Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Learning Community (RE) classes are at 10:15 a.m. Nursery and toddler care is always available during our worship service. Learn about our program here. Current news here.
Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.
| |
Advent is a season which invites us to explore the mystery of God. “Mystery” is December's spiritual topic as a part of our overarching 2024-2025 annual theme, “Join the Journey.” For the mystics of old of many different paths and for the mystics among us, the purpose of life is a journey towards God, the root of our soul.
“Why are you so enchanted by this world when a mine of gold lies within you? Open your eyes and come — Return to the root of the root of your own soul.” – Rumi
| |
Minister's BlogMay We Be Worthy Guardians of One Another
| |
|
I first felt a call to ministry on August 27, 2017 (coincidentally, my very first sermon with you all was on August 27, 2023). The call was sudden and clear, seeming to come from somewhere deep inside and far beyond at the same time. It was during a Sunday service at All Souls in Washington DC, but it did not happen during a rousing sermon, a moving piece of choral music, or a moment of prayer. It came during a child dedication. It came to me in the midst of a ritual rooted in community, where we recognize our interdependence and promise to help care for one another. It came in the moments the congregation read these words of Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs, “May we be worthy guardians of this young life. May we build a community in which they will grow old surrounded by beauty, embraced by love, and cradled in the arms of peace.”...MORE
| |
|
First Unitarian Holiday Happenings Guide
| |
|
Check out the flyer for the full list of holiday festivities at First Unitarian. Click the image below to view the flyer full-size in another tab.
| |
|
NEW! — Are You Baking Up a Storm for the Holidays?
| |
|
On December 22, we will be celebrating 100 years of the Christmas Pageant, and that deserves some extra attention!
Please consider bringing a couple dozen of your tasty baked goods to social hour where we will be celebrating after service with cider, hot cocoa, caroling (led by our own Garrett Bond), and your tasty baked goods.
Please help us know that we will have enough goodies to share by signing up here to Jen.
Happy 100 Years of Pageant!
| |
|
100th Anniversary Christmas Pageant: Call for Memorabilia and Participants
| |
|
December 22 will be the 100th anniversary of our annual Christmas Pageant!
How to participate:
- Share memories: Submit your photos and memorabilia to our pageant email.
- Play a role: ALL ages are invited to participate in the Christmas Pageant! Sign up here to join us. Required rehearsals on Saturday, December 14, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. and Sunday, December 15, from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- All-ages Pageant choir: No experience necessary. RSVP requested here. Required rehearsals on Sunday, December 8, and Sunday, December 15, from noon to 1 p.m. on both days.
The Pageant will take place on December 22 in the Main Sanctuary at 10:15 a.m.
| |
|
How Can a Weary World Rejoice?
Mondays, December 16 and 23, 9 - 9:30 a.m.
Location: Zoom
| |
|
Leave behind the chaos and clamor of the commercial Christmas season and the shock of the daily news by celebrating the season of Advent with quiet Zoom services of music, poetry, prayer, and reflection.
Join Danielle Garrett, Sara, Karen, and Jennifer for a unique Unitarian/Universalist perspective on the season.
| |
|
NEW! — Letter from the Board: December 2024
| |
|
Greetings from your Board of Trustees. I’m new to the Board, joining after three years as an active participant in the congregation.
As the end of 2024 approaches, I see signs all around me of the strong religious community that is the core of our church, including big events such as the Halloween party with over 100 adults and children, a packed Fuller Hall for Souper Sunday, or the full house that rededicated Eliot Chapel on its 100th birthday. Just as important are the small groups that bring us together, such as those joining on Zoom in the Antiracism Learning Circles, the children’s Learning Community classes, or dinners and concerts in member homes at auction events. All of these gatherings build bonds of care and friendship among us...MORE
| |
|
At the Board’s December meeting, we elected Saranna Weller-Filz to fill the open ninth Board seat. When she presented the nomination, Board Moderator Leslie Pohl-Kosbau noted Saranna’s involvement in the Religious Education program, her experience as a lifelong UU who was raised here at First Church, as well as her service on the Ministerial Search Committee. Welcome, Saranna!
The next Board meeting will be Wednesday, January 8, at 7 p.m.
| |
|
Alliance Holiday Sale
Sunday, December 15, after the service
Location: Buchan Reception
| |
|
You’ll find lots of jewelry, beautiful scarves, Christmas treasures, and unique handmade items.
Homemade cookies galore!
| |
|
Christmas Stars, too!!
