Ministerial Blog

Weaving Our Future Together

Jen Thomas, Director of Congregational Life

Our history is rich—our future needs you.

For generations, the people of First Unitarian Portland have been weaving something extraordinary. Since our founding in 1865, members of this church have helped shape the moral and spiritual fabric of Portland—from early work for women’s rights and racial justice to today’s commitments to climate action, housing, and inclusion. Our history is rich with people who met the needs of their own time with courage, creativity, and love...MORE

NEW! — Your Donations for the 2026 Auction Are Welcome Now!

Come to the "Creating Connections" table in Fuller Hall after the service where you can see examples of last year’s offerings. We’ll help you describe and enter your Auction ideas. Or go to this online link to enter electronically.

Last day to enter: April 6 (Only 11 days away!)

NEW! — New Member Bios

We are leading up to a very happy day in which we welcome all the new folks and families that have decided to make the deeper commitment and connection by becoming or returning to membership of the church community! Several have submitted biographies that you can review.

Please visit the "Connection" tab of the website and then the "Becoming a Member" page and you will find the new member biographies on the right of the page, or you can click here to go right to the page. Hope you enjoy getting to know a few of the new folks that you will see on Sunday, April 12, in the service.

Next No Kings March & Bridge Brigade!

Saturday, March 28, varying times

Location: SW Portland

Join Reverend Alison, Director of Social Justice Dana Buhl, and fellow congregants as we unite with communities all across the country to speak out against rising authoritarianism and injustice. As Unitarian Universalists, we recognize that a healthy democracy is critical to building a just and caring world! First Unitarian will be gathering at our church and marching together down to the Battleship Oregon Memorial (SW Naito between SW Oak & Pine). Click here for more details and safety tips. Here is the list of events: 

• Bridge Brigade from 10:30 - 11:25 a.m.: Meet at Yamhill Street Bridge, at the corner of SW 13th & SW Yamhill, 2 blocks from church. We’ll provide banners and flags for waving to passing cars. This is part of a collective action on bridges all along the I-5 and I-84 corridors. 
• Signs and/or Songs from 11 - 11:30 a.m.: Meet in Fuller Hall. We’ll have pens, slogan ideas, and other sign-making supplies. You can also learn new protest songs. Bring cardboard. 
• Gathering for March from 11:30 - 12 p.m.: Meet in Fuller Hall. We’ll hear inspirational words from Rev. Alison, go over safety protocols, sing a little, and walk together to the march.
• No Kings March from 12 - 4 p.m.: Meet at the Battleship Oregon Memorial, Waterfront Park. Look for our large "Side with Love" banner and "RESIST" sign if you want to look for us there (but it will be crowded, so don’t count on finding us!). 

There will be events in many other towns and neighborhoods here and around the country. You can go to the No Kings Map to find details for events near you – please register so that planners can get a headcount.  

NEW! — Palm Sunday Action

Sunday, March 29, 3 - 5 p.m.

Location: Terry Schrunk Plaza (SW Portland)

Organized by community partner Together Lab

Together Lab states:

Christians are called to love our neighbors—healing the sick, feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, and honoring the dignity of every child of God. On Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, Christians across the country will stand together against authoritarianism and white Christian nationalism, rejecting a politics rooted in greed, cruelty, and oppression. As Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey—symbolizing humble, just leadership that cares for the poor and vulnerable—we will follow his example and embody the heart of our faith. 

Join us from 3 - 5 p.m. at Terry Schrunk Plaza in downtown Portland as we proclaim that love of God and love of neighbor is the way forward. Click here for more info and to RSVP.

The Alliance Presents "Hope in Action"

Wednesday, April 1, 10:30 a.m.

Location: Eliot Chapel or online

The Alliance

Hope in Action: Supporting and Empowering Immigrant Oregonians

Join Dr. Elizabeth Aguilera, Director of Communications at Adelante Mujeres, for a conversation about how Adelante Mujeres is supporting families impacted by immigration enforcement. For nearly 25 years, Adelante Mujeres has responded to the needs of the Latine community in Washington County with urgency and compassion. Their programs are built by the community and for the community, ensuring that no matter the challenge, their families can thrive.

Bring your lunch and $5 to enjoy dessert & beverage after the program. Be sure to email the Alliance here to RSVP if you plan on getting a dessert!

To watch online, join us here.

