Join Us for Worship this SundaySunday, August 29, 2021Â // 10:15 a.m.
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Called in to PossibilityCarter Smith, Intern Minister
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In a time of yet more uncertainty, how can we let the still, small voice of possibility speak to us? Carter will share about her own experience of being called to ministry and will offer practices for paying attention to that which calls to us.
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This Fall at First UnitarianÂ
We have decided to change our plans for this fall.
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Rather than return to in-person worship next month, as we had hoped, we will begin the new church year worshipping on-line only.Â
So many of us were looking forward to gathering once again in person, to returning to worship in the Sanctuary, singing together and feeling safe enough to be in one another’s physical presence. Speaking for myself, I was so looking forward to being able to see your faces when I preach.Â
Our plan had been to offer in-person worship beginning September 12, Homecoming...continued.
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Staying Connected Blog
It's a Very Long Name
Rev. Bill Sinkford
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This national organization invites Unitarian Universalists who identify as African American or from other parts of the African Diaspora, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander, South Asian and Indian, Native American or from other Indigenous Cultures to come together for mutual support and collective spiritual growth. It is an organization for Unitarian Universalists who identify as other than white...continued.
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Welcome to First Unitarian with Rev. Thomas Disrud
THIS SUNDAY! - August 29, 11:30 a.m.
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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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THIS SUNDAY! - Portland's "Clean and Safe" Contract: Info Session/Q&A with Housing Justice Advocates
Sunday, August 29 // 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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This September, Portland City Council will vote on whether or not to renew the contract for the downtown Enhanced Service District (ESD) called "Clean and Safe." A coalition of housing justice, participatory democracy and advocates for the unhoused have been studying ESDs (often called Business Improvement Districts, or BIDs, in other cities) and their relationship with criminalizing homelessness. Programs like "Clean and Safe" are a main driver of anti-homeless ordinances in the country and are an often unexamined and huge factor in creating inescapable cycles of poverty.Â
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A Brief History of First Unitarian of Portland and Where We Are Going With the 8th PrincipleWednesday, September 1 // 10:30 a.m - 12:15 p.m.
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Presented by Cindy Cumfer, First Unitarian Board Member, author and historian.
If you're not an Alliance member, contact us for joining details.
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Emergency Response in Haiti
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On August 14, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti, causing widespread destruction and devastating communities. The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) has been in contact with long-term grassroots partners in Haiti to assess and respond to the most pressing needs. Help UUSC get resources to grassroots groups in Haiti by making a gift to their Emergency Response Fund today.
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Speaking of Justice Blog
Time for a Wealth Tax
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Billionaires' share of wealth has increased by $5.5 trillion during the course of the pandemic while working class folks lose their homes and find it increasingly difficult to feed their children or pay the medical bills.
Time for a Wealth Tax as proposed by Senators Warren, Sanders and Merkley, the Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act of 2021 (in the Senate: S510/in the House HR1459)...continued.
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| | Upcoming Events, Workshops & Classes
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RALLY & MARCH - 9/11: Twenty Years of War, Stoking Fear, Erasing Rights and Misdirected Funding
Friday, September 10 // 4:30 p.m
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Speakers will address issues that have plagued America and thus, the world, after the U.S. chose to start endless wars rather than seek justice. Other than the wars, which expanded from Afghanistan to Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan, Libya, Somalia and Syria, topics will include threats to civil liberties/the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, and the rise in Islamophobia and anti-immigrant sentiments.
Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square, SW Yamhill and Broadway Please mask up and stay distanced for safety.
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General Assembly 2022 Theme Contest
Submission Deadline: Monday, September 13
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Submission deadline is September 13th. And did you know? GA 2022 will be held in-person right here in Portland, Oregon!
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Program ResourcesAdult Programs, Social Justice, Learning Community, Music & Arts
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Interested in Spiritual Deepening in a Small Group?Wellspring Sources starts virtually in October
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How will you take care of your soul this year?Â
Wellspring offers spiritual deepening within our Unitarian Universalist tradition, an opportunity for learning more about ourselves and our faith through a 10-month virtual small group experience.Â
There are two groups from which to choose: 1st and 3rd Mondays from 7-9 p.m. OR 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.Â
Spaces are limited.Â
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Vesper Prayer ServiceFriday, September 17, 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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ACTION! - Western Farm Workers: Back to School DriveÂ
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Please help Western Farm Workers Association (WFWA) provide back-to-school supplies to their membership. Every fall WFWA provides school materials -- from backpacks and markers to binders and notebooks -- for approximately 60 families with 200 children. A list of supplies that are needed can be found here.
Supplies can be dropped off through tomorrow Friday, August 27.
Please call or text to schedule and get the locations for drop off from these IJAG members:
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NE Portland - Mary Ann (503) 887-7455
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SW Portland - Laurie (240) 298-4211
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N Portland - Margot (479) 790-2056
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In the Community
Sarah Wheeler, sister of member Kevin Fairham Wheeler, died on August 14 at the age of 72 after living with dementia for some time. We hold Kevin and his wife Victoria.
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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 by clicking on the links below.Â
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August 29 Shared Plate
DRUUMM is a Unitarian Universalist People of Color Ministry and anti-racist collective bringing lay and religious professionals together to overcome racism through resistance and transform Unitarian Universalism through our multicultural...continued.
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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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