Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Children & Youth Summer Session 10:15 a.m.
Childcare is available during our worship service for children 6 months to 3 years old, as well as RE from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
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Our annual Question Box Service is this Sunday! This is a time for members, friends, and visitors of all ages to ask questions of Rev. Alison Miller about faith in general, about Unitarian Universalism in particular, about our congregation, or about whatever question is on your heart and mind. This service is a meaningful, free-flowing conversation between minister and congregants. You can email your questions to Q.and.A@firstunitarianportland.org by first thing tomorrow/Friday morning.
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Minister's ColumnHealing Communication
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We are in a time of healing from conflict as well as a hopeful time of renewal in our staff and in our music ministry, and these dynamics ripple out into the wider community. Our whole congregation is touched by these important groups and by relationships with the people in them. A congregation is a relational system, so when one part is struggling or succeeding, we all feel the impact...continue reading
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UPDATE — Join a Listening Circle Led by Lay Ministry and the Board of Trustees
Sundays, August 25 or September 8, 11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
Wednesday, August 28, 7 - 9 p.m.
Location: Zoom
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| There will now be a Zoom session held on August 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. Space is limited to 40 participants. Please reserve your space at this link.
We are living in challenging times with recent changes in the leadership of our music program here at the church and with the range of emotions that have come with that change.
In the spirit of wanting to create spaces for us to come together as a community, you are invited to join a Listening Circle on August 25 or September 8 from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. To join, please assemble in Eliot Chapel by 11:45 a.m on either date. Space is limited on a first-come and first-serve basis.
These will be one-time gatherings and will be facilitated by members of our Lay Ministry Team and Board of Trustees.
The Listening groups will provide a safe space for people to reflect on the changes and the impact of those changes. Confidential notes will be made of general themes of the circle and any questions you have. You will receive responses to questions within 3 weeks.
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THIS SUNDAY — Join Us to Boost UU the Vote!
Sunday, August 25, 12 - 2 p.m.
Hybrid: Buchan Reception Hall and online (from 12 - 1 p.m.)
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Join First Unitarian Portland on Sunday, August 25, at noon to boost our UU the Vote efforts into high gear. We’ll be joined online by leaders from the UU the Vote campaign and from the Arizona justice network. We'll hear about the Right to Abortion Initiative and what else is at stake in Arizona and practical ways to put our values into action to help turn out voters on November 5th.
We’ll give a boost to our letter-writing project (we’re well over halfway to our 10,000-letter goal), learn about phone banking (more fun than you think), and (drumroll please) sign up to head to Pheonix with our team to door-knock in October to turn out voters.
Whether you want to write letters with us in-person or learn how you can jump into election action, we would love to have your fellowship and help!
IN PERSON: Join us from 12 - 2 p.m. in First Unitarian's Buchan Reception Hall (1226 SW Salmon St.). After our program, we'll write letters to voters. Please bring a blue pen, 20 letter-sized envelopes and 20 first-class stamps. If you can't bring them, we gratefully accept donations to help us cover stamps and envelopes.
ONLINE: Our Zoom webinar will be from 12 - 1 p.m. Please register here.
Questions? Contact UU the Vote.
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Change to Front Steps Submission Deadline
Communications Team
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The deadline for Front Steps submissions has been moved to Tuesdays at 5 p.m. This gives us time to edit and organize the newsletter effectively. Submissions received after the deadline will be included in the following week’s edition.
If your submission is urgent and couldn’t be sent before the deadline, please include "URGENT" in the subject line so we can address it promptly.
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Join the Journey: Become a Voting Member!
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| We invite you to join us on a meaningful journey as we work together to fulfill our church’s mission. Our members and friends are the heartbeat of our community, contributing their time, talents, ideas, and resources to create a vibrant and supportive environment.
Click here to learn about requirements, the path to membership, and our First Steps membership orientation class.
Join us in this journey of growth, connection, and community. Together, we can make a lasting impact!
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Share Your Garden!
Every Sunday after the service
Location: Fuller Hall
First Share, First Unitarian Portland
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Do you have a flourishing garden brimming with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs? Share your garden’s bounty with our community by bringing it on Sundays to the First Share table in Fuller Hall during Social Hour.
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Young Adult Weekly Meetups All Summer!
Next Meeting: Sunday, August 25, immediately after the service
Location: Fireside, A303
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Expect fun social events, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities to connect.
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Summer Choir Update!
