Join Us for WorshipSunday, October 24, 2021
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Family Service at 10 a.m. Â // Â Sanctuary Service at 11 a.m.
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Creating Home: Love as Process and Possibility
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Love is not an object or a commodity. It’s not a person, place, or thing. It’s not a noun. Love is a process that needs our attention. Like an art, we create love when we attend to it and make a home for it in ourselves and in our world. While love is steadfast and enduring as a possibility, it takes our effort to make it real.
The Rev. Sean Parker Dennison serves as minister of the Rogue Valley UU Fellowship in Ashland, Oregon, and has served congregations from Illinois to Utah to California. Rev. Sean has also served Unitarian Universalism in a variety of ways including serving on committees for the UUA and the UU Ministers Association (UUMA). He is a graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry and has served on the school’s Board of Trustees. Rev. Sean also co-founded Transgender Religious Professional UUs Together(TRUUsT), a support and advocacy group for transgender and nonbinary UU religious leaders.Â
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Family Worship
When Love Hurts
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When we love someone or care deeply about something, we may experience pain when there is loss or change. Finding ways to honor this love and carry it forward can help. Cassandra will offer a story. Dustin will lead our music, and Carter will share a lovingkindness meditation with us. Â
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Welcome to Our "Season of Giving"
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Your Pledge = Your Gift
When you pledge a gift to “Meeting the New Day: 2022” you are helping fund all that this church is and does.
For those new to pledging, you’ll want to know that a pledged gift is a non-binding sum you plan to donate to the church over the coming calendar year. Pledged gifts can be fulfilled now or anytime in 2022 on a schedule that works best for you.
We ask everyone who has been touched by First Unitarian, whether it be a sermon, the music, our social justice work, or something deeply personal, to make a pledge of support. It takes all of us to fund the work of the Church.Â
Personalized giving materials have been mailed to those who are already members and friends of First Unitarian.Â
Thank you to our “Sustainer” Pledgers whose commitment to a pledge with First Unitarian that renews automatically each year has allowed us to launch at 55% of goal. “Sustainer” pledges are not about how or when you pay, only that your commitment to giving is sustained from year to year. Consider making this your year to make your gift a “Sustainer” commitment.
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Help fund our ministry, services, programs and staff by pledging a gift now — and fulfill it now or anytime in 2022 on a schedule that works best for you.Â
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Staying Connected BlogMeeting the New Day
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Love of life means hope for me
Borne on a new day
You are the new day…
At First Unitarian, we aspire to nurture the individual spirit and, together, work toward Beloved Community. Whether we are in-person or at a distance, the liberating mission of our faith calls us to welcome the new day that is dawning. Though much around has changed, we look to the church to remind us of what is most important. Though it must alter with the trials of these times, we need the church to abide...continued.
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| What's Happening This SundayTimestamps are Pacific Time (PT) unless stated otherwise.Â
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THIS SUNDAY! -Â Fixing a Broken Recycling System
Sunday, October 24, at 9:30 a.m.
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Please join us for a special presentation by DEQ Solid Waste Analyst Peter Spendelow to learn about the new Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, which will get producers and processors working together and ensure that all employees receive a living wage. He will also discuss new recycling collection programs in the Portland area, new ideas regarding the bottle bill, and identifying when not to use recyclable or compostable materials.
All are invited to join Community for Earth members every 4th Sunday of the month to explore environmentally relevant topics.Â
Social time starts at 9 a.m., and the presentation and Q&A will run from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
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Alliance Annual Greens Sale
Wreaths are NOW for sale through November 14Â
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From the comfort of your own home, you can order aromatic holiday greens online. Choose from among 3 styles for safe pickup at the church garage on Friday, December 3, and Saturday, December 4, from 10-2 p.m.
Want to gift a wreath? There is one style available for shipping anywhere within the U.S., including Portland.
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Proceeds benefit women, children and marginalized groups.
