| Sunday ServicesSunday, April 7: Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
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At One
-Rev. Bill SinkfordOur vision of the Beloved Community points toward a world in which difference is a source of strength and beauty. There is power and potential in our vision for a world in which the human family lives whole and reconciled.
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Bill's BlogA Fragile Faith
This is the season when preachers and teachers in religious communities search within themselves and in the world to justify hope. The renewal in the earth around us stands in stark contrast to the failures in human community, also around us. Human failures are now compromising even the resiliency of earth. It is a challenge always to find an honest message in the spring, as we approach Easter.
I had the privilege of leading a First Connections session last Sunday, the first one I have led. The topic was Theology 101.
I recounted the Unitarian and the Universalist contributions to our now “blended” religious family. I praised the empowerment of the Unitarian religious tradition, the belief in our ability to shape and improve the world. I also celebrated the power and presence of an abiding Love that is the heart of the Universalist message. I spoke of the Universalist “ultimate confidence” that love is real. Our Unitarian Universalist faith attempts to blend mind and heart, reason and faith ...Continued
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FIRST CONNECTIONS
How the Church Works
Sunday, April 7, 1 p.m.
Channing Room
Learn how our church is governed, how decisions are made, what role your Board of Trustees plays, and the financial life of the church. Led by members of our Board of Trustees.
First Unitarian Nomenclature
Next Sunday, April 14
Come and learn the meaning behind some of the names we use around the church and where they come from.
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| Last Call for Auction Donations!
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Creating Connections: "Reboot for the Future" is a Silent Event, Service, and Vacation Home Auction Coming Up on May 5, 12, and 19.
Auction donations are due in just a few days and your support is needed to make this year’s action a success! Working together with other congregants can be easier and less of a financial burden, so don’t hesitate to pair up. Vacation rentals are always a big hit too. Donation deadline: Monday, April 8, 5 p.m. (paper copies due Sunday, April 7 in Fuller Hall). Donate ONLINE or grab and fill out a paper donation form at the Auction Committee information table in Margaret Fuller Hall after services.
Need ideas for what to offer? To support the auction mission, please contact Ron Yoder or Pat Malone for sponsorship information.
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Black Girl in Suburbia, Screening and Conversation with Director Melissa LowerySunday, April 7, 1–3 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall Black Girl In Suburbia is a 55-minute feature documentary that looks into the experiences of black girls growing up in predominately white communities, filmed in the Portland area. This is a different look into suburbia from the perspective of women of color. This film explores, through professional and personal interviews, the conflicts and issues black girls have relating to both white and black communities. There are many girls out there who have stories to tell about struggle and triumph but have never had an outlet for sharing them. Black Girl In Suburbia intends to spark an open dialogue about race, identity, and perspective among all people. Suitable for all ages, but probably most engaging for people 10 years old and older. Free Childcare provided! Please request childcare at the RE Information desk by 12:45 p.m. Childcare starts at 1 p.m.
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| Registration Now Open for UU Chalice Summer Day Camp!
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Join us this summer for a week of community building, nature exploration, spiritual practice, and lots of fun, all grounded in Unitarian Universalist values and principles. Options include leadership training for youth to be youth counselors or aides.
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Got a Minute? Let Your Voice Be Heard!
The Board is inviting all congregants to respond to an online survey to assess progress toward our vision and goals.
We've tried to keep the survey short, so you can complete it fairly quickly. Your opinion is important because we need to hear from as many congregants as possible to get a complete picture.
Results of the survey will be shared with the congregation before the end of the church year. Let us hear from you!
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Summer Classes, Workshops, and EventsAre you interested in teaching a class or a workshop this summer in service to First Unitarian, or would you like to refer engaging teachers from our broader community? Please send an email to Kerry ASAP with a brief general description of what you would like to offer, qualifications, and preferred times/dates. Kerry Heintze: kheintze@firstunitarianportland.org.
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Plastics and the Environment Sunday, April 14, 9:30 a.m.
