Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
🎵 Singing Sunday after the service 🎵
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 and read RE news here.
Social Hour:Â Fuller Hall after the service.
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| If the weather looks "iffy" and you're wondering if Church activities will carry on, be sure to check our website!
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When is it acceptable to cry in public? What national tragedies merit the flag being flown at half-staff? Who has access to bereavement leave when a loved one dies? Although it seems like a deeply personal topic, there are many social conventions dictating when and how we grieve. Two weeks ago, Rev. Alison spoke movingly about the ways we are navigating grief around the political situation in America right now. This week, we will reflect on how grief itself is a political act, with political dimensions.Â
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Minister's Blog
Growing Our Roots and Our Wings
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I wasn’t at church on Sunday, but I often make sure to tune in afterwards if I can’t be in the sanctuary. For me, worship is a way to center myself in our faith community. I feel more connected to you all and my own spirit when I know we’re pondering the same questions, chewing on the same topics, or feeling lifted by the sound of the same choir anthem during the week. And I’m so grateful for the staff and technology that make it easy to tune in remotely!
So while other passengers were watching the Super Bowl pre-game, I put on my headphones and listened to Rev. Alison’s sermon on Black Humanism while waiting for my flight to board. It had been a long weekend of travel and meetings and my late evening flight was delayed. I was feeling tired and irritable, but as I listened, my mood shifted. I had studied black humanism in Divinity School, but the sermon taught me new things and helped me look at it in a new way. It was energizing to learn something new, to challenge my own belief system (which leans in a more theistic direction) and to dig into a different framework for meaning-making and liberation. I begin to feel a sense of possibility and imagination that maybe there are ways of centering love and justice that I haven’t even considered!...MORE
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Help Your Board - Complete This Survey, Please!
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Your Board of Trustees is conducting a congregational survey as part of our annual evaluation of the church and our ministry.Â
Responses will inform planning for the future, including preparation for a long range planning process.
This year’s questionnaire is modeled on past surveys that had very high response rates, so we can track changes over time.
If you prefer a paper version, stop by the Board table during Social Hour this Sunday.Â
Thank you!
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Join Our Match 2025 Campaign
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| We are incredibly fortunate to have $60,000 in matching gifts to challenge us to rise up and meet our Annual Fund goal. The amount you give will be matched dollar for dollar up to $60,000. Your gift goes twice as far! Thank you!
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NEW! — Singing Sunday
Most 3rd Sundays, during Social Hour
Location: Fuller Hall and Daisy Bingham
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Announcing Singing Sundays! On most 3rd Sundays during the church year, come together in song and community in Fuller Hall after the service. All ages and abilities are welcome.
This Sunday, add your voice as we learn a few protest movement songs with Rich S. and Gilda L.
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Climate Teach-in: Acting to Address Climate Change
Sunday, February 16, 11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception
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Learn the latest on climate related legislation in Oregon from 350PDX. This teach-in is open to anyone who wants to learn how to talk to their legislator!
A light lunch will be served.
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NEW! — Join Community for Earth to Thank County Commissioners
Sunday, February 16, during Social Hour
Location: Fuller Hall
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Drop by the CFE table after church service to sign thank you postcards to Multnomah County Commissioners for their work on an important safety ordinance. We also urge them to prompt enactment of the ordinance that will apply to owners of fossil fuel storage tanks in the Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub. It will require financial assurance to cover damages after releases of fossil fuels and other toxic substances after an earthquake.
The CEI hub is a six-mile stretch of industrial development along the west shore of the Willamette River. More than 90% of all liquid fuel in Oregon is stored at facilities in the CEI Hub. This includes the gas and diesel supply for the Portland metro area, as well as all of the jet fuel for the Portland International Airport. Other hazardous materials are also stored at the CEI Hub.
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Visit our Beacon Bookstore in Fuller Hall
Every Sunday during Social Hour
Location: Fuller Hall
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Yes! Rev. Alison, the Bookstore folks were listening to your sermon! Soon to arrive (we can't promise them for Sunday, February 16), are books by Anthony Pinn, PhD, Professor of Religion at Rice University: The Black Practice of Disbelief; Master Class on Being Human: A Black Christian and a Black Secular Humanist on Religion, Race, and Justice; and Writing God’s Obituary: How a Good Methodist Became a Better Atheist.Â
We expect to have copies of the Humanist Manifesto III (2003), a free monograph, in stock this Sunday. Also on order: Humanist Manifesto 2000 by Paul Kurtz, Everybody’s Protest Novel by James Baldwin, My People by Langston Hughes, Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman, and two books for children: Jimmy’s Rhythm and Blues: The Extraordinary Life of James Baldwin by Michelle Meadows, and Amanda Gorman’s Girls on the Rise.
