Please Join Our Live Stream
Sunday, June 6, 2021Family Worship Service at 9:15 a.m.
Worship Service at 10:15 a.m.
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Wrestling with the AngelRev. Thomas Disrud
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In the story of Jacob we learn that blessing comes only after wrestling with the angel. That change comes only after struggle and searching, honesty and humility. For Jacob it was a new name but also a limp. For us? How is it we take the stuff of life and find our own way to blessing?
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Bill's BlogIn the Details
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The decision to offer in-person worship in Pioneer Square in just 10 days has generated such positive energy. Many folks are excited and ready to join us. But some, not many but more than a few, are not ready to be part of such a large gathering. And some folks are still thinking.Â
I want to be clear that everyone who has shared a response with me has been enthusiastic about the service. The question is whether, personally, they are ready to be present.
Important questions, though, are being raised about how we will deal with masking and distancing at the service...continued.
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Family WorshipSimple Yet Profound Blessings
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This Sunday marks our last Family Worship service before we break for summer. We will bring out the Wonder Box once more to see what emerges to help us explore the June spiritual theme blessing. Blessings show up in all kinds of ways, but today we will talk about one of the most simple yet profound blessings in our lives. Cassandra will share a story, Nicole will lead our meditation, and Dustin will offer our music.
On Sunday, July 11, we will begin adding a Time for All Ages to our main worship service throughout the summer. We hope your family will join us!Â
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June 13 Worship in Pioneer SquareHave you Heard the News?
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On Sunday, June 13, we will gather IN PERSON as a community for worship in Pioneer Courthouse Square at 10:15 a.m.
It has been over 15 months since our church community went to virtual gatherings only. And probably the most difficult part of this time has been not meeting in person and seeing friends and fellow congregants. But it feels like we are turning a corner and it is looking likely that come September we’ll be able to once again be gathering regularly on Sundays...continued.
First Unitarian Portland – Pioneer Square Worship FAQ
You can find more details by clicking the button below.
- Please Wear a Mask
- Bring your Pressed Flowers
- Parking and Public Transit
- Restrooms
- What Else to Bring
 - Your smart phone or tablet
 - Portable chair and water
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Learning Community Listening Circle  Sunday, June 6, 1 p.m.Â
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Learning Community parents/caregivers are invited to join Learning Community staff to hear an update on the planning process for summer and fall. We will offer a summary of the programming format we are imagining. Afterwards we will respond to questions and welcome your input.
Please see your Learning Community news for meeting link. If your family was not registered this year, please email Cassandra to get the meeting link.
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Social Justice Council & Community End of Year Celebration
Sunday, June 6 at 11:45 a.m.
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All are welcome for our Social Justice and Community End of Year Celebration. We'll hear from our Social Justice Action groups about the year in review and share our gratitudes and accomplishments. We hope you'll join us.
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| Featured News & EventsTimestamps are Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) unless stated otherwise.Â
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| Gmail Users: You may have to scroll down to the bottom of this message and click on "View Entire Message" to see the complete Front Steps.
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THIS JUST IN! - First U PDX Ballot Results
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- Mindy Clark, Ryan Deibert, Theo Harper and Barbara Morrison were elected to second terms on the Board of Trustees.
- Dean Baker, Ingrid Gjestvang, Jessie Eller-Isaacs were elected to serve on the Nominating Committee.
- Ed McClaran and Eric Terrell were elected to the Foundation Board
- The budget was adopted.
- All three changes to the bylaws, including the adoption of the 8th Principle, were approved.
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NEW! - First Unitarian Adopts the 8th Principle
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The 8th Principle The 8th Principle calls us to work to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions. The overwhelming majority of membership (95%)Â voted to adopt the 8th Principle into the church by-laws reflects the broad engagement of the congregation.
This is an important step in our collective spiritual journey! While in many ways it is just the beginning of our journey, this is also a moment to pause and celebrate our commitment to building Beloved Community by the actions that we take together. First Unitarian Church of Portland is the 66th UU congregation to adopt the 8th Principle.
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Congregational Survey: Senior Minister Search 2021Your participation is wanted!
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Your Ministerial Search Committee is asking your opinion and assessment of First Unitarian Church Portland, and what could shape the future for the congregation in this all-member survey.Â
It is most important to have a “picture” of who we are and what we want to become. Please keep the whole congregation in mind.
