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.
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Many of us are processing and reeling in the wake of the election results. While we do know some things, there is much we do not know about what will unfold in the future. What we do know is that we will be here for one another and for the wider community in coming days. We also know there is much work to do as far as healing and planting seeds of change. What story or stories can ground us and lift us up in this time of grief? What practices can help cultivate resilience in us as we seek to build the beloved community?
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Minister's ColumnLooking in the Mirror
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Yesterday, we opened our Eliot sanctuary – a place of refuge, a place to refuel our weary spirits, and a place to cultivate responses to the happenings of the world that are centered in love. Here are the words I shared:
In many ways, I feel wordless today. There are no words that will wipe away the grief, the frustration, the anger, the bewilderment that so many of us are feeling at this moment.
On Sunday, we read a poem by Jane Hirshfield called “Metempsychosis.” There are a couple of lines from it I want to reread now:
“Yet even today, to look at a tree
and ask the story Who are you? is to be transformed.
There is a stage in us where each being, each thing, is a mirror.”
I have been reflecting on those lines in the past week and leading up to today. A presidential election is a time to ask the story, “Who are we?”
The results of the election – each vote cast and not cast – is a mirror and an answer to that question.
By having the courage to ask the question and to look in the mirror is to be transformed...MORE
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Welcome to Our "Season of Giving" for 2025
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Each autumn, First Unitarian asks its members and friends to make a “Pledge,” a promise of financial support, for the coming calendar year. You can give to the church anytime, but it is our Season of Giving that funds our budget and pays our staff.
Our goal during this time is to give everyone an opportunity to reflect on:
- What brings you here
- What keeps you coming back
- The commitments both personal and spiritual we are all held to here
- The spiritual practice that is giving joyfully
What we are asking this year is that you make a financial pledge for 2025 that demonstrates your steadfast commitment to First Unitarian Portland and the difference our collective voice, vision, and actions can make in the world.
All gifts matter and every dollar brings us closer to our goal.
Thank you for the generosity of this congregation and to all those who have already pledged for 2025 so that this congregation my continue to thrive!
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A Picture Paints a Thousand Words... And a Thousand Words Can Paint a Picture!
Sunday, November 10, before and after service
Location: Welcome Table
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Help us create First Unitarian's very own "word cloud."
- What are three words that describe what keeps you coming back to First Unitarian?
- What are three words that describe the culture/community of First Unitarian?
Slips of paper with the questions will also be available at the Welcome Table Sunday morning before and after the service.
The Big Word Cloud Reveal will be on Celebration Sunday!
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If you have any great images of church activities, groups, or gatherings, send them our way!
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NEW! — Souper Sunday Returns!
Sunday, November 10, after the service
Location: Fuller Hall
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Come enjoy Souper Sunday this Sunday following the service. Our Souper Chefs have been hard at work preparing some delicious options: a gluten-/dairy-free tomato soup and a hearty vegetarian lentil soup.
Let's all come together for comfort and community.
Planning to come? Please bring along something to share with soup such as bread, bagels, gluten-free baked goods, croutons, or cookies. We also will be collecting single-serve beverages for children.
Soup will be served in cups for easy transport to meetings.
Parenting Circles will be taking place in Daisy Bingham directly adjacent to Fuller Hall, and additional soup will be set up there for children and their parents.
See you Sunday!
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Community Circle Drop-In Group: Story
Sunday, November 10, noon
Location: Buchan B101
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Drop in for discussion on this month's theme: Story.
All are welcome to join for discussion and engagement! Great opportunity to meet folks and enjoy time together. You are welcome to bring a snack and beverage. Class time is about 90 minutes.
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Drop-In Parent Community Circles
Sunday, November 10, 11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Daisy Bingham
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Join the community of parents at First Unitarian and share stories, wisdom, and explore spiritual reflection. These circles are great for long time families and newcomers alike to build community with those who share a parenting journey.
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Yay! The Alliance Virtual Greens Sale is Happening Now
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The Holidays are almost here, and it is time to order wonderful wreaths and garlands. The sale continues through 11/17. Use this link to order online from home or order at Church during coffee hours when help will be available.
Wreaths can be picked up on either December 6 or 7, or you can have them mailed to wherever you want.
Each wreath purchased through Alliance will help uplift women, children, and marginalized communities.
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REGISTER BEFORE THIS SUNDAY — Grief and the Holidays
Sundays, November 17 and 24, December 8 and 15, 11:45 a.m.
Location: Buchan Room B310
Facilitators: Rev. Duane Fickeisen and Dr. Bill Yasnoff
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Register before this Sunday!
In this class for people who are grieving the loss of a close family member, we will explore the nature of grief, offer the opportunity to share your own grief story, and make a plan to navigate the winter holidays. We will meet on four Sunday afternoons, from 11:45 to 1:15, on November 17 and 24 and December 8 and 15.
There is no cost, but pre-registration is required. Space is limited.
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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!
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Hello! My name is Garrett Bond and I am the new Interim Director of Music Ministries here at First Unitarian. You can read more about me here. It has been an absolute joy stepping into this role only a few weeks ago. On behalf of the entire music community here at First Unitarian, we would like to invite you to join our music program!
Right now there are two vocal choirs and, beginning on November 20, a handbell ensemble. These groups rehearse weekly and serve an active role in our church services and the wider community.
Our Community Choir is non-auditioned, and all are welcome to sing regardless of your previous experience.
Our second vocal ensemble is for those who would like a more in-depth choral experience.
Everyone is encouraged to get involved and to contact me with any questions or comments. The vocal choirs rehearse Thursday evenings: Community Choir 5:30-6:45 pm and the more advanced ensemble from 7:00-8:30 pm. Handbells will rehearse Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 pm.
