Sunday Live Streaming ServiceSunday, May 24: 10:15 a.m.
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Healing for These Times
Rev. Mira Mickiewicz
Living in the midst of chaos and pandemic, each of us is called to the constant work of bringing healing to ourselves, our communities, and the world, in ways small and large. What practices of trust and healing are carrying us now and in days to come?
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Bill's Blog Looking Forward
As energy builds to “re-open” the nation, the question for First Unitarian is when we might imagine “re-opening” the church. When can we return to worshipping in the sanctuary? When can we open our campus for programming and rentals, for rites of passage and community events? When can we get back to “normal?”
Several weeks ago, we announced that Sunday worship would continue only on-line through the summer.
We have just made the difficult decision that we should not plan to return to the sanctuary for worship in the fall. First Unitarian will plan for on-line only worship through the next church year.
A number of factors were important in that decision:
Multnomah County has not even moved into Phase 1 of Governor Brown’s 3 Phase recovery plan. Phase 1 will allow gatherings of 25. Will we avoid a second wave of the virus and move into Phase 2 (which may allow gatherings of 100) by the fall? There is no guarantee, but that is the very best we can plan for...Continued
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First Unitarian's Response to COVID-19
Here are a few important updates that affect our life together:
Staying Connected
Church Communications: Do you receive messages from the church including this weekly enews and our Staying Connected emails? To receive church emails send a note to etafuri@firstunitarianportland.org.
Sunday Worship
We will be offering virtual worship at 10:15 a.m. until further notice.
Coffee Hour with the Ministers
Wednesday at 8 a.m., join the ministers and fellow congregants on zoom for a simple spiritual check-ins. To join click here. Password: FirstU#
For other ways to connect through classes and small groups, see offerings in this enews.
Community Justice and Service
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Looking Ahead: Wellspring at First Unitarian with Rev. Thomas Disrud
Would you like the opportunity to engage in spiritual deepening within our Unitarian Universalist tradition? Would you like to learn more about yourself, others, and our faith through a 10- month small group experience? Each year, many members of our church participate in this amazing journey.
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Nourishing the Spirit: Practice for the Long Haul
Saturday, May 23, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: Virtual Class
In community we reawaken the hope, imagination, and passion that sustains us as we work to build the world we see in our dreams. Join us for a rejuvenating class with Rev. Katherine Jesch.
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Uncovering our Resilience, Gratitude and Connections During COVID-19
Wednesday, May 27, 10–11 a.m.
Location: Virtual Class
Facilitator: Paul Iarrobino is the founder of Our Bold Voices. Paul helps individuals harness their inner strengths to remove barriers and rediscover their purpose.
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Advocating for Global Health
in the Time of COVID-19
Location: Virtual Zoom Event
Thursday, May 28, 11 a.m.
The amazing gains over the last 20 years in preventing and treating diseases are at risk, at the same time as climate change impacts are leading to risk of malnutrition and famine.
Engage in national advocacy and support of on-the-ground organizations.
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Dealing with Loss During COVID-19
Friday, May 29, 1:30–3 p.m.
Join us for a special storytelling session on loss. This 90 minute informal discussion is geared towards older adults.
Facilitator: Paul Iarrobino is the founder of Our Bold Voices. Through storytelling, Paul helps individuals harness their inner strengths.
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Mental Health Caregivers Group
Virtual meetings second Tuesday of each month, 7–8:30 p.m.
Starts Tuesday, June 9
Living with someone who has been diagnosed with a mental illness can be very difficult and stressful. If someone in your life has been diagnosed with a mental illness and you provide care for them, being part of a support network may be helpful. This group is facilitated by NAMI-trained First Unitarian Portland Lay Ministers.
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Ancestral Connection: Healing Through Storytelling
Wednesday, June 10 at 5 p.m.
Location: Virtual Zoom Event
Building a world where all people can be their whole selves invites us to be our whole selves as we build.” Resonance Network. Together, we will explore ancestral wisdom of healing through the art of storytelling. Storytelling is a way to access our wholeness and makes deep relationships possible. Join us for a session of reflection and deep connection.
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Join the Sack Lunch Bunch!
A Volunteers Quick Highlight
By Donna Richards, Congregant
A great way to contribute in the safety of your home on the East side. The Lunch Bunch has some dedicated people who provide lunch sacks daily to the houseless community.
I chose 20 lunch sacks, but 10 is great too. Peanut butter and jelly, tuna, egg salad or any type of filling sandwich, a bag of chips, a water or juice, fruit, an energy bar and some candy. Even write a warm note! I loaded up my sacks the night prior and in the morning made my tuna sandwiches adding some sweet pickles and I placed on the front porch.
They let me know when they were on coming and poof the sandwiches and treats were on their way! It’s contributing in a meaningful way without having to interact with another person and really a breeze once you pick up the food.
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The Emanuel Displaced Persons Association (EDPA2) Advocates for Restitution
On April 27, 2020, First Unitarian Portland and Havurah Shalom hosted EDPA2 for a virtual Q&A event: Reclaiming Stolen Black Lands in the Whitest CIty. EDPA2 thanks the interfaith team sponsoring the event, including Reverend Bill Sinkford, Rabbi Benjamin of Havurah Shalom and Rahsaan Muhamamad of Nation of Islam as well as Visual Historian Bobby Fouther of Bobby Fouther Art. Ms. Byrd of EDPA2 was the key presenter.
