Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.Â
Starting June 23, our worship service will be at 10:15 a.m.Â
Childcare is available during our worship service for children six months to 3 years old (in the nursery.)
Social Hour: Buchan Reception Hall after the service
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On this Juneteenth, we’ll explore what it means to be free–or not. Is our freedom something that is given to us or something we claim?
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Special Message from our Moderator and Ministers
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Many thanks to all who attended Sunday’s meeting. Thanks to those who wrote to share concerns, appreciation, hopes, ideas, and questions about our recently announced music ministry leadership transition. Change is hard, even when necessary. We want to make space for your grief or whatever you are feeling at this moment. We know some are feeling surprised and upset, in part, because they don’t have all the facts.Â
We will continue to make space for an open exchange of information and to give you all the accurate details that we can. If we don’t know something, we’ll tell you. If we can’t share something, we’ll tell you why. All of this is part of navigating conflict in productive ways. (continue reading)
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Attention All Young Adults: It's Time to Connect!Â
Sunday, June 16, at 12:15 p.m.
Location:Â Channing Room
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Are you a young adult looking to make new friends, explore your interests, and get involved with your community? Well, listen up because we've got some exciting news for you!Â
A Diverse Group of Young Adults Comes TogetherÂ
Recently, a group of inclusive, diverse young adults gathered to discuss ways to connect, engage, and sustain their community. The energy was electric as they shared their interests, ideas, and aspirations.
Weekly Meetups All Summer LongÂ
The group has decided to meet every week throughout the summer to explore how they can connect with each other and the greater First U Community. From fun social events to thought-provoking discussions, there's something for everyone.
Join the MovementÂ
If you're a young adult who wants to be part of this dynamic and inclusive community, we invite you to join us after the Sunday service at 12:15 in Channing Room A 101. Starting June 16, 2024, and running through August, these weekly meetups are the perfect opportunity to make new friends, discover new interests, and make your mark on the world.Â
Stay ConnectedÂ
For more information on the Young Adults group and how you can get involved, email Jen. Or drop by on Sunday. We’re excited to welcome you into this vibrant community and help you make the most of your young adult experience. So, what are you waiting for? Join the Young Adults group, and let's create something amazing together!Â
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Get Informed. Take Action.Â
Sunday, June 16th from 12:15 - 1:45 p.m.
Location: Fireside Room
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Plan C, Oregon's Constitutional Amendment, and our partnership with UU the Vote will be on the agenda of CARD's monthly meeting.
All are welcome, including children. Feel free to contact Marni for additional information or to be added to our Google group list.
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Featured NewsEnjoyed 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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NEW! — Support LiftUp This Summer & Thank You!
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We are supporting LiftUp throughout the summer, from June 16 to Labor Day. 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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You made our Lift Up soup drive a success! Thank you to all who contributed to the grand total of 240 pounds of cans and cartons of soup. You helped fill the stomachs of many children and adults in the downtown Portland area who visited Preston's Pantry. 💗
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Third Act Oregon Presents: An Evening with Bill McKibben
Friday, July 5, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
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Don’t miss this rare evening with one of the world’s most beloved and important environmentalists and global thinkers. Mingle with Third Act Oregon volunteers and climate activists from all over the state after the main presentation.
Following the event, enjoy light refreshments in the First Unitarian's beautiful, air-conditioned Buchan Reception Hall.
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Keep the Momentum Going with UU the Vote!
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Thank you, First U letter writers, for your dedication to the UU the Vote campaign! Our goal is 10,000 letters, and we're almost halfway there! Let’s keep the momentum going through the summer!
Look for the blue tablecloth during Fellowship Hour every Sunday throughout the summer. Tuesday morning sessions will resume in September. Let's make a big impact with UU the Vote!
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Shower Project Needs Clothes & SnacksÂ
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The Shower Project is going well, and our guests appreciate the service, especially the clothing donations. We urgently need the items listed below to ensure we can continue providing for our guests. Your donations of these specific items will make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your support!
- Men's boxer briefs M/L
- Men's and women's used shorts and jeans sizes M/L
- Disposable razors
- Single-serving, microwaveable snacks like mac and cheese, oatmeal, ramen
- Snacks like protein bars
Items can be left in the COHHO bins in Fuller Hall.