Your Beacon Bookstore is very happy to order books for you (or your book club), with 35% of the profit going right to the Church’s general fund! We purchase from a wholesaler for independent bookstores and can access just about anything currently in print from cookbooks to motorcycle repair, from board books for babies to books banned in K-12 schools, from biography to Gothic romance novels.
Ask at the Bookstore table on Sunday during Social Hour. Our Bookstore volunteers include a bunch of former librarians and teachers and other subversives!
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REGISTER NOW — Journey to Articulating Your Faith: A Spiritual Development Opportunity for People in Their 20s and 30s
Second and fourth Thursdays beginning February 27, 7 - 9 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Portland (in person)
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Join Rev. Alison and Danielle Garrett for an 8-session course of theological exploration and discovery for young adults. Together, we will trace our spiritual paths, explore our understandings of the sacred, human nature, and religious practice, and develop our personal credos: an expression of our most sacred beliefs and fundamental values that guide our lives. We will also get a chance to learn a little more about Unitarian Universalist history and build community with one another!
Dates:Â February 27, March 13, March 27, April 10, April 24, May 8, May 22, June 12.
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Connect & Reflect!
Every Tuesday from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Location: Zoom
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Every Tuesday, come share in conversation centered on the topic of the most recent sermon. Look for the discussion question on our Sunday morning preservice slides and Order of Service.
Join here. Save the Zoom link—it'll work every week!
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GET TICKETS NOW — The 2025 Sewell Lecture
Saturday, March 1, 3 - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Main Sanctuary (1211 SW Main St)
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Are We a Sanctuary Congregation?
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The first two weeks of the second Trump presidency have been distressing, at best, as we learn about the rollback of human and civil rights protections in the U.S. Many congregants have been asking if we are a "Sanctuary Church", and if not, what would we need to do to become one...MORE
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NEW! — Online Greeters Wanted
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Attention: tech-savvy people wanted! We are looking for a small team of folks that would like to be online greeters. The purpose would be to engage with folks during the service that are attending online. Interested? Contact Jen Thomas for more information.
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Floaters Wanted for Front Office Team
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We are looking for floaters who can occasionally fill in for our regular front office volunteers who need a day off from time to time. Regular shifts are Monday-Thursday from either 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 1 - 4 p.m. Basic computer and telephone skills required.
Volunteering in the office is a great way to get to know our ministers and staff, and to learn all about what's happening at the church. If any of these shifts are possible for you on a "now and then" basis, please email John Rosette, or call him at 503-228-6389 x102.
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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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NEW! — Join the Journey in Membership
Sunday, March 2, following the service
Location: Channing A101
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Are you ready to deepen your connection with our faith community? Are you interested in making a deeper commitment to First Unitarian Church? Then please join Rev. Alison Miller and Jen Thomas, Member Engagement Coordinator, at our upcoming "Considering Membership" class on March 2! This class is designed for anyone considering taking the next step towards membership. It's a wonderful opportunity to:
- Ask questions about membership and stewardship
- Receive necessary paperwork
- Learn more about the membership process and if ready, you can sign the membership record book!
The decision to become a member is a very individual one, and we want to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed choice.
We would love to have you join our journey in membership! For more information, please contact Jen Thomas.
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NEW! — Learn about Activism for Peace in the Middle East
Tuesday, February 25, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception
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Are you disturbed by the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza with over 50,000 Palestinians killed and rampant human rights violations? Are you upset about the billions of United States dollars in unconditional military aid to Israel? Were you appalled by President Trump's call for ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza? Are you ready to learn what UUs can do to work for peace and human rights in Palestine/Israel?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, we hope you will join us on Tuesday, February 25th to learn about Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) and how we can take action together. UUJME was founded in 1971 to educate and mobilize UUs to greater understanding and action for a just peace in Palestine/Israel. There are over 12 UUJME chapters with over 2,000 members.
In June of 2024, the UUA General Assembly adopted an Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) called Solidarity with Palestinians. Our work is made more urgent by the calls for ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the increase in violence and forced removal of Palestinians in the West Bank. We hope that you will join our efforts in alignment with this denominational call to action.