Arrive at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday
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This Sunday, we are trying something new. Richard Scher and Gilda Lorensen will be providing two anthems in lieu of the regular choir voluntaries.
You, our dear choir members, are invited to assist the congregation with the hymns. If you are interested in serving as a hymn leader, please be in the choir loft this Sunday at 9:30 am. We will spend half an hour on the hymns and creating an atmosphere of support for our friends as they provide a different form of performance for the church. Any and all are welcome this Sunday!
No experience or ongoing commitment necessary.
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TOMORROW! — Join for Some "Good Clean Fun"!
Friday, August 23, 8:45 - 11 a.m.
Location: Fuller Hall
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As we kick off our fall church schedule, we invite all congregants and visitors to help create a warm and inviting environment. On Friday, August 23, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., volunteers are needed for simple cleaning tasks, along with opportunities to chat and enjoy refreshments.
Please confirm your participation with Jen Thomas or Marti. Arrive at Fuller Hall by 8:45 AM for coffee, cleaning supplies, and details on assigned areas. If you have favorite gloves or small pails for carrying water or supplies, feel free to bring them; all other materials will be provided. Our sextons have already begun the cleaning process by tackling carpet and upholstery stains and will continue with vacuuming. We aim to gather a crew of 10-12 volunteers to make the experience both efficient and enjoyable.
It's time to invite everyone inside to experience refreshing worship and music. Let's come together to prepare for a wonderful Homecoming Sunday!
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NEW! — Alliance is Back!Wednesday, September 5, 10:30 a.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
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Cindy Cumfer, PhD, our own historian and author, will examine the ways in which historians have largely overlooked the role of the women of the Ladies Sewing Circle (now the Alliance) in the 1867-93 era.
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Join Our Support Network: Lotsa Helping Hands
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Do you enjoy helping others? Are you looking for concrete ways to strengthen our beloved community? Consider joining our church’s Lotsa Helping Hands support network!
Coordinated by Lay Ministry, Lotsa Helping Hands is a care calendar similar to Meal Train that enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times.
And if you or someone you know could use the support of meals or visits—or if you have any questions—please contact one of our coordinators, Leslie or Susan.
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CHECK WEEKLY — Summertime Fun Poll Results
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The results are in on our latest summertime fun poll, "What is your favorite carnival ride?"
- 5 for The Zipper – a terrifying and disorienting ride
- 7 for rollercoasters – constant movement and upside-down
- 11 for bumper cars – fun and competitive
- 11 for the carousel – friendly and gentle
There is only one more week of polls left. Come to the Narthex on Sunday and see what fun we’re polling!
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CHECK WEEKLY — Donate Supplies to the Shower Project!
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The Shower Project is going well, and our guests appreciate the service. With fall around the corner, we have some new requests for needed items:
- Cases of water
- Used or new adult sweatshirts (M & L)
- Used or new jeans, belts, and shoes (all sizes)
- New boxers or boxer briefs
- Disposable razors, preferably double-bladed
- Small containers of shaving cream
- Emory boards & nail clippers
- Granola bars
- Sugar packets for tea/coffee
Your donations will make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your support!
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Upcoming Classes, Events & Gatherings
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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SAVE THE DATE — All-church Picnic
Saturday, September 14, 12 - 4 p.m.
Wilshire Park: 4116 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97212
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| This year's theme is "Join the Journey," and we invite everyone to come together for a day of fun, fellowship, and community.
Families should bring their own picnic lunch and a dessert to share with others. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow church members and enjoy a delightful meal outdoors.
To make this picnic a success, we need volunteers to help organize and implement various activities throughout the day. Whether you can assist with setting up, leading games, or helping with clean-up, your support will make a significant difference. If you're interested in volunteering, please reach out to Jen Thomas and she will put you in touch with organizers.
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NEW! — August 25 Newsletter
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Join us this Sunday for a special ritual to launch us back to school and honor other transitions. Read on for more information and details about RE registration here. It's our last Sunday of our summer RE program and we'd love to see you!
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NEW! — Antiracism Learning Circles 2024 Registration
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You are invited to join an Antiracism Learning Circle this fall. It’s on Zoom, so you can join from anywhere! Circles start the week of September 23.
Our goal is to build multicultural, diverse, engaged communities and work to dismantle racism and other oppressions. Antiracism Learning Circles are opportunities to do some of that work, to expose ourselves to our true history, to increase awareness of ongoing oppressions, and to explore and reveal our reactions to issues concerning race in America. We are animated by imagining "what if" a critical mass of us are exposed to this information and knowledge.
