| Sunday ServiceSunday, Feb. 2: 9:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.
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Wells We Did Not Dig
Rev. Bill Sinkford
Much of liberal religion and most of liberal politics hang on a belief in our ability to choose. Yet we increasingly accept that our ancestors and our ancestry shape our lives in profound ways. What notion of freedom makes any sense when the pressing need is liberation?
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Deadline to Apply to Serve on Ministerial Search Committee Extended this to Sunday, Feb. 2
The opportunity to apply for the search committee for our next senior minister has been extended to this Sunday, Feb. 2. There were some initial technical difficulties with the application and the Board wants to make sure that everyone who want to apply has the opportunity. Go here to fill out an application to participate in this important work for our congregation. If you have any problems working with the on-line application or questions, please email our Nominating Committee.
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Membership Enrollment CeremonySunday, Feb. 2, 10:30 a.m.
Channing Room
If you’re ready to become a member, bring your completed enrollment and pledge forms. Enrollment kits are located in our literature racks.
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Quarterly Congregant Finance Review & Budget Forum
Sunday, Feb. 2, 10:30 a.m.
Eliot Chapel
Interested in finding out the church’s revenue sources and how income is spent? Want to provide input for the FY 20–21 budget? You’re invited to attend the Finance Committee's quarterly financial review/budget input meeting this Sunday.
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Portland United Against Hate (PUAH), General MeetingFriday, Jan. 31, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
First Unitarian is a coalition member. All are welcome to come learn about the important work and build relationships.
There will be a presentation on Oregon SB 577, the Hate Crimes Bill. We'll also learn about the City of Portland Code Change, the ReportHatePDX.com Campaign, and how hate crimes and incidents can be reported.
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Alliance Monthly LuncheonWednesday, Feb. 5
• 11 a.m. Brown bag lunch - $3.00 - Buchan Reception Hall
• Program 12:30–1:30 p.m. - Eliot Chapel
The Alliance Feb. 5 program speaker will be Jonathan Garcia, Chief Engagement Officer, Portland Public Schools, who will speak on "Preparing Our Students to Lead, Change and Improve the World." In this role, Mr. Garcia leverages the power of student, family and community voices with the generosity of business and philanthropy to strengthen PPS’s mission of providing a rich and dynamic learning experience for every student.
He also serves as President of The Fund for Portland Public Schools (the school district’s nonprofit fundraising arm), is on the Board of Directors of the Portland Trail Blazers Foundation, is Co-Chair for the "3 to PhD Collaborative" at PPS’s Faubion PK–8 School, in an Executive Committee-member of the Portland Teachers Program, and serves on the Latino Partnership Program Statewide Advisory Council for the Oregon Community Foundation.
Bring your brown bag lunch ($3). RSVP here or call Jean Omelchuck at 503-806-7906.
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Introduction to Singing MeditationSundays, Feb. 9, 23, Mar. 8, 22, 1–2 p.m.
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Pay to Play: A Social Justice Sunday EventSunday, Feb. 16 1–2:30 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
Did you know that Oregon is one of only five states with no enforced limits on political campaign contributions and expenditures?
Come learn with us about the undemocratic and unfair role money plays in politics, and more importantly, what we can do about it.
All ages, interactive event. Hosted by Economic Justice Action Group and Community for Earth.
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Black Founders of the United States of America
Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
$20 suggested price, $10 supported, $30 supporting. Register here.
Over recent years, scholars and activists have been examining the question, "Why aren’t there more black people in Oregon?" In this talk about black founders of the USA, Brandon Lee explores the roots of how black people established and sustained themselves in Oregon. There is a direct correlation between the growth of the number of successful African Americans in the United States and the development of Prince Hall freemasonry. Come learn about this important piece of American and Oregon history.
Brandon Lee, M.A.T., is a congregant of First Unitarian Portland. At Oregon State University, Brandon served as a faculty member and Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Civically, he became the first and only Grand Historian appointed to the M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oregon, Idaho, and Montana Jurisdiction.
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Igniting Voices: A Celebration of Trans and Non-Binary Lives and Stories
Saturday, Feb. 22
Storytelling and Music from 3–4:30 p.m. followed by a Community Night Market supporting local trans-led agencies and artists from 4:30–6 p.m.
Join us for a joyous event for the entire community. We invite all people, transgender and cisgender, to join in celebration. Complimentary light refreshments provided. ASL interpretation provided by Fingers Crossed Interpreting.
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Transforming Hearts: Welcoming in Congregations
Mondays, Feb. 24, March 2, 9 from 7–9 p.m.