A303 Join Community for Earth for a special presentation by Peter Spendelow, a Senior Waste Reduction Specialist with Oregon DEQ. The presentation will address both negative and positive aspects of plastic, from a regulatory agency point of view. Contribution to marine debris is negative, but other uses are less certain. Some plastic use creates fewer negative environmental impacts than alternatives supported by public perception.
All are welcome to attend.
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Support Immigrant Rights and Youth Justice ReformSunday, April 14, 10:30–11 a.m. or 12:30–1 p.m. Fill out postcards in support of critical bills currently making their way through the Oregon legislature. Everything provided: bill descriptions, pens, postcards, and delivery. Sponsored by the Immigrant Justice Action Group and Ending Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial Justice (formerly Ending the New Jim Crow), in collaboration with ACLU Oregon.
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Looking Ahead: Wellspring at First Unitarian
Sunday, April 14, 10:30–11 a.m. or 12:30–1 p.m.
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Each year, many members of our church participate in this amazing 10-month journey. Wellspring offers spiritual deepening within our Unitarian Universalist tradition through a small group experience. Wellspring groups begin in October and go through June. Join us for a complimentary informational meeting to learn more.
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Help Is Here
Sunday, April 14, 11:15–12:30 p.m.
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Join author Anne Hill for an engaging discussion on dementia. Learn techniques to improve communication and interactions with loved ones and fellow congregants. The Help Is Here project is a mission of Providence Foundation. Profits from book sales return to the Help Is Here project to support education for those who care for people with dementia. Learn more about the Help Is Here series of books at www.dementiahelpishere.org. A limited number of books will be available for purchase after the discussion.
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| 10th Annual Sewell Lecture Welcomes Julie Lythcott-Haims
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“On learning to love my black self in a country where black lives were never meant to matter.”
Tuesday, April 16, 7–9 p.m.
Main Sanctuary
Poetry by Justice English and Moderating/Q&A with Melissa Lowery Julie roots for humans. Humans need agency in order to make their way forward; Julie is deeply interested in what impedes us. She is The New York Times bestselling author of How to Raise an Adult, an anti-helicopter parenting manifesto which gave rise to one of the top TED Talks of 2016, with over 3 million views. Her second book is the critically-acclaimed prose poetry memoir Real American, which illustrates her experience with racism and her journey toward self-acceptance. A third book on how to be an adult, for young adults, is forthcoming.
Book signing and reception to follow. Youth 21 and under are free. Suggested donation $20 for adults.
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Earth Day in Music and SongFriday, April 26, 7:30–9 p.m.
Eliot Chapel All people of faith are invited to an evening of music, song, candle lighting, and quiet reflection, drawing on Taizé, an ecumenical tradition from France. Featured artists are Michael Allen Harrison, Sky in the Road, PSU SECO Quintet, and Aurora Chorus. Donations requested for rental of space. RSVPs appreciated at Center for Earth Leadership, 503-244-0026 or Jeanne@earthleaders.org.
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| Women's Justice edition of Speaking of Justice: Faith in Action E-Mag!
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In honor of International Women's Day and Women's History Month, this edition of Speaking of Justice focuses on Women's Justice. You can find it here. In this edition, you'll find a welcome letter that acknowledges that women's justice is a matter of gender justice, yet it does not address all aspects of gender oppression that exist in the system of patriarchy in which we all function. As we focus on women’s justice specifically, we recognize the unique, and yet unifying, impacts patriarchy has on womxn around the world. The liberation of womxn is essential to the liberation of all people. In this issue, you'll find an article about gender pronouns, and why they matter. You'll delve into the history of women and justice work at First Unitarian Portland, get a glimpse of the thought and work that went into creating the “I Believe You” service and pastoral care; read poetry, prayers, and testimony of Unitarian Universalists; and hear from our social justice action groups about how the injustices they address particularly and disproportionately impact women. Thank you for joining us on this journey for justice together.
Subscribe here!
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Give the Joy of Flowers for Sunday’s Service
Have you ever wondered where the beautiful flowers come from each week? You can be one of the generous donors of the chancel flowers.
If you have an upcoming birthday, anniversary, or memorial that you’d like to recognize, what better way than to provide flowers in honor of your loved one? For details about giving flowers for the chancel, contact Marsha at 503-954-3534, marshamwarner@comcast.net.