Visit the group page for full descriptions of the media we will dive into, schedules, and registration information. For questions, contact Jody.
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NEW! — OR UU Voices for Justice August Newsletter
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OR UU Voices for Justice is the only state-wide UU organization dedicated to social justice. Here is our August newsletter, which includes information on our upcoming annual meeting. Registration is now open.
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NEW! — Help Us Contact Gov. Kotek About OR National Guard Deployment in Iraq & Syria
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OR Gov. Kotek has sent OR National Guard troops to Iraq and Syria. She does this in spite of a letter sent by multiple Oregon organizations including the 1st UU Peace Action Group. To learn more, read the story from KGW.
We likely cannot bring them back, but the governor should hear from us that we don't expect her to send them again in the future:
Office of the Governor
900 Court Street, Suite 254
Salem, OR 97301-4047
You can also call her office at 503-378-4582.
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A Big Thank You From IJAG and Western Farm Worker Families
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We are very grateful to all who donated to this year’s school supplies drive. We donated 10 good quality, long-lasting backpacks to high school students to use for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond! Many thanks!
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Support LiftUp This Summer
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We are supporting LiftUp throughout the summer, from June 16 to Labor Day (September 2).
Please place in the COHHO bins in Fuller Hall by the kitchen any of the following most needed food items: brown rice, whole grain pasta, shelf-stable milk, canned protein (tuna, chicken, salmon), nut butter, any low sodium broths, canned veggies, and sauces.
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In the Community
Member Barbara Ulman is recovering from a brain stem stroke at Legacy Good Samaritan Rehab. Barbara reports that although the stroke caused some verbal and visual difficulties, her condition is already improving.
Member Mark Turpel is delighted to report that his daughter, Claire, and son-in-law, Andrew, have welcomed their baby, Walker, to their family. Except for sleep deprivation, all are well.
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Letter from the Board Moderator – August 2024
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A “cool down” in the summer heat is welcome, although it looks like we're entering another hot spell. The Board has welcomed newly elected Trustees Linda Craig, Bob Bonner, Harriet Shaklee, and David Livermore. Thank you to the outgoing members for their service: Theo Harper, Mindy Clark, Andy Wilson, and Barbara Morrison. We learned much from you and look forward to your ongoing church participation and leadership.
Many parts of our lives at First Unitarian Portland reflect the culture and feelings of the city, the state, and the United States. We have worship, social justice, religious education, poetry, labyrinth, art, and history. The Board of Trustees focuses on policy, church funds, and the general well-being of our congregation...continue reading.
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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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Summer Art Wall Exhibitions Art Wall
Tapestries by Stephen Karakashian
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This summer, enjoy the art of The Art Wall Committee Members in Fuller Hall. Also, check out the tapestries of artist Stephen Karakashian in the church Narthex.
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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.
SUMMER BREAK — Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD): We meet on the third Sunday of each month from 12:15 to 1:45 in Fireside. Contact Marni for summer activities.
Vespers will be on break on August 15, 23, and 30. It will resume on September 6.
SUMMER BREAK — Good Times: Movie Group Sunday movie meetups at members' homes to discuss current films in theaters or streaming. Contact Christine for details and to join our group email list.
Mental Health Caregivers Group: Second Wednesday every month via Zoom 7 - 8:30 p.m. Email Ellen for more.
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 with questions.
"T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering: Meet on the second and fourth Sundays in Channing Room at 12 - 1 p.m.
EVERY SUNDAY — UU the Vote: Join Us For Community and Letter Writing
The blue tablecloth will be available every Sunday until October. Letters can be dropped off and picked up at the church office.
Letter Writing Schedule:
Women's Circle II: Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
EVERY SUNDAY — Young Adult Summer Meetup! Every Sunday at 12:15 p.m., the meeting room may vary. Expect fun social events, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities to connect. Questions? Contact Caroline.
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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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The last two weeks in August, we share our plate with UU the Vote, a bold initiative created by the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Side With Love team. UU the Vote provides resources to bring our democratic values to life in the crucial struggle to build a genuine multiracial democracy. It empowers UUs to get involved in voter registration, issue education, get-out-the-vote drives, voter protection, state leadership development, and more. First Unitarian has been actively involved in UU the Vote campaigns since 2022, and we're grateful for their support.
Check out UU the Vote's event on Sunday, August 25, from 12 to 2 p.m. Find more information under our Featured News.
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