Please Join Our Live Stream
Sunday, October 18Worship Service at 10:15 a.m. PDT
Family Worship Service at 9:15 a.m. PDT
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Return to the Home of Your Soul
Rev. Thomas Disrud
Who are we in relation to the world? How are we shaped by what’s around us and how do we shape our surroundings? In times when it can be so easy to feel ungrounded, how is it we find our center and live out of that center?
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Bill's BlogVote
Our ballots arrived at the house yesterday. I’ve been looking for them, anxious to actually have them in hand. I have needed this election, which is somehow different, more dangerous and more fraught, to get concrete
Even those of us, and there are many when we are honest, who have seen self-interest, greed and cavalier disregard for justice and basic human rights fueling virtually every political decision…for so long...
Whether you believe that view is deeply cynical or simply honest, it is clear to me that we have passed, or are in danger of passing into new territory in which even the flawed promise of our “democratic” system is being shown to be bankrupt...continued.
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Help Get Out the Vote for November 3rd!
We are nineteen days away from the November election. In solidarity with our siblings in Wisconsin and Florida as they fight systems of oppression and police violence, the UUA has partnered with frontline mobilizers around to get out the vote (GOTV).Â
This is our opportunity for faithful action to strengthen the movement for fair and inclusive elections. Register for the virtual GOTV sessions with training and guidance for phone banking.Â
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First Unitarian Social Justice
Voter Guide is Here
Look for your ballot in your mailbox this week!
Social Justice Action Groups recommendations for state and local ballot measures. Read those recommendations and get important information about registering, ballots and voter pamphlets by clicking the button below.
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Join First Unitarian Conversation and Call to Action toÂ
Protect Democracy
Tuesday, October 20 from 4:30-6:00pm
Congregants will host a Conversation and Call to Action to Protect Democracy. REGISTER HERE
The meeting will use Hold the Line: a Guide to Defending Democracy as the framework for nonviolent organizing through Inauguration Day. The guide was developed by a nonpartisan group of concerned citizens and is being used by community coalitions nationwide to explore possible scenarios for the election and what we must do to ensure free, fair, respected and safe election.Â
Organizing has begun in Portland, and members of our church community are connected to that effort. Join us to learn how you can be involved in the essential work to defend our democracy. You are also invited to sign this nonviolent pledge to Choose Democracy.
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Alliance Wreaths are Coming!
Mark Your Calendars
October 19 through November 15
We are not going to let a pandemic set us back! We are not going to let down the women, children and marginalized groups who benefit from our greens sale.
From the comfort of your own home, you’ll be able to order online and choose from among 3 styles for safe pickup at the church garage on Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10-2 p.m.
There will be one style of wreath available for shipping anywhere within the U.S., including Portland. Once we’re ready to go, the link to the online store will be widely provided for all church members.
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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Weekly Prayer VigilsÂ
Weekly, Fridays
5:00 - 5:40 p.m. PDT
Lay ministers will offer virtual readings, guided meditation, and quiet music in a contemplative program at week’s end.
Congregants and visitors are invited to send in prayer requests. We look forward to sharing this time of quiet reflection with you when we are all holding so much in our hearts.
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Nourishing the Spirit: Practices for the Long Haul
Virtual, Saturday, October 17
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. PDT
In a world of violence, injustice, and loss, the spirit struggles to stay hopeful when many of us feel burned out, discouraged, and exhausted. In community we reawaken hope, imagination, and passion that sustains us as we work to build the world we see in our dreams.Â
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Interfaith Conversations Before the Election
Mondays, Next Discussion October 19, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. PDT
Join Intern Minister Stacey Mitchell and notable female social justice leaders representing Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Islamic, and Unitarian Universalism traditions for weekly reflections on our current times and anxieties as we lead up to election day.Â
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Caring Circle
Tuesdays, October 27 through December 22
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. PDT
Lay ministers invite you to virtually join them in a Caring Circle. Through deep listening we will support one another in a small group, building trust and beloved community during these troubled times.
New members and friends and those looking for a way to enter into our large church community are especially welcome. Advance registration is required and participants are asked to commit to attending all sessions.
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Younger Adult Newcomer Welcoming
With Rev. Abigail Clauhs
Sunday, November 1
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. PDT
Younger adults who are new to the church are invited to join Rev. Abigail Clauhs, one of our affiliated community ministers, in a time to virtually gather, get to know each other, and share in some spiritual grounding.