Congregational Survey is to be completed by June 14, 2021:
Results will be shared with the Congregation later this summer or early fall. Thank you for your help in this important task that will shape our Congregational profile.
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Speaking of Justice BlogUUs Speaking Out in Support of Palestinian Rights
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Aisha Hauser, president of the Liberal Religious Educators Association
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UUs have often been reluctant to speak out in support of Palestinian rights out of fear that doing so would inflame antisemitism, even though criticism of a powerful state is a quite different matter from criticism of a religion or an ethnic group. But the recent violence and human trauma in Palestine/Israel have led many UUs to speak out and to declare that the violence will not end until the human rights of Palestinians are respected. Here are some examples...continue.
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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EVERY SUNDAY! - Virtual After Service Social Hour All Are Welcome!
Sunday, June 6, 11:30 a.m.
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Come and make new friends or reconnect with old ones. Whether you are a long-time member or new to First Unitarian, our Virtual Sunday Social Hour is for everyone. Join us for informal conversation and fellowship.
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COMING THIS FALL! -Â Are You a Wellspring Alumni?
Registration is now open for an exciting new curriculum!
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First Unitarian Portland was chosen as one of the first congregations in the country to offer an exciting new advanced curriculum entitled, Spiritual Ancestors, in which we will explore the cultural and religious traditions that Unitarian Universalists bring to this faith.Â
If you are a Wellspring Alumni, which means that you have already completed the 10-month Sources curriculum, you are invited to join us!
Note: If you are new to Wellspring, the application for our introductory curriculum entitled, Sources, will be available very soon.Â
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Vesper Prayer Service
Fridays at 5 p.m.
End your week with a brief quiet time of prayer, reflection, meditation and music offered by our Lay Ministers. Let this be a pause at the end of the week, to receive and to be held in love, without the need to converse. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. An ongoing commitment is not required.
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LOCAL ACTION! - Portland Youth Climate Strike (PYCS)
Saturday, June 5 at 3 p.m.
Location: Terry Shrunk Plaza
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In solidarity with the Anishinaabe people’s, join the Portland protest against the Line 3 Pipeline. There will be drumming, singing and speakers. You're welcome to bring a sign!
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Art For Social Justice
The Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and building the Beloved Community.Â
Curated by Ethel Gullette, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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Ode to Elijah, by Daniel Summerhill
In this poem, Daniel speaks of the beauty, intricacies and imagination of autism. Using his nephew, Elijah, he illustrates the common misconceptions of the spectrum and why we should take a second introspective look at ourselves.
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THERE'S STILL TIME! - Virtual General Assembly
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Register NOW for this year’s Virtual General Assembly (G.A.) in Milwaukee.
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- Visit the Portland booth in the exhibit hall, and experience General Assembly from the comfort of your own home!
- Are you a newcomer? Then you’re especially welcome. On average, approximately 40% of G.A. attendees are first-timers.
- Enjoy the “Invitation to Portland” video, for the G.A. we are hosting next summer.
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As we near the end of our most unusual church year we are winding up our meetings with congregants to hear their thoughts on our church-wide goals for the next three years. Many congregants have given their input through group meetings or individually. We are already seeing themes emerge across the congregation...continue.
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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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Having trouble viewing our services through the website?
Find our Live Streams on Boxcast, Youtube or on Facebook.
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Have a Submission for E-News?If you have a church-related submission you would like published in our weekly Front Steps (E-News), please submit it here with subject line “For E-News.”
Submission deadline is noon on Tuesday.Â
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Sunday Live StreamÂ
& Social Schedule
Join us LIVE from your computer or smart device by clicking on the links below.Â
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June/July Shared Plate
We share our plate with Black & Beyond the Binary Collective. BBBC is dedicated to advocacy and healing for transgender and gender-variant Oregonians who are Black and have lived experiences as a member of the African diaspora. They seek to uphold the dignity of the Black transgender and nonbinary community in Portland Metro by providing resources without stipulations, sharing Black joy, and combatting transmisogyny and anti-Black racism...continue.
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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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Trying to find connection with those in the congregation with similar interests?
Contact one of the many groups run by members of the church and connect.
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Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
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