NEW! — Together We Weave This Community: Become a Member

Every person adds a thread to the fabric of our community. Learn what it means to become a member—and how you can be part of the weave.

At First Unitarian Portland, membership means saying yes—yes to belonging, to connection, and to helping shape the community we are creating together.

Why Membership Matters:

Becoming a voting member gives you a voice in the life and direction of our congregation. You help elect our Board of Trustees and vote on key decisions that guide our shared ministry and goals.

Three Steps to Voting Membership:

• Share your time and talent. Greet on Sundays, teach, join a committee, or lend a hand in caring for our space—each person’s contribution helps us weave a strong and welcoming community.
• Make and fulfill a financial pledge each year. Give as generously and sustainably as you can to support the church’s ministries and programs.
• Sign the Membership Record Book. This simple act makes your connection official and your commitment visible.

Checking Your Status:

Not sure if you’re currently a member? Call Jen Thomas at 503-228-6389 x65 or email her here to check. If you received a ballot to vote at the recent congregational meeting, you’re already on the membership list.

There’s still time to become an official member and be recognized at our Member Recognition Service on Sunday, April 12, during worship. Request a membership packet from Jen and return by April 5.

We’re so glad you’re here—because every thread strengthens the fabric we weave together.

NEW! — Passover Neighbor-to-Neighbor Witness at ICE

Wednesday, April 8, 2-3pm

Location: SW Portland at corner of S. Moody and S. Bancroft at the ICE Facility 

We have been gathering with other faith communities since December for interfaith witness rituals at the ICE building — joining in solidarity as we declare our moral outrage at the cruel practices of this administration. On this day our ritual will draw on traditions and teachings from our Festival of Liberation. Led by Rabbis Brian Mayer and Benjamin Barnett, and Student Rabbi Noah Dor Lind, we invite Jews and non-Jews to gather as we sing, connect, and tell the story of a more liberated world.

NEW! — Help Us Prepare the Church Gardens for Easter!

Thursday, April 2, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Location: Corner of 12th Ave & Main St

First U. Gardeners will be working outside the church on Thursday, April 2, (not on our usual Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 12 noon to clean up and prepare the church grounds for Easter. We are a stalwart group (mostly retired, hence our schedule) that works with the church sextons to keep our grounds look pleasant and welcoming. This includes—but is not limited to—trash pick-up, weeding, graffiti abatement and yes, pruning and planting. If you can help, please bring work gloves, a good hand shovel and/or weeding tool (please label with your name!), sun protection and water. We gather at the corner of 12th and Main at 10 am to get our assignments. 

Because we are planted according to the regulations of a "backyard habitat", 50% or more of our plantings are native species. We could use more sword ferns if you are separating yours at this season—bring to church Sunday and we'll have a collection point in Fuller Hall. If you're separating other native species now, and if you'll be separating hellebores in the fall, please let Laurie L. know by email any you can share.

NEW! SAVE THE DATE — Marilyn Sewell Social Justice Lecture 

Saturday, April 25, 1 - 4:30 pm

Location: Main Street Sanctuary

Sylvester Johnson, Professor of Black Studies at Northwestern University and one of the leading scholars in the country on Artificial Intelligence, race, religion, and society, will present a lecture entitled “AI as a Tool for Oppression and for Resistance & Liberation." This lecture will explore tensions between state-sponsored surveillance and the growth of civic technology. Will AI ultimately serve to reinforce systems of oppression or will it enable new forms of resistance and liberation? It’s up to us!

Following the lecture and Q&A, there will be a brief reception from 2:30 - 3 p.m. and then an optional workshop from 3 - 4:30 p.m., where we gather to identify specific actions that we can take in our community. Look in upcoming Front Steps editions for the registration link.

Souper Thanks!

March 8 was the last Souper Sunday of this program year. What a success! We estimate that we have served an average of 140 people at each of our seven Souper Sundays. We brought folks together to talk and the energy and enthusiasm was truly engaging. 

Thank you to our volunteers who made the soup and organized the monthly plans and for serving the soup: Barbara M. and Kathleen V. (our co-chairs) and Marti Y., Dave H., Robin M., Barbara H., Dave K., Steve T., Ardie F., Jan C., and Les K. all made up a terrific team. 

It takes about 12 people to put on the event, and we are always looking for soup makers, shoppers, pot scrubbers and hosts for the days. If you are willing to be part of this community building event, please email Barbara M. We already have our plans in the works for this coming program year and we can officially announce that September 13 will be the kick off! 