Please contact me to schedule a meeting time! We hope to see you soon. Thank you!
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SAVE THE DATE — The Alliance Presents "All We Kindred Pilgrim Souls"
Wednesday, November 13, 10:30 a.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel
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Recently returned from a walking pilgrimage in Scotland, Assistant Minister Danielle Garrett will explore how we can all embrace our identity as "pilgrim souls," and use the lessons and metaphors of pilgrimage to build community, enhance our work for justice, and deepen our spiritual lives.
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Our Season of Giving has begun, a time for all of us to reflect on what the church means to us and how we can be good stewards. When you pledge a gift to “Join the Journey of Generosity” you help fund our programming, services, ministry, social justice efforts, and staff. We hope you are able to make a commitment in the coming weeks. Please pledge before Celebration Sunday on November 17!
Your Board’s Finance Committee has been busy creating task forces to address the goals we have set for this year. As your treasurer, Roger Robinson, I’ve been very fortunate to have a number of knowledgeable and committed board members and members from the congregation to assist in these efforts. We welcome any member to join in these efforts...MORE
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NEW! — November 10 Newsletter
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Have you visited the tree in the courtyard off A108 and A105? Last Sunday our preschool class bestowed upon this tree friend the regal name of Rainbow Sprinkles Unicorn...MORE
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A Personal Story for November's Plate Share
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Our spiritual theme for November is Story, and we'd like to share one from our community partner and shared plate recipient, Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ). Read about how IMIrJ supported just one of the many families they serve:
“An indigenous family from Guatemala has been living in the Salem area for the last several years. Recently the father of the family was deported, leaving the mother & three little girls in Oregon"...MORE
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NEW! — WeShine Shines Bright
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Because of their model of addressing the homelessness crisis, WeShine is an organization that COHHO has recently chosen to support. WeShine designs, builds, and operates neighborhood-based micro-villages that provide safe, transitional shelter with wrap-around services for underserved and unsheltered adults as they prepare to become successful tenants in permanent, affordable housing.
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.
In the coming weeks, we will be inviting you to join us in supporting WeShine in various ways. In the meantime, you can learn more about their work here.
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Lift UP Nut Butter Drive Update
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Many thanks to all of you who donated jars of nut butter and other staples for Lift Up. We happily delivered 73 pounds of protein-rich food to their food pantry for distribution to those in need.
Throughout the year, COHHO will continue to sponsor food drives. But, if at any time you have some extra food to donate, please bring it to the COHHO bins in Fuller Hall next to the kitchen. Lastly, we give Lily R. a special shoutout for coordinating our food drives! 💖
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CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice
Curated by Ethel, Speaking of Justice Editorial Team
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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.
Mark Akixa is a Japanese musician who has played the Native American flute since 2000. Akixa studied Native American history and culture at Northern Arizona University. He now works to share Native American folk songs and increase the popularity of the Native American flute in Japan. To listen to his rendition of "Amazing Grace," watch the video below:
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In the Community
Chancel flowers this Sunday are sponsored in loving memory of Maurice Maeterlinck Miller (1914 - 1996) by Lauren Lally and Joe and Veronica Williams.
Longtime member Warren Bacon died peacefully on November 2 after having entered hospice care just two weeks before. Warren was 87 years old and joined the church in 1971. Warren worked for the Forestry Service in his professional career and here at the church served as a lay minister and as head usher for many years. Warren was a kind and gentle soul, dedicated to the people around him—whether they were family, congregants, or neighbors. We hold Lynne, his wife of 64 years, their four children and eight grandchildren in these days to come.
A memorial service will be held for member Marilyn McFarlane this Saturday, November 9, at 2 p.m. in the Eliot Chapel. Marilyn died on September 18 at the age of 86.
Member Mary Post would appreciate our thoughts and best wishes as she copes with chemotherapy and cares for her partner, Ron, who lives with dementia. Mary has been a stalwart member of the church for many years and involved in many church activities, including The Alliance and the Good Times committee.
Member Laura Gadley has been hospitalized in Seattle. We hold her in our thoughts as she recovers.
Member Theo Harper had hip replacement surgery on October 31 and is now back at home recovering. We send him our healing thoughts.
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NEW! — Notes from the Sextons' Workbench: November 2024
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Fall is up and running, and things are beginning to speed up. It’s a lot like an old-timey steam locomotive: some huffing and puffing, clanking, bell-ringing, and we are off and moving. Not fast yet, but moving...MORE
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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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November/December Art Wall Exhibitions
The Garden: Prints by Poppy Dully
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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.
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Recurring Workshops, Classes & Gatherings
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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. Accepting new members!
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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 5 p.m.
If your submission is urgent and couldn’t be sent before the deadline, please include “URGENT” in the subject line.
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For the month of November, we share our plate with Oregon's Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ). Its mission is to support and equip communities and people of faith to advance immigrant justice through direct accompaniment of immigrants facing detention and deportation, policy advocacy at local, state, and national levels, and purposeful organizing. Through networks of relationships, IMIrJ creates a more just world for immigrants, migrants, and asylum seekers by taking immediate humanitarian action and long-term collective, intentional action. First Unitarian's Immigrant Justice Action Group has been a close partner of IMIrJ for 10 years, and we are grateful for their ongoing interfaith organizing. Our spiritual theme for November is Story, so click here to read one from IMIrJ.
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| 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:
- Blankets and sleeping bags
- Winter coats/jackets (all sizes)
- Men's clothes (all sizes)
- Plastic shopping bags with handles
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!
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