchan Reception Hall. Stop by earlier to browse displays and enjoy cookies and snacks. After the dedication, a solar energy expert from Elemental Energy will be available on the third floor of Buchan to answer questions about the panels.
Please join members of Community for Earth (CFE) for the celebration of this valuable step for our community. This is an opportunity to thank those who brought the project to fruition, and to rededicate ourselves to the work of replacing greenhouse gas emissions with clean power.
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Christmas Pageant RegistrationRegistration closes on Monday, Dec. 9
All families in the First Unitarian Learning Community are invited to participate in our traditional Christmas Pageant which will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 22 as part of our 11:15 am worship service that morning. (There will only be one service.)
First rehearsal: Sunday, Dec. 15, 1:15–3:30 p.m.
Final rehearsal: Saturday, Dec. 21, 2–4:30 p.m.
Christmas Pageant: Sunday, Dec. 22, 11:15 a.m. (cast call at 9:15 a.m.)
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Registration is now open!
Seminary for a Day: Spiritual Practice for Difficult Times
Saturday, Jan. 25
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Are you yearning for greater depth in your spiritual life?
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BookstoreSpilling the Light, the 2019 UUA in Spirit Meditation Manual has just been released by Theresa Soto. We have many other volumes in this series, including To Wake, To Rise by Rev Sinkford. Each title is just $8.
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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History comes to life!The Archives and Mosaic Restoration Committees have installed a display case across from the information desk next to the Eliot Chapel.
Come see artifacts from the Children’s Mosaic: historical pictures, tiles, and rusted brackets.
Then check out the restored mosaic in the courtyard.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Our Eighth Issue of Speaking of Justice: Faith In Action E-Magazine Is Here!
This issue explores disrupting white supremacy culture. Learn why we believe transforming a culture and its system of white supremacy is liberating work, is spiritual work, and is important to help live out our faith as Unitarian Universalists.
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COHHO and First Unitarian Portland Support Portland Street ResponseJoin us in endorsing Street Root’s proposal, Portland Street Response, to set up a new system of first responders, teams of medics and peer support specialists, who would respond with compassion to 911 calls about people struggling with homelessness and behavioral health crises.
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Immigrant Justice Action Group Lifts Up Challenges and Successes: National ActionOn November 12, the Supreme Court considered the Trump administration’s termination of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), deciding whether this action was lawful and possibly whether DACA’s creation itself was lawful. With the potential to impact the lives of 700,000 recipients, First Unitarian Portland signed on to an amicus brief in support of DACA. DACA recipients are the first to say that the protections they receive should be had by all immigrants. Regardless of the outcome of this case, DACA recipients will continue to demand reform of our immigration laws and a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants currently residing in the United States ...Continued
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Learning Community Classes Will Not Meet on Sunday
Sunday, Dec. 1
Childcare only for ages 4 and under.
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Interested in Becoming a Learning Community Teacher?
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Sunday Afternoon ChildcareWe offer childcare for all ages each Sunday from 1–3 p.m. while you attend an event or meeting at church. Request care for your child(ren) at the Eliot Info Desk by 1 p.m. that day. Staff are released at 1 p.m. if no one has requested care by then.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Join Our Sunday Morning Hospitality Team!Imagine the smiles on our congregants’ faces as you serve up fresh coffee on Sunday mornings. Offer a variety of teas, juice, and occasional crunchy snacks. Become a member of our Sunday coffee host team by choosing a regular Sunday each month to volunteer, or offering your help as a substitute when called upon. Either one would be much appreciated. Excellent training is provided by our experienced volunteers.
Email John in the front office or call him at 503-228-6389 x102. Or just stop by the Fuller Hall kitchen on Sunday morning and add your name to the list.
This is a great way to get to know folks!
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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 at 503-803-8991.
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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 by email.
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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.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
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Mary Koerner, a friend of our church, died on Nov. 18 at the age of 90. Mary regularly attended church through our live stream since moving to the Portland area in 2014. We especially hold Mary’s good friend Debra Ogden during this time of loss.
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The Dec. 5 Board Meeting will be held from 6–7 p.m.
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From Your Board of Trustees: October Moderator Letter
Greetings –
Fall is upon us and it seems we’re settling in for a rich church year. Every time I’m at the church I’m impressed by all that is happening, from our own Sunday services and committee meetings to the wide variety of community members who rent our facilities.
The board hosted our first forum of the year with a meet and greet on Sept. 29. It was the kind of meeting we enjoy–one where we shared our goals and work for the year and then had time to discuss more deeply the thoughts on your minds. We hope to continue these discussions in various settings throughout the year. Thank you to all of you who attended ...Continued
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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, Nov. 24 Attendance:1st Service: 201
2nd Service: 265
Musicians: 35
Total: 501
Livestream: 73
Grand Total: 574
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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.
The upcoming holidays are a great time to remember loved ones and family by sponsoring chancel flowers.
For details about giving flowers for the chancel, contact Marsha, or call her at 503-954-3534.
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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, a 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.
Remember our program if you are having out-of-town guests who need housing. For details, contact Ruth Robinson.
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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 us 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.
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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
We normally meet 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.
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| Children's Mosaic Restoration Group
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Committee on Hunger & Homelessness (COHHO)We meet monthly September through May on the fourth Sunday from 12:30 –2 p.m. in the Fireside room in A303. Visit our table in Margaret Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays.
Questions? Ingrid Gjestvang.
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Contemplative Practice Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., Channing Room. We start with a 20-minute meditation session and then discuss a check-in topic about a spiritual value. Then we do a modified version of lectio divina, using a poem instead of a religious text. We listen as one person reads the poem, focusing on a word or phrase that catches our attention, then we look over the text and listen while another person reads it aloud. After that we share how we reacted. All are welcome. Questions? Connie Cleaton.
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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. Questions? Michael Wade
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| Ending Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial JusticeWe usually meet 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) meets the first Wednesday of the months of September–May, from 1:30–3 p.m. in the Channing Room.
Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. Our meetings include time for reflection, sharing, and information about 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.
Through the IJAG Google group, we disseminate recommended actions. Join us for the important work of immigrant justice! Questions? Contact us here.
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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 GroupGroup meets in the Eliot Chapel, 7–8:30 p.m on Wednesdays. 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. Questions? Contact Mary Ann Harman.
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Mental Health Action GroupMHAG exists to educate the congregation about mental health issues and to support those in the congregation living with mental illness or whose relatives live with mental illness. We meet every third Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Buchan Building.
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Quilts of Love GroupThird Thursday meeting is 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. Questions? Contact Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
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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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| 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 Yarn Crafters
2nd and 4th Thursdays each month, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
The Yarn Crafters are wanting to expand to include crocheters. Yarn provided. All levels welcome.
Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.
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| UU Men's Community
Third Saturday, 9 a.m., Channing Room. This is 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, 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 at 10–11:30 a.m. Now welcoming new members. Questions? Dorothy, 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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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.” 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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SNOW? ICE? FREEZING RAIN?
To see if an event, class, service or rehearsal has been cancelled, check the church website, Facebook page, or call the church office at 503-228-6389 and listen to the recorded announcement for details about cancellations or delays. Remember, your good judgment is your best guide!
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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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For the month of December, half of our plate will go to our church’s Emergency Fund for Members. This fund helps members facing some kind of critical need like loss of housing, utility shutoff or some other unexpected, necessary expense. It is part of how we build Beloved Community in our congregation.
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