|
🥞 Pancake Breakfast at 8:45 a.m. 🥞
Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.
🎉 Auction Celebration after the service 🎉
| |
Children & youth start in the Sanctuary at 10:15 a.m. then head to RE classes. Nursery and toddler care available all service.
Social Hour: Buchan Hall after the service.
|
Answering the Call
Rev. Thomas Disrud, Associate Minister
| |
This month we’ll explore the theme of calling. Would you say you have a calling in life? A purpose you would name? And what about institutions like the church, do they have callings?
|
NEW! — Last Chance to Support the Auction
Bidding open through Sunday, May 3, at 5 p.m.
| |
This Sunday is the last day of the Auction!!!
Join us for the Celebration and make those last bids for all our amazing events, services, and items. Bidding closes Sunday at 5 p.m.!
Meet us for our party in Buchan right after the service! There will be food, music, games, and face painting for the children. You can still buy shingles and children can still get into the raffle.
Let’s make this our most successful Auction ever!!! KEEP BIDDING UP and of course, we can then all KEEP DRY! Thank you!!
|
Honoring Rev. Tom
Deadline: May 18
| |
Plans are underway for honoring Rev. Tom and his 31-year legacy in our church.
Part of that includes a book of memories, photos, stories and well wishes. Please take a bit of time and join us to create a lasting gift of love for Rev. Tom, by sharing your words, memories, and photos.
To create your page, click on this link and follow the instructions.
Please complete your page by May 18. We will present it to Rev. Tom at his retirement celebration on June 14.
If you need help with your page, email Kathy L.
|
UPDATED — Day Without An Immigrant Strike, Rally, and March
Friday, May 1, 2:30 p.m.
Location: Meet at Eliot Chapel
| |
On May Day, Oregonians and businesses are asked to participate in a no school, no work, and no shopping day of action to highlight the Administration’s continued assault on immigrant families and workers overall. We will come together for a rally and march to honor immigrant workers at a time when our immigrant community is being targeted. This event is being organized by PCUN, Oregon Farmworker’s union.
There will be a rally starting at 1:30 p.m. in the South Park Blocks in Portland. If you want to join with your fellow First Unitarian Portlanders, meet in front of the Eliot Chapel at 2:30 pm and we will meet with faith communities and our friends from the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) at First Congregational United Church of Christ on SW Park Ave, and then join a march that starts at approximately 3:30 pm.
Follow these links to find out more about how to stay safe at rallies and marches, info on the Day Without an Immigrant event, and make a pledge to support your immigrant neighbors.
|
NEW! — The Alliance Presents "What Happens When Suffering Meets Compassion"
Wednesday, May 6, 10:30 a.m.
Location: Eliot Chapel or online
The Alliance
| |
Come listen to Portland filmmaker Andrew Hinton talk about his short documentary film "Tashi and the Monk" and his journey to northern India to see how loving kindness is changing the lives of children. Showing with a discussion to follow. After the talk, Andrew will send us the link for a follow-up to the short film to see Tashi 12 years later. How can we bring the message of compassion to help heal the world?
Catered luncheon ($30) to follow the program. Email the Alliance here to RSVP for the payment link.
To watch online, join us here.
|
NEW! — Making Neighborhood Connections | |
First Unitarian is a vibrant community that draws from the entire metropolitan area and beyond—and many of us live just minutes from one another without realizing it.
We’re exploring neighborhood-based connections: small, informal gatherings perhaps in local parks, coffee shops, homes or libraries. A chance to meet nearby folks, build relationships, and feel more connected close to home.
We’re looking for two things:
- People who are interested in connecting with others in their neighborhood
- Folks who might be willing to serve as neighborhood leaders and help organize gatherings
You can express interest in either—or both—through this form. We’ll follow up to help connect neighbors and identify leaders in each area.
| Do You Have Development and Grant-Seeking Experience? | Join a fun team supporting the financial success of the 13 Salmon Shower Project! The Shower Project Advisory Council meets via Zoom monthly. We are seeking a few new teammates, especially those with experience in nonprofit administration, development, or grant seeking. Please email Jamie M. or Ellen V. |
Around the Church
Learn more about upcoming events on our website's Events Calendar.
|
NEW! — Become a UUA General Assembly Delegate
Sunday, June 14, through Tuesday, June 16
| If you are interested in connecting with others in the Unitarian Universalist Association, you can be a delegate for First U and represent us at the business sessions on June 14-16. The times will be morning to early afternoon. To volunteer or get more information, email the Denomination Connections Committee. |
NEW! — Beacon Bookstore | |
The Beacon Bookstore will be set up on a table in Buchan Building this Sunday.