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BookstoreEaster is coming! Earth Day is coming! The bookstore has books to celebrate both. And the Sewell Lecture is coming on April 16. We have the book “Real American: A Memoir” written by the guest speaker, Julie Lythcott-Haims, available.
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Pick up our Spring Paths to Engagement Publication!
Check out the Paths to Engagement guide available this Sunday at the Adult Programs table.
Learn about the classes, retreats, and other special events happening at First Unitarian this spring.
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Plastic-Free PilgrimageOngoing through Earth Day
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Community for Earth of First Unitarian, Planet Earth Group of the First Methodist Church, and congregations of downtown Portland and other communities have joined together to raise awareness of how to reduce our plastic pollution. Find our pledge sheets for daily action and sign up at the Community for Earth table in Margaret Fuller Hall. This week we are also featuring an info display from the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. Check it out!
More information is located at www.PlasticFreePilgrimage.org
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The Neighborhood House's Annual Food Drive
Runs through Sunday, April 14 First Unitarian and our Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO) are joining with 40 local faith and community groups to collect canned goods for the Neighborhood House's annual food drive. This food drive helps feed 1400 people monthly. Drop off cans at COHHO's food cupboard in Margaret Fuller Hall. Contact Donna at webbed@msn.com for more information.
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Needs for 13 SalmonWe need mushroom and other soups, granola bars, canned chicken,
canned fruit, chips, enchilada sauce, and noodles. Please bring donations to the 13 Salmon donation center in Margaret Fuller Hall. Contact Donna at webbed@msn.com for more information.
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Sunday Afternoon ChildcareWe offer childcare for all ages every Sunday from 1–3 p.m. while you attend an event or meeting at church. Please request care for your child(ren) at the Eliot Center Info Desk by 1 p.m. that day. Staff are released at 1 p.m. if care has not been requested.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Interested in Working on Disability Issues?If you are interested in a group that would bring together persons living with a range of disabilities, a member of the church is interested in exploring such a group. It would be a place for support as well as education and advocacy. If you are interested in being part of such a group, contact Pat Wallace at 971-400-0841, or patjw100@gmail.com.
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Social Hour Helpers Needed Sunday Mornings
We need a few more beverage service helpers and subs on Sundays in Margaret Fuller Hall. Choose one Sunday each month, either 8–10:50 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m., with time to attend the service in between. Please contact Emily at 541-408-1516 or ewh1960@gmail.com. Training provided by experienced volunteers.
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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 at 1stuushers@gmail.com.
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Time-Limited Projects Await!While there are many opportunities for long-term commitments within our congregation, there are also myriad options for people desiring time-limited projects for a contribution of effort and energy. Questions? Marti Yoder at marti.yoder@gmail.com.
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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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| Sunday Drivers Needed
Can you provide an occasional ride to Sunday services for a neighbor? Do you, or someone you know, need help getting to church?
Our First Unitarian Neighborhood Connections rideshare program helps match riders with drivers in Portland and Lake Oswego and is organized by ZIP code. To learn more, contact Leslie Comnes, 503-236-2963.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows We celebrate with Mira Mickiewicz, our Intern Minister. Last week Mira went before the Ministerial Fellowship Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Association in Boston--that’s the credentialing body for ministers--and received their highest rating. Congratulations Mira, on this important step.
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March Moderator’s LetterThe March Moderator’s Letter has been published. Follow this link to read the full letter. Of special note, this year’s Congregational Survey is now available! We strongly urge you to fill it out (it only takes 10 minutes or so). The survey is anonymous and the consolidated responses become part of the Assessment of the Ministry of our church, which is done every year by the Board and Executive Team. For the latest updates on Board activities, visit the Board's webpage, which includes the latest time/location for all Board-related events.
