Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Learning Community (RE) classes are at 10:15 a.m. Nursery and toddler care is always available during our worship service. Learn about our program here. Current news here.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
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Are you viewing Front Steps via Gmail? If so, please know that, depending on your device, Gmail truncates the newsletter and you have to intentionally scroll down and click to see the entire issue.
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We’ve all heard the saying, “The only thing constant is change.” And one of the gifts of our “living tradition” is its adaptiveness and responsiveness to the world we live in. Our non-dogmatic faith allows us to evolve and meet new challenges. But during times of grief, transition, or broken trust, many of us cling for something solid to hold onto. This Sunday we’ll explore the “constants” we can put our faith and trust in as Unitarian Universalists.
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Minister's ColumnBuilding Trust to Lead Together
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As we explore the journey of trust this month, I am reflecting on the adage: change moves at the speed of trust. That is one reason that changes in a church community happen more slowly than in other spaces you may move. Our church is not a building, it is a web of relationships.
These relationships are between and among congregants of all ages, between and among staff and congregants, between and among staff members, and between and among the various committees, programs, and teams. The health of these relationships and their ability to move things forward has everything to do with building trust between and among our people. Today, I’d like to take the time to share a glimpse of how our staff team is working to build trust together in order to better serve you and our mission...MORE
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What's Ahead for Your Board of Trustees
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The Board set goals at our October meeting that address the shared desire to review our governance, increase transparency and connection between the Board and the congregation, offer more opportunities for connection within the community, and support our still-new Senior Minister.
Your Board of Trustees strongly supports Rev. Miller.
Attempts by a small group of congregants to remove her from her position and divide our congregation would be harmful to First Unitarian now and well into the future, and will not succeed. Rev. Miller’s leadership is key to our efforts and success.
A small group of congregants has requested the entire voting membership list including everyone’s contact information (name, mailing address and email). The Board is taking this request under discernment and getting assistance from legal counsel. We are not fulfilling this request during our period of discernment and counsel. We will keep you, the members, informed as we progress on this issue.
Our Board Goals. They are the result of discernment over recent years, and focused conversation at our Board retreat in August. There is significant alignment between the Board’s goals and input from the Listening Circles, input from Community Conversations last year, and communication from congregants, including those who have been protesting. For the full list of goals, visit the Board page here.
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TOMORROW — Honor and Experience the Themes of the Jewish High Holy Days
Friday, October 11, 7 - 8 p.m.
Location: Eliot ChapelÂ
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Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement): Join us for a 7 p.m. evening service on Friday, October 11, in Eliot Chapel to reflect on the work of repair and choosing life. Homily by Rev. Leah Ongiri.
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| The Right Relations Formation Task Force Has Started Its Work
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Our Board of Trustees’ Governance Committee has begun work to create a Right Relations process within our community. The purpose of a “right relations” process is generally understood as a method to help a congregation practice faithful communication and creative conflict based on values of mutuality and consent.
The Governance Committee’s “Right Relations Formation Task Force” held its first meeting on Sunday, September 29. Governance Committee members Cathy Tortorici and John Bishop will serve on the Task force. John is the Governance Committee Chair and Cathy serves on the committee as a non-Board member volunteer. Congregant volunteers Jody Feldman, Kathy Ludlow, and Lauren MacNeill have agreed to join the Task Force to assist with their special expertise and experience.
The Task Force will develop a proposal for establishing a Right Relations Committee and the process such a committee would follow. After the Governance Committee reviews and approves their final proposal, it will be presented to the Board. The Task Force and Governance Committee will provide regular updates about this process in the coming weeks.
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UPDATE — Souper Sunday Potluck
Sunday, October 13, 11:45 a.m.
Location: Fuller Hall
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This weekend we are experimenting with a Souper Sunday with request for potluck sides to supplement. This is meant to provide a light lunch to help make it through the afternoon while participating in church activities.
We will offer a gluten-free chicken & rice soup and a vegan tomato soup. There will be approximately forty 8-oz servings of each soup available.
What to bring:
- Breads
- Treats
- Snacks/sides
- Kid-friendly prepackaged drinks
There will be single-use options available only for use in the Buchan building. Bowls, plates, and cutlery will be available for use only in Daisy Bingham and Fuller Hall. Please consider bringing your own containers and utensils to be more environmentally friendly.
Lunch can be picked up starting at 11:45 a.m. Meetings will begin at 12:15 p.m. You can take your lunch to your meeting room!
There will be waste cans and bussing carts in the Buchan Atrium and in Fuller Hall. Please return any used items to the stations and dispose of waste.
Do not leave food or plates in classrooms.