We were asked last Sunday about Governance and Ministry by Hotchkiss – a book the Board and others are getting ready to read. We are not able to get it in a timely manner, but it is available through Powell’s and through Amazon. We’ll try to source anything you’re searching for, and have had very good luck with a number of titles. Our wholesaler is in Medford and we use a back-up in Tennessee; but the Tennessee warehouse has it on back-order. Another request made last Sunday was for a Bookstore Gift Certificate. Yes! We can provide those both from the Buchan Bookstore Table and our regular Fuller Hall store. You may get them in any denomination to be used at our store.
One of the church’s book groups will soon be reading Braiding Sweetgrass. We expect to have the books in stock this Sunday.
Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell will be doing a reading and speaking about her new book, Life Reimagined, on Sunday afternoon, May 24, in the Buchan Building. We have a number of copies in stock now and will be receiving more before the event. In person and online.
Thank you for supporting your local independent bookstore! About 40% of each sale goes to the church’s bottom line.
|
Learning Community
Learn more about our Learning Community program.
Register your child for the 2025-26 program year here.
Subscribe to the Learning Community e-news here.
|
CHECK WEEKLY — May 3 Newsletter
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and Family Ministries
| |
Our May theme is Calling—and I find myself so grateful to be part of a church that helps me center my passion. It feels good to be encouraged to find a way to live my UU values fully and invitationally, and to get support in helping my own kids do likewise.
If you too are seeking purpose or looking to deepen engagement in life or at First Unitarian, join us this Sunday for:
- Pancakes in Buchan from 8:45 to 10 a.m.—thanks Men’s Group!
- Worship and RE at 10:15 a.m.
- Post-service celebration in honor of completing our annual auction
And, please reach out to any of us in leadership if you could use some support contemplating your own precious and powerful Calling...MORE
|
Social Justice
Learn more about our Social Justice program.
| |
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.
During Black History month in 2024, Amiyah Anderson, then an 11th grader at Harlem Village Academies High School, reads her poem “Be the Change” at the poetry contest she won at the New York Town Hall.
| |
Say It With Flowers!
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.
Email Marsha W. to make arrangements.
| |
NEW! — May & June Art Wall Exhibition
Poetry & Photographs by Jeff Howard
| The May/June Art Wall features Jeff Howard's "Prayers of the New Earth." Most of us most of the time feel profoundly separate from the Earth – on it, rather than of it. And in this crucial moment, as ecosystems crumble, we must decide, at last, whether to return the embrace. Prayers of the New Earth is Jeff's initial effort to articulate this need – and this opportunity – through poetry and photography. | | |
Livestream Schedule
Sanctuary Service – 10:15 a.m.
In-Person & Livestream
Monday Loving Kindness Meditation – 8 - 8:30 p.m.
via Zoom
Friday Vespers – 5 - 5:40 p.m.
via Zoom
| |
May's
Shared Plate
This May, we share our plate with community partner 350PDX. A grassroots movement with deep roots in the community and a tireless focus on climate justice, 350PDX focuses on climate justice policy, forest defense, and fossil fuel resistance. They envision a future in which marginalized and underserved communities no longer disproportionately suffer the effects of climate change; and where sustaining life and the needs of communities take precedence over corporate profits, leading to a healthy world for all. First Unitarian's Community for Earth has been partnering with 350PDX for over a decade to champion climate action.
| |
In the Community
Please visit our website here if you have any joys or concerns to share
Longtime member Diane Gutman died on March 29 at the age of 86. She died from complications from an infection following hip replacement surgery. Diane joined the church in 2004 and was active in our adult education programs. She was also known for her quilts. She is survived by her partner Jim Kennedy and daughters Carolyn Gutman Dey and Sarah Silva. A memorial is planned for Diane on June 21 at 1:30 p.m. at the Multnomah Arts Center.
Members Theo Harper and Becky Kjelstrom would like to announce their 50th anniversary on April 25, 2026. They share, “Through highs and lows, good times and bad, we have managed to continue to love one another and treat one another with respect.”
| Want to know what this church has to offer? Show up for events/classes/socials and stay engaged! | |
Pastoral Care Resources
Contact a Minister or Lay Minister: Our ministers are available for pastoral support to congregants in need and to officiate at rites of passages including memorial services and weddings. Lay Ministers support the pastoral work of the ministerial staff. They are church members who offer one-to-one caring and support for folks in times of need. Call the church office at 503-228-6389, visit our website, or send an email. You can learn more about Lay Ministry here.
Friend to Friend Outreach Program: This program provides connection to seniors and individuals who may be homebound and unable to attend church regularly. It offers members up to four in-person visits per year from a Lay Minister. Send an email to Lay Minister Steve K.
Lotsa Helping Hands Support Network: This care calendar enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times. For support or questions, email coordinator Leslie C. To volunteer, send a request here.
Join an Affinity or Support Group: Build community through our identity-based affinity groups and experience-specific support groups. Learn about them here.
| |
