| Sunday ServicesSunday, July 1: Service at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
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Now What?-Rev. Lena Breen, Summer MinisterWhat is our form of democracy within our church and how can we be “democracy healers” manifesting and activating our understanding of freedom outside our beloved community?
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Bill's Blog returning in August
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Work Is Underway in the SanctuarySummer services are being held in the Eliot Chapel this summer as work takes place in our 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. this 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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Walk the labyrinth this Sunday!
Meditate on July's theme of Democracy-your concerns and your hopes for our democracy. Or walk in silent contemplation, prayer or discernment. Chairs will be available for sitting meditation also. The labyrinth will be open for walking in the Buchan Reception Room at 9:30 a.m. and will close at 1 p.m.
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The commitment of loyal gardening volunteers around our church campus has recently been reinforced by the efforts of a landscaping crew. Previously, the weeds were able to stay ahead of the volunteers, but now with all the beds and tree wells cleaned and covered with mulch, maintaining a well groomed appearance around the block will be simplified and manageable. Master Gardner, Corlene Blue, recently contributed to the project by trimming and pruning the bushes in front of the Channing Room and Eliot Chapel. Walk the campus on Sunday and enjoy the fresh look!
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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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| Taking it to the Streets: First Unitarian Participates in the Families Belong Together Nation-wide Rally
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Saturday, June 30th 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. on the North Park Blocks (center is at NW Everett St at NW 8th Ave.)
This will be a family-friendly rally demanding that we, the United States, reunite families and end family separation and detention. There will be children's activities and events from 10-11 a.m. before the rally speakers begin. Look for your fellow UUs. You are always encouraged to wear your yellow "Side of Love" t-shirts!
More information here at the Families Belong Together Portland Rally Facebook page.
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Take Action to Stop the Proposed Jordan Cove Export Terminal and Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline
Thursday, July 12 - 6:30 Doors open for snacks & tabling
- 7:00 Program starts
First Unitarian Church Portland 1211 SW Main Street - Enter off Salmon between SW 12th and 13th, Buchan Reception
Youth aged 10 and up are encouraged to attend. Record-breaking numbers of public comments and testimony have helped stop previous coal and oil projects in the Pacific Northwest. Now we have an opportunity to stop a 230-mile pipeline through Southern Oregon and a terminal in Coos Bay that would liquefy and export fracked gas from our state. See here for more details.We need your voice! Tell our agencies why you are concerned about these projects and how you would be impacted by the resulting pollution and degradation of our rivers and streams. Note: If you can’t make it on the 12th, same program at Havurah Shalom on July 17 or visit www.nolngexports.org and follow the Take Action link for information on how to write an effective comment from the comfort of your home. Sponsored by: Community for Earth of First Unitarian Church and Stop Fracked Gas PDX.
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Forming a First Unitarian Delegation for Faith Floods the DesertAugust 3–6 First Unitarian's Social Justice Director, Dana Buhl, and members of the Immigrant Justice Action Group will be traveling to the border to join the national religious witness called #Faith Floods the Desert. We will be joining a delegation led by the UU College of Social Justice and No More Deaths / No Más Muertes on August 3-6th. We will join with humanitarian aid workers who provide food and water in the desert and together resist government repression of this life-saving work. First Unitarian would like to encourage young adults to join the delegation. If you are a young adult, are interested and available to join us but would need financial help to come, please email Dana: dbuhl@firstunitarianportland.org.
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July's Art WallIn July and August, the Art Wall Committee members show their work. This year we're featuring a collage titled "Chalice." It was made by 10 UUs at an auction party, using recycled church programs. Come to Fuller Hall and share the joy!
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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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The Adult Programs table in Fuller Hall will be staffed in the month of July. Stop by for Summer program information! Aging Solo
4 Thursdays, starting July 19
1–3 p.m.
Many of us aging into our later years are doing so alone. Through reading, writing and connecting with one another, we will examine the freedoms and the challenges of managing our health and preparing for the unknown in the years ahead to live out our best lives. We will use the book Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old by Joyce Loverde. If there is interest, an ongoing group could continue after class to support one another in the journey. Gentle Yoga in the Evening
Monday and Wednesday evenings
July 9–August 29
5:30 p.m.
A drop-in yoga class for those of all ages and abilities to build body, mind, spirit and community. Meets off-site. $64 for 8 classes or $12 drop-in. Please contact Mary Gear for location, mgear@firstunitarianportland.org.
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First Share Every Sunday
Enjoy every Sunday July 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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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 winter 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 NeededThe cupboards are almost bare at Thirteen Salmon and with one baby and seven little ones we need diapers (all sizes) baby formula, diaper rash ointment, and baby food. Also chicken noodle and tomato soup. Tuna, canned fruit, peanut butter and marinara sauce and Individual applesauce cups. Donna Lane lanedonjer@msn.com for questions. 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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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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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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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: 121
2nd Service: 168
Musicians: 24
Total: 313
Livestream: 68
Grand Total: 381
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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, 8:30–9 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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We share our offering each month with a community organization whose mission is in concert with our own.
Causa is our July shared plate recipient. Causa works to improve the lives of Latino immigrants and their families in Oregon through advocacy, coalition building, leadership development and civic engagement. It envisions a world where all people have the opportunities and resources needed to thrive and a community that welcomes and values the contributions, strengths, and assets of Latino immigrants and their families.
Causa is a member of One Oregon, the statewide immigrant and refugee coalition, and also supports the Oregon Immigration Resource that provides legal resources and Know Your Rights resources.
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