P.S. – If you are someone that likes to make soup or likes to organize fun events like this one, please contact Jen Thomas to discuss volunteering. With participation from the church community, we can make these types of meals occur more frequently!Â
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NEW! — Last Sunday for UU the Vote Letters
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Our UU the Vote letter writing is finishing strong! On Sunday, Reverend Alison will bless the over 12,500 letters our congregation has written to Arizona and Georgia voters. Next week we'll send them on their way to support hearts and minds for abortion rights, for climate justice, for democracy!
Sunday is the last day to return letters to the UU the Vote table. We have stamps and envelopes available to help. If you still have letters at home, please finish and mail them yourself, just as soon as you can. Please also let us know how many you've sent by writing to UUtheVote@firstunitarianportland.org. If you won’t have time, bring them to church Sunday and drop at the UU the Vote table. We will get them done.
Thanks for being part of this collective effort! The inherent worth and dignity of all citizens is supported by free and fair elections. We live out our values in this work.
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Thank you to everyone who participated in the Listening Circles recently. We learned a great deal about what people are thinking and feeling and received many suggestions for how we might go forward in strengthening our Church together. You'll find the Executive Summary of these sessions here.
This Sunday, we will be holding the final two in-person circles (11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.) and one more online circle (1 - 3 p.m.). Sign up here, indicating whether you want to attend in person or online.
We again ask that if you have already attended a Circle, please do not sign up so that others to have the opportunity to attend. If sign-ups exceed the space available, seats will be allotted based on the order in which people submitted their requests.
We would also like to offer the opportunity for you to request a "Listening Duo" with a Lay Minister to talk one-on-one about the three questions that were posed at the Circles and share your thoughts, feelings, and ideas for the future.
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Join the community of parents at First Unitarian and share stories, wisdom, and explore spiritual reflection. These circles are great for long time families and new-comers alike to build community with those who share a parenting journey. The first date will be this Sunday.
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The 100th Anniversary of Eliot Chapel:Â A Journey Through Time with the Organs of First Unitarian Church
Sunday, October 13, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Location:Â Eliot Chapel
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Come enjoy Joe's recital and discussion on the two organs that have graced our Eliot Chapel, with digressions on the original and current sanctuary instruments.
In 1924, it was realized that a new church would need new music. An organ was shipped from Estey Organ company in Brattleboro, Vermont, on August 7. Installation took two weeks. Two hundred new hymn books were donated and “Forward Through the Ages” was sung on November 16, 1924. Sixty years later the church supported ten choirs—including three bell choirs— all performing in Eliot Chapel. And by 1986 three children’s choirs were singing there too.
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Community Circle Drop-In Groups!
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Mark your calendars and drop in for discussion on our monthly themes:
- This Sunday – Trust. Room B101 at 11:45 a.m.
- November 10 – Story. Room B101 at 11:45 a.m.
- December 8 – Mystery. Room B304 at 11:45 a.m.
All are welcome to join for discussion and engagement! You are welcome to bring a snack and beverage. Class time is about 90 minutes.
Please note that room assignments are subject to change. Check our kiosk screens on the specific meeting day to confirm which room will be used.
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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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NEXT WEEK — A 2024 Election Information Session: Love at the Center of Immigration
Tuesday, October 15, 6 - 7 p.m.
Location:Â Zoom
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Immigration policy is an important topic for this Presidential election. We invite you to join this online forum to hear from several immigration experts about the policies of the Obama, Trump, and Biden Administrations and how the 2024 presidential candidates would change immigration in the US. Our speakers will also address what is needed for a safe, just, and humane immigration system.
Panelists will present their on-the-ground knowledge of immigration issues in Oregon, and answer questions from the Zoom participants.
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POSTPONED:Â Membership Orientation Series: Our Learning Community
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We are postponing the October 13 membership and Learning Community info session due to all the activity and classes offered at the same time. Keep an eye out for the new date announcement in a future Front Steps.
If you are new to Learning Community, I encourage you to drop in to Parenting Circles or a general community circle for anyone interested. Both take place on October 13 after the service.
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Our new church year has begun, a time to rededicate ourselves to each other and our community. As the Board looks to the year ahead, we are grateful for the Listening Circle sessions that have been so well attended and lovingly facilitated by our Lay Ministers and Board members. An additional session is in the works.
The conversation at the two sessions I’ve attended were heart-felt and reflected a range of viewpoints, reflections on our history, and hopes for our future. It’s also striking how similar they are to Board discussions...MORE
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NEW! — Notes from the Sextons' Workbench: October 2024
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The equinox has come and I’m falling for autumn. I love the autumn. I was born in September. Did you know that in the Journal of Aging Research, they found that babies born during the fall are more likely to live to 100 than those born during the rest of the year combined? The word “equinox” comes from the Latin equi (meaning equal) and nox (meaning night). Equal day, equal night...MORE
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NEW! — October 13 Newsletter
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In a late summer New York Times piece, surgeon general Dr.
