| Sunday ServicesSunday, May 6: Service at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
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A Vision in Formation-Rev. Thomas Disrud, Associate MinisterWithout a vision, the people perish,” it says in scripture. But what does that mean for the times we are living in? As we find our way towards the Beloved Community, what is it we need to give up as well as find? We are making a vision that is always in formation.
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Bill's Blog"The Need for Renewal" As a minister, a religious leader, I have been struggling to understand the response of people of faith to our national politics. Celebration of the National Day of Prayer at the White House this morning featured the predictable conflation of American national pride and God’s purpose. “Faith and Opportunity” was the President’s pairing of the day.
As we watch the moral train wreck of this presidency, I find myself yearning for a return. A return not to some fictional lost Eden of racial and religious purity, but a return to national discourse and decision-making in which moral imperatives are valued at least as much as self-interest. ...Continued
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Foundation "Burn the Mortgage" UpdateSome of you may not have heard the news that was announced from the pulpit on April 8; and we have some “new news” to add as well:
WE DID IT! Not only have we received gifts and pledges sufficient to pay off the entire mortgage on our Buchan Building, but the actual payoff was made on April 27. We are now debt-free! Great thanks to all the individuals and families who made this possible. And great thanks to the First Unitarian Foundation Board for their visionary leadership in initiating this effort with the commitment of that significant initial matching gift. Mark your calendars and plan to be in church on Community Sunday, June 10, when we will have a ceremonial burning of the mortgage and celebration!
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2018 “Ramp It Up” Auction – Let the Bidding Begin!
To begin your auction adventure go to the Buchan Reception Hall in Eliot Center from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. this Sunday, May 6th where an enticing array of events, services, and vacation retreats will be awaiting your bid number! Registration for a bid number will be available at the door and printed copies of our auction catalog will be available for a $2 donation. Yummy pies, plants and raffle tickets will also be available for purchase. Click here to see the catalog online in FULL COLOR!
There is still time to be a sponsor and supporter of our mission to make the Sanctuary’s chancel area ADA accessible! Just contact Ron Yoder, ron-marti@msn.com or Pat Malone, pmalone503@gmail.com for information.
Our silent event, service & vacation home auction is scheduled for three Sundays, May 6, 13 & 20, so bid often, bid up and bid to win!
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Membership Enrollment Ceremony
At 10:30 a.m., Channing room (A101). If you are ready to become a member, please bring your completed enrollment and pledge forms. Enrollment kits are located in our literature racks.
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Learn about Our Wellspring Program
Have you heard of the Wellspring program? Join us on Sunday, May 6 at 1 p.m., or on Sunday, May 20, at 11:15 a.m., for an informational meeting about Wellspring. It is a yearlong program of intentional deepening that has been offered at First Unitarian Portland for about five years. You meet with a group twice each month and explore a range of spiritual themes. In addition, participants engage in a daily spiritual practice and meet monthly with a spiritual director or advisor. You can also contact Rev. Tom Disrud at tdisrud@firstunitarianportland.org.
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May Day Dancers
To celebrate the season we have traditional May Day dancers joining us in the Buchan Courtyard between services. Please join us!
Childcare Available
If you are staying for one of the many things going on Sunday afternoon, and would like childcare, we have it staffed in A107 until 3 p.m.
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Debtors’ Assembly and Public BankingSaturday, May 5, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Join EJAG, Strike Debt Portland, and Portland Public Banking Alliance in a public forum about the role of and effect of debt on our society. When student debt or medical debt or parent and grandparent debt gets to be excessive, how do we respond?
There will be time for telling your story; and a four person panel discussion. -Ellen Brown, founder of Public Bank Institute and author of "The Web of Debt" and "The Public Bank Solution"
-Dr. Nicholas Hartlep, Professor of Education Programs at Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, MN and author/editor of "The Neoliberal Agenda and the Student Debt Crisis in US Higher Education"
-David E. Delk, Chair of the Portland Public Banking Alliance
-Lane Thompson, Family Economic Opportunity Program Enrollment Specialist, Casa/Innovative Change
Doors open for registration at 9:30 a.m. in Buchan Reception.
$5–20 donation requested; no one turned away for lack of funds.
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Sick Around the WorldSaturday, May 5, 7 –9 p.m.
Join Economic Justice Action Group for this screening of PBS special “Sick Around the World” with T.R. Reid. The documentary asks the question: “Other rich countries have universal health care. Why don’t we?” T .R. Reid will be at the screening to provide comments and a Q &A session. T.R. Reid is the author of the NYT bestseller, "The Healing of America." Doors open at 6:30 p.m. in Eliot Chapel. $5–20 donation requested; no one turned away for lack of funds. More information: David Delk, davidafd@ymail.com
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Mother's Day Vigil 2018: 10 Years of Faithful Resistance
Join immigrant justice activists from Oregon and Washington at this annual vigil at the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center, 1623 East J Street Tacoma, WA, Saturday May 12, noon to 2 p.m. Carpool from Portland: 9 am meet-up at Ascension Catholic Church, 734 SE 76th, Portland OR. For more information, contact Wendy Rankin, wendyjrankin@gmail.com.