Our support of the Survivors and Descendants of EDPA2 continues. We invite you to learn more and add your support:
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Help Us Reach Our Goal of 2,000 Masks!
Immigrant Justice Action Group Provides Masks to Bienestar
Last week IJAG delivered 200 masks to Bienestar and the next batch of 800 is in the works! First Unitarian congregants and friends graciously contributed almost $9000 to Bienestar through the April Sunday plate offering. Upon hearing this news, Bienestar asked to purchase more masks from Jean Pierre Nugloze for the use of their residents. In return, Jean Pierre has donated even more masks to the cause.
Yes, we are a community of mutuality! The mask-making project and household items collection continues! Thank you for your support.
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Speaking of Justice Weekly Update
News. Urgent Community Needs. Actions & Advocacy.
"Love calls us to the sacred work of seeking justice.” This is the core of our social justice covenant at First Unitarian Portland. As we adapt our organizing and actions to this period of physical distancing, the sacred work of justice continues. Click for updates and articles from our Social Justice Program and our Social Justice Action Groups.
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All Ages Service Project - Get involved at home!
In March, we had planned to gather in the Learning Community to learn about and take part in The Butterfly Effect: Migration is Beautiful project. While we can no longer meet in body to share this experience together, here is a video which will include opportunities to engage with this important effort at home. When we are all together again, we’ll all be able to combine what we’ve created. Please explore the project website.
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Summer Chalice Camp Canceled
It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of Chalice Camp this summer for our children and youth that was to take place this July.
Portland Parks & Recreation has canceled all permitted park events through September which includes our camps. We support and understand this decision with consideration to the health and safety of our community during this pandemic.
We are so sorry for the hardship this may cause for our families who were counting on this program. We hope to offer Chalice Camp II: Identity and Justice next summer.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
Member Sonya Wedin is in palliative care at Good Samaritan Hospital. She has lived with lung cancer for a number of years and that has spread to her bones and liver. She is in the hospital so they can try to manage the pain, which has been almost unbearable sometimes. They are still trying chemotherapy to shrink the tumors. She requests prayers and would appreciate cards.
Please pray for Bria Hendricks, the building manager where congregant Felicia Cinquemani resides. She will be undergoing surgery this week and then three more in June.
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May 2020 Board of Trustees Moderator Letter
Greetings,
As we move through spring we continue to have outstanding Sunday services and music which stream to consistently large numbers of people. The YRUU service a few weeks ago had over 900 devices watching! Not only are you watching, you are also supporting with your financial contributions to our Sunday offering. Thank you!
We will have virtual church services for the rest of this church year (June). The Executive Team and staff, in collaboration with the board, are working hard to plan for on-line worship through next church year. Please read Rev Bill’s blog this week for more information.
I’d like to share the results of our Annual Ballot. Our budget and the changes to our Articles and By-laws all passed. I’m happy to introduce three new board members Caitlynn Hill, Adam House and Marilyn Mays; and welcome Alan Comnes for a second term. Returning Nominating Committee members include Julie Grice, Amy Norcom and Steven Storla. And the Foundation Board welcomes Mabsie Walters. Click here for the full results.
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Sunday, May 17 Attendance:
Livestream: 771
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General Assembly Delegates Needed
Saturday, June 24–28
Location: Virtual Participation
The Unitarian Universalist Association, of which First U Portland is a member, hosts an annual General Assembly, in which UU churches in the US are invited to participate, to set priorities and to celebrate Unitarian Universalism.
This year the General Assembly will be held June 24-28, VIRTUALLY rather than live, due to the impacts of COVID-19. First Unitarian Portland is entitled to twenty delegates, based on our membership. The registration fee is $150 but First U can reimburse fully those who request it. We are seeking volunteers, people who are ready, willing, and able to participate as voting delegates.
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Annual Ballot Results
This past Sunday marked the final day of our annual balloting process. We voted on Board, Nominating Committee and Foundation candidates as well as next fiscal year’s budget and amendments to our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. All items passed.
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Faked Email Messages “from Rev. Bill”
Congregants are receiving spoofed email messages from Reverend Bill.
Bill’s email address is bsinkford@firstunitarianportland.org. If the sender’s email isn’t EXACTLY this email address…and you really have to look carefully…it isn’t from Bill! Please only open messages from this email address bsinkford@firstunitarianportland.org.
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Naming First Unitarian Foundation in Your Will or Estate Plan
Help assure the long-term sustainability of this beloved congregation by including First Unitarian Portland in your will or estate plan.
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Do You Have an Item for E-news?
If you have an item you’d like published in our weekly Front Steps (eNews), please submit it here and include in the subject line “For eNews.”
Deadline for submissions is noon on Wednesday.
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| Sunday Livestream
Join us LIVE from your computer or smartphone on Sundays at 10:15 a.m.
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Jump to our program resources!
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May’s Shared Plate
Outside In provides meals, behavioral health, addiction treatment and healthcare for youth and marginalized people experiencing houselessness. During the pandemic response, we also share our space with Outside In for their Food Pantry and Free Food Market.
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Been wanting to know what this church has to offer in this unprecedented time? (Virtually) Show up for events, stay for connection!
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Trying to find connection with those in the congregation with similar interests?
Contact one of the many groups run by members of the church to check in with their meeting schedule and get yourself plugged in.
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Share photos of you watching our Sunday livestream or how your volunteering in your community!
Sharing your photos adds to our media and gives us permission to publish and/or use images for publications and social media content.
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Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Let us know!
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