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FINAL DAYS! - Cottage Meetings
Saturday, October 24 or Tuesday, October 26
Multiple Times Available (Check the registration link below)
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Please join the Ministerial Search Committee for the final "Cottage Meetings" to discuss what congregants want in a new Senior Minister and how we envision First Unitarian Church in the future.Â
Details:Â We have 6 options for general cottage meetings with the congregation. We will keep the number of attendees at a low enough level to be able to hear fully from everyone present.Â
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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All Hallow's Eve/Samhain Celebration and Reflection
IN-PERSON! - Sunday, October 31, at 3 p.m.Â
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Join intern minister, Carter Smith, for an in-person pagan New Year celebration, more commonly known as All Hallow’s Eve or Samhain. This outdoor gathering will be a space for altar building, reflection upon the wisdom of deep autumn, and connection with beloved dead who we may feel near us.
In addition to warm clothes and warm hearts, bring images or objects that remind you of those you want to remember, or that connect you to this season. It will be a time of togetherness and spiritual exploration underneath Mt. Tabor Park's beautiful tree canopy. Advance registration required.Â
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Interested in Being a Lay Minister?Wednesday, November 3 at 7 p.m.
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Lay ministers play an important role in how we build Beloved Community in our congregation. Lay ministers offer compassionate listening and support for congregants in times of special need that could include a spiritual crisis, bereavement, major life changes, health issues, or other personal concerns. Support can happen through one-on-one support and through the facilitation of small groups.Â
Applications will be accepted this fall and training begins in 2022.
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NEW! -Â Beyond Categorical Thinking Workshop
Two-Part Workshop:
November 5, at 7:30 - 9 p.m. and
November 6, at 9 - 10:30 a.m.
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“Will the new minister hear me? Will my concerns and needs be met? Will the minister understand what I’m living with? How will the community respond to our minister?’Â
In answering these questions, a picture of the “ideal minister” (categorized by age, gender identity, nationality, physical or cognitive ability, race, sexual orientation, etc.) comes to mind. With this picture in place, it can be easy to unintentionally exclude ministers who fall into certain categories. The BCT program is designed to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent unfair discrimination in the search process for a new minister.
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In-Person Worship Returns to First Unitarian on November 7
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We are all aware of the return of in-person gatherings in our community. Public schools are open for in-person learning. Our neighbors and some of us have sat shoulder to shoulder in cultural events and concerts. The rate of Covid infections here, and in the rest of the country, has been dropping for more than a month.
First Unitarian has taken a conservative approach to safety. Other churches have been offering limited versions of in-person worship for some time.
Our Public Health Team (Ronnie Emden, Jenny McNichol, Chris Tanner and Bill Yasnoff) has advised that, for vaccinated individuals, the risk of contracting or spreading the Covid virus is now low-enough for First Unitarian to gradually return to in-person worship.
Still, safety requires that our re-gathering have limits. Here is what Sunday morning, November 7, will look like:
The Limits and Logistics
A more detailed list can be read down below in the link.
- ADVANCED REGISTRATION and PROOF OF VACCINATION REQUIRED
- ~200 PERSON LIMIT
- MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED
- DISTANCING will be determined by individual comfort.
- SINGING (MASKED)
- NO CHILDREN UNDER 12
- NO IN-PERSON SOCIAL HOURÂ (Virtual will continue.)
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What Is Spiritual Direction Anyway?Saturday, November 6, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
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Have you heard about spiritual direction and wondered what it’s all about? Here’s a chance to learn more and explore how it might support your spiritual journey.
Meet members of the church’s Spiritual Directors Guild as they explain what it is and describe their work as spiritual companions.
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Living with Loss: How Will I Get Through the Holidays?Saturdays Starting November 13, at 10:30 a.m.
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This class, facilitated by Rev. Wendy Fish and Kristin Guest, will offer support through sharing information on the grief process, listening to one another's stories, suggesting ideas for holiday plans and connecting with others. This class is directed toward those who have experienced the death of someone they love, or a divorce or estrangement.
Limited to 8 participants. Advance registration required.
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Welcome to First Unitarian with Rev. Thomas DisrudSunday, November 14, at 12:30 p.m.Â
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Are you new to First Unitarian Portland? We are so glad you are here. This virtual class will offer an orientation to the church, to Unitarian Universalism and what it means to be a member. This will be a chance to meet other newcomers and to have your questions about the church answered.
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NEW! - Plan Ahead for General Assembly Portland 2022
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Registration for GA, the Unitarian Universalist Annual Meeting, will begin November 1. If you wish to sign up to volunteer at GAÂ for 20 hours in lieu of the registration fee, be sure to sign up on November 1 because all positions fill up quickly.