“Being welcoming isn’t something we are, it’s something we do—welcome is a spiritual practice.”
First Unitarian Portland’s lay ministers will facilitate this program for allies.
No charge.
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Mysticism: Finding the Mystic Within
Tuesdays, Feb. 25, Mar. 3, 10, and 17, 7–9 p.m.
Explore the mystical lives and experiences of Mary Magdalene, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, Devaji, and Joel Morwood through ancient to modern times.
Together we will read and discuss mystics, share experiences, practice meditation/contemplation, and join in chanting/sound healing.
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Prayer for Unitarian Universalists
Tuesdays, Feb. 25, Mar. 3, 10, and 17, 10–12 p.m.
Wow! Help. Thanks. Shh. Love. Oops.
Explore prayers from a variety of traditions and discover new ways to pray that work for you.
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Art Wall
Margaret Fuller Hall
Bill Smith is featured on the Art Wall in February. He captures the awe and wonder of the natural world in his dramatic photographs, trying to
make you feel what he felt when he took the photo.
The Art Wall’s mission is to integrate art into the spiritual life of First Unitarian Portland by providing a venue for congregants to be moved by quality artwork from artists within the church and throughout the metro region.
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BookstoreDuring January and February, we are featuring adult and children’s books to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. and other books that highlight the value of diversity in our world.
Chinook Book sale! $20 at our Beacon Bookstore, or buy your app for $12. All monies go to our Social Justice committees.
Our bookstore (which started life in a closet in the 1960’s) has grown to a vibrant, welcoming respite for all congregants and visitors to First Unitarian Portland.
It supports the spiritual mission and principles of our church with offerings to stimulate and broaden our thinking as we move along our spiritual path, and help us better understand Unitarian Universalism.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Runaway Inequality on SaleWhat causes the ever-increasing income/wealth gap between the very rich and the rest of us?
Find out why and what we can do about it with a copy of Les Leopold’s newest book, Runaway Inequality, an Activist's Guide to Economic Justice. Now half price (just $10) at First Unitarian's book store. 100% of proceeds go to support Oregon delegates to attend the Poor People's Assembly in Washington, D.C., June 2020.
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Read Our Eighth Issue of Speaking of Justice: Faith in Action E-Magazine
This issue explores disrupting white supremacy culture. Learn why we believe transforming a culture and its system of white supremacy is liberating work, is spiritual work, and is important to help live out our faith as Unitarian Universalists.
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"Changing Systems, Changing Ourselves"The Immigrant Justice Action Group is sponsoring a webinar at church: "Changing Systems, Changing Ourselves," a collaboration of the American Friends Service Committee's Friends Relations office, the UUA and UUSC's Love Resists campaign, Church World Service, and Freedom for Immigrants. This is a five-part program which began Jan. 28, meeting monthly, 5–6:30 p.m., First Unitarian Portland. Many of us participated in the first series of programs with great appreciation for the learning and growth opportunities. Please join our team by registering through the link below and indicate that you are joining the group named Immigrant Justice Action Group.
From Love Resists:
"Without community, there is no liberation." —Audre Lorde
Do you want to join people of faith and conscience from across the U.S. in taking action and practicing reflection? Are you seeking ways to offer grounded solidarity without reproducing oppressive practices? Have you ever gone to an immigration (ICE) check-in or court to support a person at risk of deportation? Is your congregation part of the New Sanctuary Movement, or talking about joining?
Topics will include anti-blackness and immigrant justice, criminalization and the place of immigration detention in the prison industrial complex, and on-the-ground case studies of accompaniment as anti-racist practice. There will also be caucus spaces for white participants and participants of color. The videos and homework assignments from the first program are also available online for self-study.
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Interested in Becoming a Learning Community Teacher?
Visit the website to learn more about our classes!
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Learning Community Family Camp on Oregon CoastSaturday through Monday, March 21–23
Join other Learning Community families for a weekend of shared activities, community-building, and just plain fun on the Oregon coast at beautiful Camp Magruder. We begin on Saturday of the weekend when spring break begins for most districts. We’ll have dinner that night followed by an orientation. Sunday morning includes an in-gathering with lots of time throughout the day to play, including boating on the lake and a fire circle. The beach is a short walk away. Camp concludes Monday morning.
Family camp is open to families who are registered in the Learning Community this year. We ask that your oldest or only child be at least five years old to attend.
Shared rooms with single bunks, upper and lower, with shared bathrooms. We try to give each family their own room, but smaller families may be asked to share with another family depending on availability.
