Ministerial Blog

On Making Space

Rev. Thomas Disrud, Associate Minister

This week marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian tradition. Ash Wednesday begins a 40-day period leading up to Good Friday and Easter. It is a time of preparation, reflection and making space for what is coming.

The making space part is especially speaking to me this year. I don’t know about you but I find my own life full of checking email and looking at my Youtube feed. There’s a paradox here–I’m wanting space even as I all-too-frequently turn on my phone to check for updates when that desired spare moment comes. I long for space and yet sometimes that space can be hard to find. 

I seem to hear myself note a lot these days just how much there is to hold. There’s so much cruelty and pettiness in the world right now that it is hard to take it all in...MORE

Building Hours Update & Evening Scheduling Changes

As many of you know, our budget picture has shifted this year. A significant reduction in tenant income, along with somewhat lower overall giving with a lower number of members, means we’ve had to make some careful staffing adjustments. As a result, evening coverage on our campus is changing. As these updates roll out, we are grateful for how supportive our lay leaders and members are in embracing changes that will help us keep living our mission and serving our community...MORE

Justice Delayed, Finally Gained: How Portland Families Displaced by Urban Renewal Won Restitution

Sunday, February 22, 12 p.m.

Location: Eliot Chapel

Advancing Racial Justice Action Group (ARJAG)

Ms. Byrd, the founder of Emanuel Displaced Persons Association 2 (EDPA2), with whom our congregation has been long connected, returns to recap and update the efforts that led to their remarkable settlement with the City of Portland last year. Under Byrd’s determined and creative leadership, EDPA2 persisted for many years as an ad hoc, community-based social justice organization made up of people whose family homes and businesses had been demolished in the 1970s to make way for a hospital expansion that never happened. Byrd dedicated almost ten years of her life to advocating and agitating for justice, for restitution. It was Byrd’s scholarship, study, research and persistence that led to the filing of a lawsuit that resulted in an unprecedented settlement. Don’t miss this uplifting story about a successful struggle to achieve redress that took more than 50 years.

NEW! — Take the Building Safety Tour!

This Sunday, February 22, after the service

If you missed our special safety-focused tour last month, you have another chance! This guided walk will highlight key areas including exits, safety features, and resources you may not have noticed before. Even long-time members often say, “I never knew this was here!”

Reed D., our Usher Coordinator, will meet you at the Welcome Desk in the Main Sanctuary Lobby following the church service to begin the tour. Come explore, learn, and feel even more at home in our shared space.

Help Us Cross the Finish Line: Funding Our Church for 2026

With the help of our generous congregation we have raised just over $1.3 million. That milestone reflects how deeply our community believes in what we’re building together.

We’re not starting something! We’re finishing something!



To close this campaign and steward a 2026-2027 budget without major cuts, we need to raise an additional $60,000.

This is an invitation to participate if you can. Some of you may be in a position to give again by making a one-time gift now. Others may be able to give for the first time.

So, if you haven’t given yet please do, if you haven’t pledged yet please do! This will allow us to fulfill the financial commitments our community has planned in 2026. 

Considering Membership Class

Sunday, March 1, 11:45 a.m.

Location: Channing A101

Jen Thomas, Director of Congregational Life

Every community is like a tapestry—each person adding their own color and texture to the whole. If you’ve been attending First Unitarian Portland and are feeling ready to become a woven part of the fabric of this congregation, we invite you to our Considering Membership class.

In this one-session gathering, you’ll learn about the commitments and joys of membership, ask questions, and—if you’re ready—complete the necessary steps to officially join, including signing the membership book.

Please let us know you’re coming by filling out this RSVP form. Childcare will be available.

Whether you’re new to Unitarian Universalism or simply new to Portland, we’d be honored to help you find your place in the weave of our shared spiritual community.

NEW! — The Alliance Presents "Stories of Lan Su"

Wednesday, March 4, 10:30 a.m.

Location: Eliot Chapel, or online

The Alliance

Weaving Together Portland Communities: Stories of Lan Su – Revealing the Untold Tales of Portland’s Chinese Garden

Join Venus Sun, Senior Director of Experience at Lan Su Chinese Garden, as she traces the roots of Portland’s one-of-a-kind classical Chinese garden with its profound identity as a living expression of art, philosophy, and tradition, and its cultural impact through diverse programs that invites community to connect with traditions both ancient and modern.