**There are no age restrictions. We are less interested in how many years you’ve been on earth and more interested your experiences here. So, if you identify as being on the younger end of adults in THIS congregation this community is for you!
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Don’t Forget to Register for the 2020-2021 School Year
Families, Parents & Grandparents
Even though we won’t be meeting in person, it’s still important to register your child/youth so that we can keep you on our email and physical mailer list and be sure you don’t miss anything. We will keep your family on our email list through the end of September to give you time to register before updating our list for this church year. Thank you for registering!Â
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Contemplative Practice
Next meetings: Tuesdays, October 27, November 10 and 24
6:30 - 8:00 p.m PDT
All are welcome. We begin by meditating for 20 minutes, in any style you are comfortable with. Then we discuss a spiritual “check-in” topic. We finish by sharing a poem related to the topic. We read it aloud twice with a pause in between, giving people time to reflect on a word or phrase that struck them. Afterward we discuss our reaction to it.
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Videos for Voters Organized to Influence Critical Elections
Gain dialogue skills for intentional political conversations with people within your personal circle of connection such as family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and fellow congregants.
These are two videos in the track for Mobilizing Non-Voters:
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These are two videos for Dialogue Strategies Across Ideologies:
Developers:Â First Unitarian Portland and All Souls Church in Washington, DC, partnered with Dr. David Campt of the Dialogue Company.
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In the Community
Community Milestones, Joys, & SorrowsÂ
Longtime member Doris Clevenger died on September 30 at the age of 90. Doris and her late husband, Roger, were “every Sunday’ attenders for many years. She was a behind the scenes volunteer in our music program and wrote the occasional piece for our choirs. She leaves her son Alan.Â
Margaret Milne, mother of member Paul Milne, died this week in southern California. She was 97 years old and Paul and his wife Laura were able to be at her side. We hold them and their child Mica at this time of loss.Â
Judge William H. Ledbetter, father of member Jennifer Springsteen, grandfather to Charlotte, died on October 7 at his home in Georgia surrounded by family. A celebration of his life will be held in Virginia in the spring.
Member Julie Grice is back at home and recovering after recent surgery on her kidneys. We hold Julie and wish her continued recovery.
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Message from our Board Moderator
Our community has held up remarkably well through this time of physical separation. “Attendance” at our virtual church services over the summer was far higher than our typical in-person attendance has been in years past. Many groups are meeting through Zoom and in socially distanced gatherings...continued.
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Evaluation of the Ministry
The bylaws of First Unitarian Church, Article III, Section 5, require the Board, the Senior Minister, and the Executive Team to annually conduct a joint evaluation of the ministry of the church in reference to the church’s mission and the policies enacted by the Board. This year’s report revolves around the three core elements of the mission statement of the church—creating community, spiritual deepening, and bringing our values to the larger community. Â
The final report for the 2019-2020Â church year can be viewed here.
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Footprints: Immigration/Migration Memory, Reality, ResponsibilitySeptember 12 - October 27, 2021
This art exhibition is scheduled in seven art galleries at seven churches in Portland, Oregon, including First Unitarian Church. Â Each gallery has curated in a unique way, a show which addresses historical and ongoing movements of people. A preview of this visual journey may be seen in a short video here.
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First Unitarian's Response to Covid-19
Here are a few important updates that affect our life together.
Sunday Worship
Staying Connected
Church Communications: Do you receive messages from the church including this weekly E-News and our Staying Connected emails? To receive church emails send a note to etafuri@firstunitarianportland.org.
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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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Have a Submission for E-News?If you have a 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 Stream & Social ScheduleJoin us LIVE from your computer or smart device by clicking on the links below.Â
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October Shared PlateThe Western States Center strengthen community organizing with a particular emphasis on gender justice, racial justice, and tribal sovereignty. They also support communities and civil society to effectively respond to social movements that exploit bigotry and intolerance, such as the white nationalist movement.Â
First Unitarian recently joined Western States Center as a plaintiff in the 10th Amendment lawsuit against federal law enforcement agencies who sent agents to suppress protests against police violence in Portland.Â
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Speaking of Justice: Weekly Update 10/15In this period of physical distancing, the sacred work of justice continues. Engage with what our Social Justice Action Groups are diving into.
What you can find inside!
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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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Share photos of you or your family watching our Sunday livestream or volunteering in our community!Â
You might see yourself in our pre-service slideshow!
(By submitting your photos, you are giving us permission to publish and/or use images for First U publications.)
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Moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail? Fill out this form.
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