Join us on February 25th to learn more about UUJME and to get to know other congregants who are seeking community as we work for peace and human rights. Let us know if you are coming, or if you can't come but want to stay informed, by filling out this RSVP.
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An Exciting Shower Project Update!
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Our Shower Project is excited to announce we have opened for an additional day each week. The new hours of operation are:
- Wednesdays from 12 - 4 p.m.
- Thursdays from 12 - 3 p.m.
Thank you to all who are volunteering time and energy, donating clothing, providing lunches, and otherwise helping to keep this ministry going.
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Auction 2025 is Coming Up!
Donations start March 23, bidding starts April 20
Location: Online
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A special thanks to all donors and participants of Auction 2024, Zap the Gap, Too. Last year's auction raised over $60,000, our best year ever! It was because of your generosity and we're so grateful.
Now... mark your calendar for the latest edition of Creating Connections: Auction 2025! Donations start March 23 so start thinking of how you want to contribute. Online bidding starts April 20 and continues through May 4. Join us! Look for more information in Front Steps to come.
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NEW! SAVE THE DATE — Workshop: Successful Transitions in Aging
Saturday, March 8, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Buchan Reception
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A Process of Personal Introspection and Practical Planning
Aging is inevitably a time of slowing down and presents us with unique challenges. Yet aging is also a time ripe with possibilities for change and growth. Folks of any age are invited to join the UU Men’s Community for a half-day workshop which will be presented in two parts: First, we will connect with one another, exploring our hopes, fears and strategies for making the most of the years still ahead of us. Second, we will look at the nuts and bolts of estate planning and end-of-life health decisions. Cathy Hall, member of the board of directors of the Oregon Memorial Association, will join us to describe the services OMA provides. She will include an overview of OMA’s comprehensive end-of-life planning workshop, All’s Well That Ends Well, which is offered monthly.
Stay tuned for registration details in next week's Front Steps e-news.
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First, many thanks to the 80+ congregants who attended the All Church Forum on January 26!
We heard a check-in from Rev. Alison on congregational life, an update on the Annual Fund Drive, priorities for the 2025-2026 budget, and introductory information on two proposed changes to the church bylaws. Also – you may have heard about the $60,000 matching gift available to the church now. Make a new pledge, increase your existing pledge, or make a one-time gift... and it will be doubled dollar-for-dollar up to $60,000! Learn more here.
See the presentation and additional information on the bylaws changes here.
Second, look for our annual Congregational Survey. Complete the survey online (see the article above for the link) or pick up a printed copy at church on Sunday. This survey is part of the Board’s evaluation of our church’s ministry. Make your voice heard: how are we living into our mission and long range goals? Read more about them in the Board Governing Policies here.
Finally, read an update on the Board’s activities this year and a look ahead to the future here.
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CHECK WEEKLY — February 16 Newsletter
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Singing: An All-Ages Spiritual Practice. Add your voice as we learn a few protest movement songs with Rich and Gilda. 3rd Sunday of the month after the service in Fuller Hall and Daisy Bingham. Everyone welcome! Hope to see you soon!...MORE
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NEW! — COHHO Meeting This Sunday
Sunday, February 16, 11:45 a.m.
Location: Channing, A101
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Please join us for our February meeting this Sunday at 11:45 in the Channing Room. We will take the opportunity to discuss our co-sponsorship with the Shower Project of a showing of the film "No Place to Grow Old" on March 16; Avalon Village; the Shower Project; and Oregon Legislature advocacy. We welcome your participation!
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NEW! — Forum: How Do We Protect Immigrants in Our Community? Part 2
Tuesday, March 4, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
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This second session in our three-part series will focus on legislative advocacy. We want to be informed, prepared, and ready for action, as the Oregon legislative session progresses. Through an anti-racist lens, we will explore strategic ways we can act in solidarity to promote and defend the rights and human dignity of immigrants and other marginalized communities in our state. Watch the First Unitarian Church e-newsletter, Front Steps, for information about our panelists. And please plan to join us!
It's not too late to see Part 1! On January 28, more than 150 people participated in the first session, which featured informational presentations by VOZ Workers' Rights Education Project, Innovation Law Lab, and Oregon for All Coalition. The recording of that session is available here on YouTube.