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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, March 31 Attendance:1st Service: 195
2nd Service: 277
Musicians: 44
Total: 516
Livestream: 85
Grand Total: 601
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Help Us Be a Welcoming CongregationDo you have a spare bedroom you are willing to share with other UUs visiting Portland for a few days? You would provide a bed, bath, and a simple breakfast. We often have more requests than hosts! More hosts are needed in NE Portland, but anywhere in the city is good. Our B & B program is personally enriching. Many lasting bonds of friendship have been made between guests and hosts. Our coffers are also enriched. All rental proceeds go to the church. Remember our program if you are having out of town guests who need housing. For details, contact Ruth Robinson, mickrob@comcast.net.
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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 photos@firstunitarianportland.org or click 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. in Buchan Hall. For more information or to register, please contact Lucy Garrick, lucygarrick@icloud.com.
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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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| Animal Ministry Group
Normally meets on the fourth Sunday, 12:45 p.m., A303. Visit the Animal Ministry web page for special meeting times. Questions? 503-520-9012.
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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)Meets monthly September through May on the third Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in A303, the Fireside Room, or visit our table in Margaret Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays. Questions? Email co-chairs John Elizalde, Ingrid Gjestvang, and Cynthia Sulaski.
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| Contemplative Practice Group Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., A301. Offers a regular opportunity for building community through silent meditation, mindfulness poetry, and deep discussion on church themes. Questions? Ron Walker.
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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. Contact: Michael Wade for more information.
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| Ending Mass Incarceration/Advancing Racial Justice Usually, monthly on the fourth Tuesday, 6:30–8 p.m., B302. Questions? Kathryn Scotten.
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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) has begun meeting the second Sunday of every month from 1:30–3 p.m. in Buchan (302). Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. We offer quarterly educational meetings on topics of relevance to the congregation, focused on issues/needs of immigrant and refugee communities. Through the IJAG Google group, recommended actions are disseminated. Our meetings include time for reflection, sharing, and an educational program about one of 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. We hope you'll join us for the important work of immigrant justice! Contact Ann Zawaski for questions: annzawaski@gmail.com.
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LGBTQIA Pride Group
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: First Unitarian Pride, Portland, OR for all of our events and the LGBTQIA events we are supporting in the Portland area.
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Meditation Group
Wednesday nights
Group meets in the Elliot Chapel, 7 –8:30 p.m. Silent meditation for 30 minutes, followed by reading and discussing a book by Buddhist author. Please email with your phone number if you are considering coming. Mary Ann Harman.
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| Parents of Teens Support Group, 1–2 p.m.Second and fourth Sundays
Connect with other parents of teens to talk and share around parenting topics and the joys and challenges of navigating this phase of life as parents, with the guidance of a lay minister. We are an open group and parents are welcome to come as you are able. Childcare is provided 15 minutes before an event. Gather in Buchan (B301) at 12:30 p.m. after the second service, and meet formally from 12:45–1:45 p.m. every other week. If you’d like to be added to our contact email list, please contact Sara Robertson, sara.seely@gmail.com.
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| Peace Action Group Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Tess Beistel, Terri Shofner, Brianna Bragg.
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| Quilts of Love GroupThird Thursday meeting is now 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. More. Questions? Contact Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
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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 Knitting GroupThe knitting circle meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month during the church year. Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.
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| UU Men's Community
Third Saturday, 9 a.m., Channing Room. 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 at 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. We are currently welcoming new members. Questions? Kim, 503-869-1486. III: First and third Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. Not accepting new members at this time. 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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Younger Adult Spiritual Circle
Those who identify as younger adults: join us for an evening of community, reflection, song, and spirit centered around this month’s theme of “Atonement.” Wednesday, April 10, 7–8:30 p.m., Channing Room. A simple dinner is available for $5 in Fuller Hall at 6:15. Note: Sacred song circles have ended for the season.
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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 to:
Communications@firstunitarianportland.org and include in the subject line “For eNews” –or– “For Sunday Bulletin” –or– “For eNews and Sunday Bulletin.”
This will get to all the right people. 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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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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In April, we share our plate offering with Verde. Since 2005, Verde has brought new environmental investments to Portland’s neighborhoods, involved community members in the planning and building of these investments, and ensured that low-income people and people of color directly benefited from the investments. Their environmental investments include green spaces, habitat, energy efficiency and renewable energy, green jobs, and more.
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