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In the Community
A memorial service will be held for longtime member Mary Bothwell this Saturday, June 15, at 2 pm in the Eliot Chapel. The service will be livestreamed here. Mary died on April 30 at the age of 98. Th
Member Benno Phillipson suffered a stroke on June 2 and is has now entered hospice care. We hold Benno and his wife Gail Durham.
Joyce Blumklotz, longtime member and former member of our Board of Trustees, is recovering from hip replacement surgery. Healing thoughts and cards will be appreciated, but no calls or visits at this time.
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NEW! - Letter from the Board
It’s a beautiful spring morning as I sit here writing this letter. The sky is bright blue and the slight breeze sends soft pink petals down on my walk way. But spring is not on my mind today. I recently returned from a trip to...(continue reading)
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First Unitarian Foundation Celebrates New Legacy Society Members
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The Foundation Board would like to recognize and thank the twenty-one members of the congregation who joined the Legacy Society this spring when they informed us that they included First Unitarian in their will or estate plan. The membership in the First Unitarian’s Legacy Society now totals 119 congregants.
THANK YOU NEW LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS
- Marty Anderson
- Cleve Abbe & Trish Brown
- Marilynne Eichinger
- Ronnie-Gail Emden
- Ethel Gullette
- Nancy Hagensick
- Nancy Harrison
- David Livermore & Laura Jones
- Rick & Maxine Lathrop
- John Hutzler & Teri Martin
- Steve & Shannon Planchon
- Harriet Shaklee
- Karen Shawcross
- Julia Spence
- Bill Bateman & Rodolfo Troya
Foundation Bequests Received Since 2020 Total $844,000
Since January 2020, the Foundation received bequests of $844,000 that have ranged from $2,500 to $486,000 in value. We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals from whom bequests have been received: Joyce & Ed Easton; Esther Gwinnell; Cheryl Macy; Barbara Miller; Deborah Ogden; Palmer “Ted” Olson; Arnie Pickar; Dorothy Pope; Roberta Rice-Lechner; Donna Richards; Rev. Bob Schaibly; John Van Buren; Helen Warbington; and Sarah P. Young.
We also thank the following individuals who have made financial gifts to the Foundation in the last year: Sarabelle Hitchner; Judith Pullan; and Melissa Rockefeller.
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HOW TO — Book for the 2024/2025 Church YearÂ
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Social Hour Sunday Tabling: Sign up for Fuller/Buchan Reception tabling on Sundays by emailing John Rosette.
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Our flowers this Sunday honor Mary Bothwell, who was a member of and who loved this Church from 1960-2024.
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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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The Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to social justice work and build the Beloved Community.
Curated by Ethel, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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Beloved Community of Color: Every second Thursday evening and fourth Saturday morning of the month. Email for more info.
Caregivers Support Group: Open to Newcomers. Fourth Sunday of each month at 9 a.m. via Zoom.
THIS SUNDAY — Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD): We meet on the third Sunday of each month. From 12:15 – 1:45 in Fireside.
THIS SUNDAY —  First Connections: We meet monthly on the third Sunday for all new and returning folks! And it is a terrific way to meet new folks just coming into the community. Bring a brown bag lunch. Questions? Email Pat.
First Steps: Every first Sunday of the month at Noon // Location: Channing Room. Discover additional insights into life at First Unitarian Portland, avenues for connection, and delve deeper into Unitarian Universalism. Questions? Email Jen Thomas.
- Lunch Gathering at Elephants
Monday, June 24 at 12:30 p.m. || Location: Elephants Delicatessen S. Corbett
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: Sojourners and Sojourners 2 are two separate groups that meet for two hours in person at First Unitarian. Members support each other through the aging journey by engaging in facilitated discussion and activities, sharing personal stories and concerns, inspiring individual growth, and promoting friendship through social activities. 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 noon.
UU the Vote: Join Us For Community and Letter WritingÂ
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:Â Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
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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 noon.
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For the month of June, we are sharing our plate offering with Street Books. Street Books is a bicycle-powered, mobile library serving people living outside and at the margins in Portland.
Since 2011, Street Books has provided books, reading glasses, and other survival supplies to create relationships and a community of mutual care. They strive to empower people on the streets through access to literature and to create a community of support for people living outside through a shared love of books.Â
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