Do you have questions, dietary, ADA accommodations, or other accessibility needs? Contact us here.Fees: Adult $150, teen 13–17 $130, child 9–12 $120, child 5–8 $85, scholarships available. Includes lodging and meals.
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Sunday Afternoon ChildcareWe offer childcare for all ages each Sunday from 1–3 p.m. while you attend an event or meeting at church. Request care for your child(ren) at the Eliot Info Desk by 1 p.m. that day. Staff are released at 1 p.m. if no one has requested care by then. Contact Aaron for more information.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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| Seeking UshersUshers are needed. Looking for a way to serve in our community? Consider being an usher one Sunday a month. You’ll be part of a team that is the welcoming face of the congregation. For information, see Dev Dion after services on Sunday or contact him by email.
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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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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
Sarah Cook fell and broke a hip on Jan. 22 and has now had surgery to stabilize it. She is receiving rehab at Laurelhurst Village. She asks for prayers and good thoughts, and cards.
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January 2020 Moderator Letter
Greetings and Happy New Year,
This past Sunday we hosted two Board conversations about senior minister transition where we shared information and answered your questions. Thank you to the over 100 of you who attended!
In addition, we have met or have on our schedule to meet with many of the committees and groups at First Unitarian to share the word widely and invite all of you to be involved in this process.
We are continually updating Senior Minister FAQ’s on our board page ( here) with information to help you be better informed. Most important, right now until Feb. 2 is the time to apply to be a member of the Senior Minister Search Committee. If you are interested, information and application are here. Service on the Search Committee requires voting membership ...Continued
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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, Jan. 26 Attendance:1st Service: 219
2nd Service: 371
Musicians: 26
Total: 616
Livestream: 142
Grand total: 758
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A Special Thank You
Our thanks goes to the Alliance for the beautiful greenery that adorned out sanctuary throughout December, and to the following folks for their contributions, which helped decorate the chancel with lush poinsettias during the year-end holidays:
Marti Yoder, in memory of Amy Robinson
Lynn McClenahan, in memory of Joe McClenahan
Sarah Ferguson, in memory of Barbara Mason
Patricia Rimmer, in memory of Darlene and Winfield Rimmer
Mary Lynn O'Brien, in memory of Bob Halveson
Kathryn Delise Picard
Fran Daggett
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Your Auction Dollars at Work!
Last spring’s “Reboot for the Future” auction has made a big (though mostly behind-the-scenes) difference here at First Unitarian. Our Buchan Reception Hall now boasts a new projector as well as a new ceiling-mounted screen to replace the old broken one. It also now has a dedicated computer to run these high-tech devices. Our old hearing-assisted devices in the main sanctuary have been replaced with a more versatile system from Williams Sound. Four new AV carts with all the latest gear have been added; each one features an HD projector, computer, sound system, wireless mic, audio board and various accessories, adapters, and cables. To go along with these new AV carts, we’ve added three portable projector screens. Soon to be installed is our newly purchased firewall for our block-wide internet connection…very important in these days of rampant cyber intrusions. A few additional items remain on our list, and fortunately some dollars remain! We’ll keep you posted.
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Alliance Greens Sale
The Alliance heartily thanks everyone who shopped our annual Greens Sale in 2019. We’ll let you know soon how much we raised and in March how your contributions are distributed to social service agencies who request funds from us. Here’s hoping for a very good 2020 for everyone.
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Rahab’s Sisters Volunteer Drop-inRahab's Sisters, located at 247 SE 82nd Ave, invites First Unitarian congregants (women, non-binary, and gender expansive) to volunteer each first Friday of the month. Join fellow First Unitarians and experience the beloved community through radical hospitality!
Details: Monthly, every first Friday evening, 6 –10 p.m. Contact Eliza for more info or to RSVP. Men, please email for other ways you can help.
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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 us here.
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Why Pronouns MatterAt church and elsewhere, it’s becoming more common for people to introduce themselves with the pronouns they use, and to ask, “What pronouns do you use?” Though this may be an unfamiliar question for you, becoming comfortable with it is a way to live our UU principles.
Here’s why:
Gender is a primary way our creative identities interact with the world. Many people feel comfortable with the gender assigned to them at birth based on their genitals, assigned male or female, and are called cisgender. (Cis means “on the same side of,” so for these people, gender and sex-at-birth align.) For many others, their assigned gender is not a true or comfortable identity. Read more 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 or take the summer months off, so 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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Aging Together Learning GroupWe use books, movies, poems, and various art forms to catalyze group dialogue about our personal experience of aging. Meetings are held monthly on the first Monday from 1 –3 p.m. For more information or to register, please contact Lucy Garrick.