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UPDATE — Ongoing Need for Food Donations to Lift UP
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Last week we delivered 46 pounds of food that you donated to Lift UP. Thank you so much! As the need is ongoing, please continue thinking of this organization that does such outstanding work when you shop for groceries. High protein foods like nut butter, beans, salmon or tuna would be greatly appreciated (check the expiration date).Â
Drop off your donations to the COHHO cabinet in Fuller Hall (by the kitchen) and we will deliver them to Lift UP. Every action we all take—big or small—is one step closer to a Portland where no one is hungry. You can also donate directly to them on their website. Thank you!Â
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CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel G., 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.
Dirt! The Movie is a 2009 American documentary film directed by filmmakers Gene Rosow and Bill Benenson and narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis. It was inspired by William Bryant Logan's book Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth. Starring several prominent environmentalists, the film explores the relationship between humans and soil, including its necessity for human life and impacts by society. In this beautifully animated clip titled "I will be a hummingbird," Wangari Maathai tells an inspiring tale of doing the best you can under seemingly interminable odds. To watch, click the video below:
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In the Community
Flowers last Sunday commemorated what would have been the 72nd birthday of the Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs on February 4th. Janne died one year ago on February 14 and is cherished and missed by her children, Jessie, Jonah, and Hannah; their partners and children; and her many friends.
A celebration of life for long-time member Martha Westgate will be held on February 24, which would have been her 90th birthday. Martha died on May 31, 2024. She was one of the founding members of our church's 7th Principle Group, now called Community for Earth. Martha and her husband John were active members of our church for many decades. The service will be held online at 4 p.m. so relatives in West Virginia and California can attend. Sign up here to receive a link for the service.
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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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January/February Art Wall Exhibitions
Artwork by Paula Bullwinkel
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Paula Bullwinkel is a narrative and figurative painter. Her female characters and beast-familiars are often in a doppelgänger tableau, suggesting an unsettling and boisterous multiverse. She has exhibited widely, including Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Oakland, Switzerland, and Portland. Born in Northern California, she spent her childhood making miniature clay animals and figures in her mom's ceramic studio, reading classic fairytales, and playing for hours in the woods with imaginary characters. After earning a bachelor's degree in literature from UC Berkeley (and later a master's in art education), Bullwinkel spent years in New York and London as an editorial fashion photographer. Now she paints and lives in Portland.
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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 T.
Connect & Reflect:Â Join Rev. Alison Miller and Jen Thomas every Tuesday from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. on Zoom. Come share in conversation centered on the topic of the most recent sermon. Look for the discussion question during preservice slides and order of service.
Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO): We meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month after services. Contact Cynthia S 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.
Contemplative Practices: First Thursdays (in Channing, A101) and third Thursdays (in Buchan Reception, B101) from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. This is a drop-in group. Any silent sitting practice is welcomed and no prior meditation experience is needed. Contact Patty C and Ron or visit the event page for more information.
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 L.
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 C or Susan P.
Mental Health Caregivers Group: Second Wednesday every month via Zoom 7 - 8:30 p.m. Email Ellen Z 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 G with questions.
Souper Sunday Committee: Once a month, we offer two different soups as part of our Social Hour. It takes a lot of folks to put on Souper Sunday every month: organizers, cooks, servers, shoppers and clean up team to name a few. We are appreciative of all that volunteer. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Barbara M.
"T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Eclusive Gathering: A group for anyone that identifies along the transgender spectrum. There are no requirements for medical transition status or gender presentation to attend. People who are questioning their gender and parents of trans kids (and their kids, too!) are welcome. We meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room, shortly after the service until around 1:00 PM. Questions? Email Aileen.
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 S.
Women's Circle II:Â Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim S.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month. Email Anne M.
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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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| February's
Shared Plate
In response to the devastating wildfires, and the impact of other climate change disasters such as Hurricane Helene, for the month of February we share our plate with the UUA Disaster Relief Fund. The Fund is part of a covenant—a covenant between the UUA and congregations, between congregations who give generously and those in need, and with community partners. Through aiding our congregations, their members, and their community partners, we embody our faith and values. The UUA shares that the Disaster Relief Fund is currently at its lowest level since it was started in 2017. Our commitment to this shared plate will help sustain this fund going forward.
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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:
- Coffee creamer
- Men's pants (30-35)
- Leggings
- Belts (all sizes)
- Sports bras (S)
- Plastic or cloth bags with handles
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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