Vivek H. Murthy called the stress and other mental health
challenges faced by parents a public health crisis.
As the working parent of four kids, I agree! It can be hard to
find language or opportunity to tell the truth about what it’s
like, and sometimes it doesn’t seem worth the risk to try.
However, feeling supported by trusted listeners can encourage
us...MORE
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Final Stretch! — Call Voters to Get Out the Vote!
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UU the Vote is hosting weekly phonebanks leading up to the election - join us!
We offer training at the start of every session (and of course, experienced phonebankers can just jump right in!)
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CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel, 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.
Sweet Honey in the Rock is a three-time Grammy-nominated, all-women, all-Black a capella troupe who express their history as Black women through song, dance, and sign language. In 1990, they performed "Peace" at the Voices Festival in Maastricht, the Netherlands. To listen, watch the video below:
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In the Community
Chancel flowers this Sunday celebrate the first birthday of Mathilda Copeland on October 16. Tilly's proud grandparents are members Sharon Copeland and David Hoffman.
Patricia Owens, sister of member Ruth Lewellen-Dix, died on September 30 at age 89 in Columbia, TN. Pat had lived with the effects of a stroke for the last seven years. She is the last of Ruth’s three siblings to pass in the last four years.
We hold Rhionne Morris, who grew up at First Unitarian and now works in the nursery. Rhionne shares that her grandmother, Miriam "Mim" Orleans, died last week at the age of 97. Mim was a professor at the University of Colorado teaching epidemiology and biometrics, a world traveler, and an accomplished pianist who spoke several languages. We hold Rhionne and her family in our thoughts and prayers.
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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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September/October Art Wall Exhibitions Art Wall
Photographs by Sam Muller
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Sam's images capture the essence of the raw Elements of Japanese Garden design, such as rock, water, plant, sand, bamboo, cedar, and the seasons. Enjoy Sam's photographs in Fuller Hall in the months of September and October.
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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Caregivers Support Group: Open to Newcomers. Fourth Sunday of each month at 9 a.m. via Zoom.
Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD): We meet on the fourth Sunday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Fireside and via Zoom. Contact Marni.
Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO): We meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month after services. Contact Cynthia for details or to be added to our email list.
Community for Earth (CFE):Â We meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month before worship services (hybrid) and on the 4th week of the month at rotating times. Contact our group or visit our calendar for details.
Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG): Check the IJAG page on the church website for ways to get involved and groups that need our energy and gifts. For meeting info, contact Laurie.
Lotsa Helping Hands: A care calendar that enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times. To join, send a request here. For questions or to receive support, contact Leslie or Susan.
Mental Health Caregivers Group: Second Wednesday every month via Zoom 7 - 8:30 p.m. Email Ellen for more information.
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: Sojourners and Sojourners 2 are two groups that meet for two hours at First Unitarian. Members support each other through aging with facilitated discussions, activities, personal stories, and social events, fostering growth and friendship. All are welcome, but both groups are limited in size; no drop-ins, please. Email Lucy with questions.
"T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: Meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room at 12 - 1 p.m.
Wednesday Night Meditation: Every week from 7 - 8:30 p.m. All mindfulness and Buddhist-based meditations. Beginners welcome. A thirty-five-minute meditation followed by a member-led discussion to increase understanding and integration of Buddhist principles into our daily lives. For the link, contact Robert.
Women's Circle II:Â Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month. Email Anne.
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Got something for Front Steps? Send in your church-related submission for our weekly publication. Use "Front Steps" as the subject line and submit here.
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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For the month of October we are sharing our plate with the Unitarian Universalist Association's Disaster Relief Fund. The scale of destruction in the wake of Hurricane Helene has been utterly devastating to many communities in the southeastern United States. Some Unitarian Universalist congregations have been seriously impacted and others are still trying to assess the damage. You can help support Unitarian Universalists and their communities as they recover from this storm by giving generously to the UUA’s Disaster Relief Fund.
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| This Week's Shower Project Requests
Your donations make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. All donations are greatly appreciated. At this time, we are in special need of the following items:
- Plastic grocery bags with handles
- Mens jeans and pants (all sizes)
- Winter coats and rainwear
- Mens sneakers and boots (all sizes)
- Disposable razors
- Granola bars
Our page includes a list of our most frequently-needed items.
Please bring your items to donate to the cabinet in Fuller Hall, next to the kitchen. Thank you for your support!
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| Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and stay engaged!
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