GA registrants receive access to all workshops, performances, lectures, and events listed in the GA Program. Registrants will have exclusive access to a chat room, recordings of previous streams, and dedicated support. General Sessions, Service of the Living Tradition, Synergy Bridging Worship and Sunday Morning Worship will be streamed live and publicly accessible; registration is not required to view or attend these events.Â
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Vesper Prayer ServiceFriday's at 5 p.m.
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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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Thank You First Unitarian for Over 3,000 Soul Boxes!
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Over 3 years ago, the Peace Action Group made the commitment to contribute to The Soul Box Project, a local effort dedicated to the artistic representation of the impact of gun violence in our country. The goal was to create 200,000 origami 4 inch boxes to memorialize every soul lost to guns over a 5-year span.
Many of you joined in that effort and sat side by side, or often alone, folding, decorating, remembering and honoring those lost. We estimate over 3,000 boxes were created through First Unitarian efforts. Display of soul boxes on the National Mall in Washington DC took place on October 16 and 17.Â
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THIS SUNDAY! - United Nations Day
Sunday, October 24
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You may know that the UUA has an office at the United Nations, known as the UU@UN, which is engaged at the international policy level to promote UU values. This year, the focus is on global movement toward food equity and sustainability.
At the local level, our Peace Action Group includes an Envoy Team that ensures our congregation achieves the "Sixth Principle Award" annually from the UU@UN, by meeting certain goals. (Formerly known as the "Blue Ribbon Congregation Award"). We have already met two requirements, with the plate collection in August that sent money to the UU@UN., and by sending a youth to the Intergenerational Spring Seminar, held online this year. Â
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Art for Social JusticeThe 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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Arlissa - The House We Live In (Official Visualizer)
A beautiful tribute and reminder.
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In the Community
Member Ian Mouser died in a traffic accident on last Thursday morning. Ian was the Founder and Executive Director of MyVoice Music, which is a Portland nonprofit dedicated to providing music education and experience for children and youth - particularly those in underserved communities. Ian was a few days into a cross-country bike ride fundraising for MyVoice Music when he died. His death is deeply felt throughout Portland. We hold his wife, Karen, who sings in our choir, and his six-year-old son, Jude, who is growing up in our Learning Community, at this time. You can find Ian's family's GoFundMe along with an announcement for a community event in Ian's honor at this link.
Mary Weller shared news that her daughter, LiAnne Weller, has completed her Masters of Science degree (from Logan University) in Nutrition and Human Performance. LiAnne grew up in our church and was once on our childcare staff.
Our organist Joe O’Donnell has been elected president of the National Organ Builders Association. Congratulations, Joe!Â
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NEW! -Â Send Names for All Souls Litany on October 31Submit names by October 25
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Our annual "All Souls Litany" will be held October 31 during our regular 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service. If you have a loved one who has died since November 1 of 2020 whom you would like included in our annual All Souls Litany.
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Do you have a reason to celebrate? Say it with flowers!NEW! -Â Beginning November 7
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Fresh flowers will again grace the Chancel for Sunday services. Sponsoring those flowers is a way to support the church and acknowledge life events. Do you have something to celebrate from these last 18 months? If you had a birth in the family, graduation, a birthday, an anniversary, or a memorial, or other reasons, you can acknowledge it to the entire congregation by sponsoring a floral bouquet. As we reconnect with friends, say it with flowers on the Chancel.Â
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JOIN US! - Nominating Committee Search
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Would you or someone you know serve our church well as a Board member or a member of the Nominating Committee?
The Nominating Committee has begun its annual search for new Board and Nominating Committee members to replace those who are retiring. It’s the committee’s job to find candidates and propose them to the Congregation for election next spring.
Send your candidate's name and a couple sentences about why they qualify in an email to committee co-chairs Dean and Joyce.
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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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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 Tuesdays.
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Sunday Live StreamÂ
& Social Schedule
Join us LIVE from your computer or smart device.
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October Shared Plate For the month of October, we share our plate with Honor the Earth, a Native organization who provides financial and organizing support to Native environmental initiatives. Honor the Earth works closely with other women-led Indigenous groups fighting to Stop Line 3 tar sands oil pipeline...cont.
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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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