Celebrate 100 years of the Christmas Pageant with a star ornament – $5/star helps refurbish pageant costumes.
| |
|
Giving Trees for the Shower Project
Through December
Location: Narthex and Buchan atrium
| |
|
The 13 Salmon Shower Project is grateful to receive gifts of clothing for our guests. We are hoping to stock up on new items for the year, and for this winter season. Multi-packs of any of these items are welcome.
For the General Congregation
- Men’s undershirts, sizes M, L & XL
- Men’s boxer briefs, sizes M, L & XL
- Women’s sports bras, sizes M, L & XL
- Waterproof men’s winter coats, sizes L & XL
For the Family Ministry Giving Tree
- Gloves – Adult sizes M, L & XL (waterproof preferred)
- Adult warm beanie hats
These gifts can be delivered to the Giving Trees located in the Narthex and Buchan atrium for the month of December. If you’d like to offer a financial contribution directly to the Shower Project, please donate here.
We're happy to also share that thanks to a generous grant from the Oregon Community Foundation, we have funding for the 13 Salmon Shower Project to grow. Now, we need your help! Can you volunteer to help us open a second day of the week? Showers are integral to health and hygiene and we don’t want to turn away our unhoused neighbors. Please visit our webpage to volunteer, make a financial gift, or see a list of items that you might consider donating.
| |
|
LAST CHANCE — Join the Holiday Gift Drive for WeShine
| |
|
COHHO invites you to join us in our holiday gift drive for WeShine.
WeShine is one of the organizations COHHO has chosen to support because of their mission and trauma-informed model of addressing the homelessness crisis.
Avalon Village, WeShine’s newest micro-village, is located in Inner Southeast Portland. Accommodating 10 people, Avalon Village serves women and female-identified adults and prioritizes those who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, older adults, people with chronic health conditions or disabilities, and individuals who have been camping nearby.
Avalon villagers now have a warm, safe and welcoming place to live. However, they still have no or limited financial means to purchase warm clothing or other essential items for their personal welfare. So COHHO has decided to coordinate a holiday gift drive for them and the Avalon Village in general.
Avalon staff asked the villagers what one or two items would make a difference in their lives at this time. We now have that list and one with items that are critical for maintaining the village itself (e.g., toilet paper). Now it’s time to fulfill that wish list!
If you would like to contribute to our gift drive, please contact Cynthia. She will share with you the list with items ranging in price from $10 to $100.
COHHO will staff a table on December 15 after the service for sign-ups and item drop-offs.
Please join us in making our first holiday gift drive for WeShine and Avalon Village a great success. Happy Thanksgiving!
| |
Around the Church
Enjoyed 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!
| |
|
NEW! — Your Beacon Bookstore for the Holidays
| |
|
Check out a great selection of books for both children and adults in our Beacon Bookstore in the Southwest corner of Fuller Hall! We’re open after the service during Coffee Hour. About 40% of the money you spend goes right into the First Unitarian’s general fund!
Lots of gift possibilities! Picture Books + Poetry + Memoir + Social Justice + Meditation and Prayer + World Religion + UU Topics + Greeting Cards + More! Used books @ 2 for $1. Many books with bargain pricing at 50% off!
| |
|
NEW! — Transportation Organizing for Sundays
| |
|
Are you looking for rides to church? Are you able to bring folks to and from church on Sunday morning?
A group of thoughtful folks are putting heads together to consider ways to bring folks together to share in worship and activities on Sunday.
| |
|
NEW! — The Contemplative Practices Group Returns!
Starting Thursday, January 2, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Location:
1st Thursdays in Channing, A101
3rd Thursdays in Buchan Reception, B101
| |
|
The Contemplative Practices Group is returning to First Unitarian! Join with us on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to sit together in silence. Connect to your inner self as well as something bigger than yourself. Bring more peace and joy into your life, increase mindfulness and develop more perspective.
“Contemplative spirituality is about slowing down and relaxing our action, our striving, and all of our 'doings.' In order to 'wake up' to the Reality in which we are already immersed, we must slow down and gently transition 'from doing to being.' " - Keith Kristich
This is a drop-in group. Any silent sitting practice is welcomed and no prior meditation experience is needed. If you would like to learn a contemplative practice for use during the group, let the facilitators know and they will meet with you half an hour before the group sit begins.