Once again, thank you to this wonderful team and please consider signing up to help make the next season even better!

NEW! — Beacon Bookstore

Our store carries books about spiritual paths from a variety of perspectives and from differing faith traditions. Just as Unitarian Universalism draws from many sources, our store tries to offer both scripture and explanation to enrich each adult’s personal path. Current new books include essays and poetry from authors digging in their own spiritual soil to uncover their own truth, as well as a variety of new Thich Nhat Hanh books from his Buddhist perspective.

Interested in revisiting what you might have been taught in Sunday School or Saturday School? We have several explorations of the Torah and Christian scriptures, and a thought-provoking and humorous look at scripture by Portland Rabbi Brian Mayer. You’ll find information about the Bahai faith; founded in Persia (present day Iran) and sounding as though it has much in common with Unitarianism.

In the Unitarian Universalist section, we have books by several UU authors including our own Minister Emerita, Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell’s newest book, Life Reimagined: Retirement as a Spiritual Journey. Rev. Sewell will be speaking about her newest book after Coffee Hour on Sunday, April 26th. Additional info in next week's Front Steps.

Also coming up: John Fugelsang will speak about his book, Separation of Church and Hate, as Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon's annual Collin's Lecturer in Portland this May. More information very soon.

CHECK WEEKLY — March 29 Newsletter

Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and Family Ministries

Happy Spring to all who celebrate the coming of the warmth, light, and all that it bring to our lives...MORE

NEW! — Guest Speaker on Affordable Housing

Sunday, April 5, noon
Location: Fireside Room


Committee on Hunger & Homelessness

You're invited to join us at our monthly meeting to hear Erika Mahoney Yen from REACH Community Development (CDC) share how REACH provides affordable housing and supportive services to thousands of people in the Portland area. 

NEW! — Prayers for Peace

Sundays during social hour


Peace Action Group

For three Sundays since the beginning of the Iran war, we invited congregants to stop by the Peace Action table in coffee hour to write a prayer, commitment, reflection or plea on slips of paper hung from bare winter branches clustered in a basket. Thanks to each of you who participated in this silent time of seeking peace. For the next several Sundays, we will have those prayers nested in a basket and invite you to take one or more home with you to place on your altar, send to a friend in a card or perhaps hang outside on a tree.

A sampling of some of the prayers offered: Let your North star guide you ...Please soften the hearts of the hardhearted ... May we see the divine in all .. Stay soft, empathetic and vulnerable ... Hope keeps us going ... A better world where wealth is shared and we're all allowed to be our best selves...Kindness counts ...Love is louder ...May we all find peace and the root of peace ... May we have the courage to witness suffering without turning away...Every day, everyone everywhere imagines a just, peaceful, loving world and gives the dream power...Forgiveness, Inclusion... May you be safe and protected, free from suffering and filled with joy ...May we see the beauty that is all around when we take the time to stop and observe.

Shower Project Requests

Each week we offer unhoused neighbors a secure space to shower, enjoy a meal, get clean clothing, and experience refuge from conditions on the street.

We are always looking for more helping hands. Volunteers sign up for 2-hour shifts that work for their schedule - and enjoy meeting other congregants this way. If you're interested, please click here.

Your donations make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. We are in special need of the following items:

• Men's clothes, especially jeans/pants/sweats (30 - 36)
• Hoodies, sweatshirts, coats, and rain gear
• Boxer briefs - NEW (M, L)
• Women's underwear - NEW (S, M)
• Direct monetary donations

Drop off your items in the marked cabinet in Fuller Hall during Sunday church hours or during Shower Project hours (Wednesdays and Thursdays between noon and 4 p.m.).

For questions, email Casey C. Thank you!

CHECK WEEKLY — Art for Social Justice

Curated by Ethel G., 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.

Democracy Now! celebrated its 30th anniversary March 23, 2026 at the historic Riverside Church in New York. The night ended with Patti Smith performing her anthemic hit "People Have the Power," joined on stage by Bruce Springsteen, Michael Stipe, Hurray for the Riff Raff, the National's Aaron Dessner and more. Democracy Now! is an independent global news hour that airs on over 1,500 TV and radio stations Monday through Friday. Watch the recording of their livestream at democracynow.org.

March & April Art Wall Exhibition

Photographs by Dave Gallison