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PRIDE Lunch with the Intern
Sunday, May 13, 1 p.m.
LGBTQIA-identified folx are invited to join Intern Minister Crystal Zerfoss for lunch and conversation in Daisy Bingham.
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Oregon Poor People’s Campaign
Beginning on May 14, each week for six weeks people in more than 40 states across the country will gather in their state capitals, the places of power where decisions about our collective well-being are made, to raise awareness about the unique and common ways we are impacted by the evils of systemic racism, systemic poverty, militarism and ecological devastation in our state.
People in Oregon will gather in Salem on Mondays, May 14, May 21, and June 18 to make our voices and demands heard.
Join us for the PPC first action in Salem on May 14!
Register for the event so we can assure accessibility for all people.
Can you help? The Oregon PPC is in immediate need of someone who can do silkscreening for us.
Contact Rev. Connie Yost, cyost@uuma.org, 503-385-2135.
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Day of Mindfulness with Kate Dresher
Saturday, May 19 at 9 a.m–4:30 p.m.
The day will include periods of sitting and walking meditation, contemplation, and discussion. It is suitable for those new to and familiar with mindfulness meditation practice.
Facilitator Kate Dresher has been practicing meditation for 20 years and teaching loving-kindness and insight meditation retreats since 2010. Her teaching emphasizes practicing right where we are as a doorway to the natural unfolding of wisdom and love. Fee: $25. Please bring a sack lunch. Register at: http://tinyurl.com/1stCh-Registration.
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UU and YOU Walks to Support Mental HealthSunday, May 20. Registration begins 12 p.m. 5K walk starts at 1 p.m. at Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade (near SE Water and SE Main). One in five First Unitarian congregants now have or will experience some form of mental or emotional illness in any given year. The First U Mental Health Action Group (MHAG) is re-forming after a long hiatus, and our mission is to provide resources to help relieve some of that suffering. Our first activity will be to assemble a walk-a-thon team, UU and YOU, to participate in the 2018 NAMIWalks Northwest event. Please read about the NAMIWalk at https://namior.org/events/2018-namiwalks-northwest/. Stop by the MHAG table on May 13 in the Social Justice corner of Fuller Hall for more information and to sign up.
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May's Art Wall
Joanna Ceciliani is featured on the art wall in May.
Color and movement
fascinate as she tries to capture what inspires her in photos.
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Bookstore
The bookstore has MORE copies of Kim Stafford’s “little books” that were so popular at the most recent Alliance meeting. We have “Little Book for Common Good” along with four other titles—just $5 each.
Did you miss the book sale? Don’t worry: a smaller version of the sale continues year-round on the landing next to the bookstore in Fuller Hall. All books are $1 each, and funds benefit scholarships for adult classes.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Learning Community, Music & Arts, Social Justice
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Pick up your Winter/Spring 2018 Program Guide to classes and retreats at the Adult Programs table!
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No More Books Please! The Book Sale Is Retiring…After a 10-year run of stellar success, the Adult Programs Committee has decided to retire the Book Sale. Over these past years, the Book Sale has raised thousands of dollars to support a scholarship fund to help people attend Adult Programs classes and retreats. Rest assured that we will continue to replenish the scholarship fund in other ways so that all of our events are financially accessible.
Many thanks to all of you who have donated books over the years. A special thanks to Katie Radditz, Sarah McKenzie, Ron Hall, and the many committee members and volunteers who worked hard to make the sale such a success.
In consideration of this decision, we ask that you no longer bring books to the church because we will no longer have the capacity to handle them. You can donate your books to the Friends of Multnomah County Library or Goodwill. Thanks again to everyone for your support over the years!
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Learning Community Teachers Needed for 2018–19The essential qualities of a good Learning Community teacher are a love of children, a sense of wonder about life, empathy and the ability to listen, and a willingness to share who you are more than what you know. Above all, teachers are mentors and companions for the children on their spiritual path. One of the best ways to learn about what it means to be a practicing Unitarian Universalist is by spending time with young people on the journey. Each year more than 50 people commit themselves to teaching in our Sunday program for Children and Youth. Everyone is paired up with a co-teacher, lessons are well spelled out, and resources are plentiful. Prerequisites include at least a six-month attendance at First Unitarian Portland, an interview, and a background check. If you are interested, please reply to Cathy Cartwright-Chow or Rev. Mary Gear for an application or more information.