Each group meeting consists of a 20-minute meditation, a check-in on a spiritually oriented topic, and deep discussion of a poem or short reading. Facilitators are Patty and Ron. To learn more about the facilitators, visit the event page here. They look forward to being with you!
| |
|
NEW! — Aging in OUR Church Community Forum
Sunday, January 12, after the service
Location: Buchan, B102 & B103
| |
|
Announcing the Aging in OUR Church Community Forum, a special event dedicated to understanding and supporting our senior members. This forum is organized by a passionate group of individuals who believe that our seniors should never feel disconnected or forgotten.
Join us as we engage in meaningful discussions about how we can better serve and connect with our senior community. This is an opportunity for everyone to share ideas, learn from each other, and strengthen the bonds within our church family.
Stay tuned for more information on speakers and topics! We look forward to seeing you there and working together to create a vibrant, inclusive environment for all ages.
| |
|
NEW! — Register Now: Countering Antisemitism in Our Movements
Sunday, January 12, 4 - 6 p.m.
Location: Buchan, B102
| |
|
With the rise of Christian Nationalism in the US and abroad, overt antisemitism is resurging to fuel these movements. We've seen violent attacks on Jews in recent years, including the murder of congregants worshipping at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh and right-wing marchers carrying tiki-torches and yelling anti-Jewish slogans. Antisemitism is real and it is deeply woven into our culture. It is both subtle and overt and has had traumatizing impacts on Jewish communities for generations.
Antisemitism is also confusing, including when claims of antisemitism are used to divert and divide justice seeking movements or when progressive people perpetuate antisemitic tropes. UU efforts to address the unspeakable violence in Israel and Palestine have activated people's trauma, confusion, and frustration. We believe that in order to act effectively and accountably within our UU communities, we must understand how antisemitism is present and how we can counter it as we fight for justice and human rights.
If you'd like to learn alongside us, we invite you to join us for a two-part in-person program, taking place on January 12 and January 26. Registration is required. Read more and register here.
| |
|
First U RPCV Community Circle
| |
|
Are you an RPCV? If you served in the Peace Corps and are a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, you are invited to join the First U RPCV community circle.
We met last year to share stories, reflect on our countries of service, and consider how our faith's message connected with our experiences in the Peace Corps. Add your name to be included in the next gathering in 2025. Email Linda to be added to the group.
| |
|
CHECK WEEKLY — December 15 Newsletter
| |
|
Recent mornings have been thickly wrapped in silvery fog, rendering the world mysterious. A quick trip across town becomes an adventure of uncertain proportions as the day coyly displays itself bit by bit. My kids vanish into the unknown before they’ve crossed the street...MORE
| |
|
Thank You and Update from the UU the Vote Team
| |
|
Thank you First U Letter writers for the 13,000+ letters you wrote! We put our UU values into practice, urging voters to exercise their right to vote and many of you wrote specifically to urge people to vote for abortion rights. While the Right to Abortion Proposition in Arizona did pass handily (yay!) we still don't know what impact our letter-writing had on getting out the vote in Arizona and in Georgia. To address that question, we share an update from Vote Forward, the organization with which UU the Vote and First Unitarian partnered to write our non-partisan Get Out the Vote letters. They write:
"We’ve heard from many letter writers after 2024’s The Big Send asking about the impact of our collective work. It is understandable that many of us are--in this moment--searching to understand what happened in the 2024 election cycle. Letter writers put in so much time, money and effort, and we’re so grateful for the real investment in our work..."
| |
|
CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
| |
|
The Speaking of Justice Editorial Team offers weekly art to deepen our connection to the work for social justice and to build the Beloved Community.
Launched in 2017 in response to the Trump presidency, the Resistance Revival Chorus is a collective of more than 60 women who join together to breathe joy and song into the resistance, and to uplift and center women’s voices. They believe that art and culture are essential to changing hearts, minds, and history; and they commit to the principle that joy is in itself an act of resistance. To listen to their performance of the civil rights song "Woke Up This Mornin' With My Mind Stayed On Freedom," watch the video below:
| |
In the Community
Longtime member Gordon Ware died on December 8 at the age of 83 after living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years. We hold Gordon’s wife Jean Kempe-Ware.
Henry Amick, one of our congregants, asks us to remember Fran Lyman who died on December 5 at the age of 90. Fran was an active Unitarian Universalist at the congregation in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was also Henry’s adopted godmother. We hold Henry and Fran’s extended family at this time.
Member Sue Baker suffered a mild heart attack recently and is recuperating at home after an angiogram and stent emplacement. Sue is confident all will be well and would welcome well wishes and loving kindness thoughts from her friends at First Unitarian.