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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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| UU Animal Ministry (UUAM)
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Caregiver Support GroupWe usually meet on the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May.
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| Children's Mosaic Restoration Group
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Committee on Hunger & Homelessness (COHHO)We meet monthly September through May on the fourth Sunday from 12:30–2 p.m. in the Fireside room in A303. Visit our table in Margaret Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays.
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Contemplative Practice
Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., Channing Room. We start with a 20-minute meditation session and then discuss a check-in topic about a spiritual value. Then we do a modified version of lectio divina, using a poem instead of a religious text. We listen as one person reads the poem, focusing on a word or phrase that catches our attention, then we look over the text and listen while another person reads it aloud. After that we share how we reacted. All are welcome. Questions? Connie Cleaton.
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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. Questions? Michael Wade || Website
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| Ending Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial Justice (EMI/ARG)
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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)The Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) meets on the fourth Sunday of the months of September–May, from 1–2:30 p.m. in room A108.
Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. Our meetings include time for reflection, sharing, and information about the many dimensions of the immigration challenge. We also share opportunities for engagement and collaboration with our partners in the community and develop strategies and arrangements for our participation.
Through the IJAG Google group, we disseminate recommended actions. Join us for the important work of immigrant justice!
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Queer Pride
Find out the latest social events by picking up a flyer at our Pride Table in Margaret Fuller Hall for our monthly movie game night, monthly PDX roller skating, potlucks, and any projects being planned. Visit our Facebook page for all of our events and the LGBTQIA+ events we are supporting in the Portland area.
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Meditation GroupGroup meets in the Eliot Chapel, 7–8:30 p.m on Wednesdays. Silent meditation for 30 minutes, followed by reading and discussing a book by a Buddhist author. Please email with your phone number if you are considering coming. Questions? Contact Mary Ann Harman.
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Mental Health Action Group (MHAG)MHAG exists to educate the congregation about mental health issues and to support those in the congregation living with mental illness or whose relatives live with mental illness. We meet every fourth Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Buchan 310.
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Quilts of Love GroupThird Thursday meeting is 10–11:30 a.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. Questions? Contact Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
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| Peace Action Group (PAG) Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Contact Tess Beistel || Website
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| Sunday Morning T'ai Chi Chih
Sunday morning T'ai Chi Chih, 8:30–9 a.m.; check the sign board in the Buchan building for meeting locations. Questions? Email Adult Programs.
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UU Yarn Crafters
2nd and 4th Thursdays each month, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall
The Yarn Crafters are wanting to expand to include crocheters. Yarn provided. All levels welcome.
Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.
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| UU Men's Community
Third Saturday, 9 a.m., Channing Room. This is 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? Richard Turner, 503-734-5854; 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 Margaret Fuller Hall.
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| UU Poetry Group
Twice monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Rodger Blackburn, 503-519-3494.
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| UUA Outreach GroupMonthly on the last Wednesday at 7 p.m., usually in B310, but check the sign board when entering.
If your interest lies in the larger picture of UU ministry, join us! Questions? 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. Now welcoming new members. Questions? Kim, 503-869-1486. III: First and third Wednesdays at 10–11:30 a.m. Now welcoming new members. Questions? Dorothy, 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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Update Your Records with UsHave you moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail address?
Anything else you'd like to let First Unitarian know?
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Do You Have an Item for E-news and/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 here and include in the subject line “For eNews” –or– “For Sunday Bulletin” –or– “For eNews and Sunday Bulletin.” 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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SNOW? ICE? FREEZING RAIN?
To see if an event, class, service, or rehearsal has been cancelled, check the church website, Facebook page, or call the church office at 503-228-6389 and listen to the recorded announcement for details about cancellations or delays. Remember, your good judgment is your best guide!
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Sunday Parking ReminderU-Park: SW 12th between Main and Salmon: No charge Sundays, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. NOTE: This parking lot is free only on Sundays until 4 p.m.
City Center: SW 11th and Main: No charge Sundays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Lawyer’s Lot: SW Main between 12th and 13th: No charge Sundays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. This lot is never available weekday evenings.
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For the month of February, we share our plate collection with the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO). EMO brings together diverse communities of faith to learn, serve, and advocate for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation. First Unitarian Portland partners with EMO on many issues of justice, including climate action, ending mass incarceration, prison ministry, ending gun violence, police accountability, addressing houselessness, and more.
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