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Childcare Position Available, Beginning June 2018
We are currently seeking someone to work primarily with infants and toddlers, with experience and comfort working with older kids every once in a while. This is a paid position ($12 an hour to begin; $15 after six months) every Sunday with additional days/times upon request. Must work both services, 8:45 a.m. –12:45 p.m. and often until 3 p.m. when we have additional programming. Experience with children is a must. Inquire through Cathy Cartwright-Chow, ccartwright@firstunitarianportland.org.
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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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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 shelter closed April 30 until winter months return. A reminder: we still have families at the 13 Salmon Family Center in the lower level of our Buchan Building. Donna Richards webbed@msn.com.
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Supplies Needed- Large trash cans
- Household cleaners
- Garbage bags
- Sponges
- Dish and hand soaps
- Laundry detergent
- Shower curtains with rings
- Dust pans and brooms
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Soul Box Project OngoingThe Peace Action Group is deeply committed to the Soul Box Project, paper origami art boxes revealing the gun violence epidemic in the US. The goal is 30,000 boxes delivered to Salem in Winter 2019. We plan monthly box-making events at the Church throughout 2018 and are seeking paper supplies from you. Stop by the Peace Action table any Sunday with your paper donations. We seek paper of somewhat heavy weight; old calendars, art books, catalogs, and wallpaper are ideal. Any amount helps! Thanks!
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Join the choir!Choir enrollment for 2018 –19 has begun. For more information, visit the website or contact DeReau Farrar, dfarrar@firstunitarianportland.org.
Also, the choir is hosting a series of open rehearsals for folks to get to know us and see how we do things. Please come!
Chalice Choir – Monday, May 14 at 6 p.m.
Chamber Choir – Monday, May 14 at 7:45 p.m.
Women's Choir – Wednesday, May 16 at 6 p.m.
Unitarian Choir – Wednesday, May 16 at 7:45 p.m.
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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 cyber land 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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Members Carolyn Ofiara and Annette Guido were married in a small family ceremony on April 22 in Eliot Chapel. Rev. Tom Disrud officiated. They have been in a committed partnership for 34 years and we celebrate their legal marriage now. They plan to have a larger celebration with family and friends at a later date.
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Board of TrusteesFor the latest updates on Board activities, please visit the Board's webpage, which includes the latest time/location for all Board-related events and the latest updates from our Moderator, Randy Russell. Next Board-Sponsored forum: Sunday, May 6, 1–2:30 p.m. in Room A-108. This is the Board’s final forum of the church year. Your Board will share results from the 2018 Congregational Survey and review progress on their 2017-2018 goals. Childcare is available.
Also, please make sure to check out Board of Trustees Moderator Randy Russell’s April letter, which includes an update on our successful Burn the Mortgage campaign, and details of the Annual Vote, also to be conducted in May.
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Represent First Unitarian in the UU Democratic Process: Be a General Assembly DelegateThe UUA Outreach Group is accepting applications from those who wish to be a First Unitarian Portland delegate to the 2018 Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations General Assembly (GA) to be held in Kansas City, MO on June 20–24. Delegates can participate in person in Kansas City or remotely here in Portland. Financial support is available for delegates. All voting members are eligible to be a delegate. For more information about delegate selection and responsibilities, and to obtain an application, stop by the UUA Outreach Group table in Fuller Hall or go online here.
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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: 182
2nd Service: 336
Musicians: 65
Total: 583
Livestream: 123
Grand Total: 706
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Yarn Donations Needed
The UU Knitters, who meet at the church on the first and third Thursdays of each month to work on projects for the benefit of the community, are 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. 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 Group
We usually meet the fourth Sunday of the month.
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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 forth 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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SPECTRUM: LGBTQIA Spirituality Discussion Group
An ongoing discussion group for LGBTQIA-identified folkx. Meets second and fourth Thursdays, 7–9 p.m. Join in exploring spirituality through a rainbow lens. Contact Intern Minister Crystal Zerfoss with questions at czerfoss@firstunitarianportland.org.
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| Sunday Morning T'ai Chi Chih
Sunday morning T'ai Chi Chih, 8:15–9 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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Red Lodge Transition Services is a local Native American led organization that provides culturally focused programs for women releasing from jail, prison, or treatment who are working on creating a better life for themselves, their children, and communities. Red Lodge Transition Services declares: "We believe and practice that all life is sacred. We encourage and support humanitarian treatment of incarcerated Native American individuals during incarceration and their reentry into the community." Their vision is to to create positive change by educating the public, communities, social service providers, and Department of Corrections on the importance of providing culturally competent programming to Native Americans. They offer culturally competent pre- and post-incarceration programs which aid in prevention, increase responsibility, respect, and empowerment of individuals, families, and communities. Toward these ends, they offer mentoring, the Native American Positive Indian Parenting program, transition planning, housing assistance,the Native American Prison Arts Project, and other client services.
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