The Sojourners groups send their heart-felt wishes to member Laura Gadley, who fell ill from a rare but extremely serious bacterial infection while traveling. Laura spent a month in a Seattle hospital and is now in a nursing care facility in Portland. She hopes to be released in mid-December. Our best to Laura for a continued and complete recovery.
Member Mary Post is having abdominal surgery today, December 12, at Providence Medical Center. Her expected hospital stay is 5 days. She appreciates being held for successful outcomes and healing.
And we celebrate with our own Danielle Garrett. Danielle saw the Ministerial Fellowship Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Association on December 6 and received preliminary fellowship as a UU minister. This is a huge step in the formation process for ministers and it means Danielle can now be ordained as a minister and be in search for a congregation. Congratulations, Danielle!
| |
|
NEW! — Notes from the Sextons' Workbench: December 2024
| |
|
Well, everything is moving right along. Halloween and Thanksgiving have zoomed right by and now comes the rest.
The Christmas pageant on 12/22 (wow, 100 years old!), Christmas Eve services on 12/24 at 5pm and 8pm, the Solstice service on 12/20, Advent, Alliance Treasures & Bake Sale on 12/8 and 12/15, and let’s not forget Hanukkah starting on 12/25 and Kwanzaa starting on 12/26.
I like this time of year because it is so colorful with the lights and the fresh snow. Now, the problem is that we get caught up with all the stuff...MORE
| |
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.
| |
November/December Art Wall Exhibitions
The Garden: Prints by Poppy Dully
| |
Poppy Dully’s artistic practices span painting, printmaking, and artist books. This exhibit features copper etched botanical prints. She plays with ink colors, moving from the traditional to the unusual. Nature is uninhibited in its array of colors and patterns, challenging us to consider what may be possible.
| |
|
Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
| |
|
Caregivers Support Group: Open to Newcomers. Fourth Sunday of each month at 9 a.m. via Zoom.
Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD): We meet on the fourth Sunday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Fireside and via Zoom. Contact Marni.
Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO): We meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month after services. Contact Cynthia for details or to be added to our email list.
Community for Earth (CFE): We meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month before worship services (hybrid) and on the 4th week of the month at rotating times. Contact our group or visit our calendar for details.
Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG): Check the IJAG page on the church website for ways to get involved and groups that need our energy and gifts. For meeting info, contact Laurie.
Lotsa Helping Hands: A care calendar that enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times. To join, send a request here. For questions or to receive support, contact Leslie or Susan.
Mental Health Caregivers Group: Second Wednesday every month via Zoom 7 - 8:30 p.m. Email Ellen for more information.
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable: Sojourners and Sojourners 2 are two groups that meet for two hours at First Unitarian. Members support each other through aging with facilitated discussions, activities, personal stories, and social events, fostering growth and friendship. 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 12 - 1 p.m.
Wednesday Night Meditation: Every week from 7 - 8:30 p.m. All mindfulness and Buddhist-based meditations. Beginners welcome. A thirty-five-minute meditation followed by a member-led discussion to increase understanding and integration of Buddhist principles into our daily lives. For the link, contact Robert.
Women's Circle II: Meets most second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Kim.
Women's Circle IV: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month. Email Anne.
| |
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 5 p.m.
If your submission is urgent and couldn’t be sent before the deadline, please include “URGENT” in the subject line.
| |
|
| December's
Shared Plate
This December, we share our plate with Aliento, a community organization in Phoenix that believes in transforming trauma into hope and action with dreamers, undocumented students, and mixed-status families. In late October, our First Unitarian delegation had the privilege of canvassing alongside teens and young adults of Aliento to oppose Arizona's draconian, anti-immigrant proposition. In the wake of the passage of that proposition, and the outcome of federal elections, they write, "Aliento will continue to advocate for the rights of our undocumented, DACA, and mixed-status families. Know that you are not alone. Aliento was created to nurture human potential regardless of immigration status."
| |
| This Week's Shower Project Requests
Your donations make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. All donations are greatly appreciated. At this time, we are in special need of the following items:
- Men's shoes (large sizes)
- Men's pants (sizes 30-32 waist)
- Women’s pants (XXS-XS)
- Leggings
- Waterproof bags with handles
- Winter coats (all sizes)
- Gloves and winter hats
Our page includes a list of our most frequently-needed items.
Please bring your items to donate to the cabinet in Fuller Hall, next to the kitchen. Thank you for your support!
| |
| Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and stay engaged!
| |
|