Bring your lunch and $5 to enjoy dessert & beverage after the program. RSVP by emailing here.

NEW! — How to Get on the Ballot for the Board of Trustees or the Nominating Committee

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee annually identifies candidates for election on the annual church ballot to the Board of Trustees and the Nominating Committee by inviting referrals, conducting interviews, and supporting leadership development, so that the church will maintain leadership to provide diverse, relevant talents and capacities in support of our church mission and ends. A First Unitarian voting member may also be directly placed on the ballot for a Nominating Committee or Board of Trustees position by petition (self-nomination). Individuals who wish to self-nominate for the 2026 church ballot must submit a petition with their name and the signatures of 33 voting church members (5% of the current total number of certified voting members). Nominating Committee candidate recommendations, as well as self-nomination petitions, are voted on by Church members as part of the annual congregational vote in the spring of each year.

If you are interested in self-nominating for either the Board of Trustees or the Nominating Committee, a photo and short bio are due by April 3 and the petition is due no later than April 23.

You can find more information, including signature petition forms, on the Nominating Committee page on the church website. You can also send an email to the Nominating Committee if you have any questions. 

NEW! — Opportunity to Support Immigrant Justice

Sunday, March 1, 8:45 - 10 a.m.

Location: Buchan Hall

Swing by our pancake breakfast to write a note or draw a card to be included in supplies our Learning Community students are assembling for local neighbors impacted by ICE detention. Thanks for supporting our church’s work with Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice’s accompaniment program. 

NEW! — The Auction is Coming!

The Auction Is Coming!!! The Auction is Coming!!! Donations start March 19 and continue through April 6. The Auction’s online bidding starts April 19 and ends May 3. More news to follow in later Front Steps editions. Stay tuned.

Vigils for Troubling Times

4th Tuesdays through June, beginning this Tuesday, February 24, 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.

Location: Zoom

Are you struggling to cope with the daily news and events in these dark days? Spiritual Directors and First U members Karen S., Sophia D., and Sara H. invite you to join Vigils for Troubling Times, a quiet service of music, poetry, readings, reflection, and meditation offered on Zoom. Click here to join.

We will gather in community for lament, solace, inspiration and hope. The series will continue on the 4th Tuesday of each month through the church year: February 24, March 24, April 28, May 26, and June 23.

NEW! — Week 3: Celebrating Black History Month

To celebrate Black History Month, the Advancing Racial Justice Action Group (ARJAG) is sharing stories each week about the roles Black people played and continue to play in the history of our state, nation, and religious tradition. We’re also displaying a timeline poster in Fuller Hall, offering Antiracism Learning Circles, and hosting a special event after church this Sunday, February 22. This week, we’re spotlighting people who left their mark during the dawn of the electrical age, the race to space, and the civil rights movement. And also, on the ocean floor.

Granville T. Woods, Inventor (1856 – 1910)

Known as the “Black Edison,” Woods was a talented and prolific mechanical and electrical engineer. He created or contributed to a variety of innovations at a time when electricity was dramatically changing communications and transportation. He focused on making trains, streetcars, and subways safer and more efficient and is remembered for improvements to such crucial features as the air brake and third rail. Forced by family poverty to leave school at age 10, he was largely self-taught...MORE

NEW! — 2026 Passover Seder

You are cordially invited to attend our First Unitarian Seder luncheon on March 29 in celebration of Passover, the Jewish holiday that symbolizes the universal human quest for liberty. This special ceremonial UU interfaith event, beautifully structured for all ages, is a remembrance of the Jews’ flight from slavery in Egypt long ago. Our community Passover Seder is a worship service, a songfest, a banquet, and a blend of goodness, goodies, gravity, and joy. Children, Youth, Adults, Elders - All are welcome. We will provide a delicious lunch of traditional Seder foods. Come one and all to enjoy food, fellowship, candlelight, stories, music and more! Watch for registration details in next week's Front Steps e-News.

NEW! — UUA General Assembly is Coming Up!

June 14 - 16 and June 19 - 21

Location: Virtual

Denomination Connections Committee

General Assembly (GA) this year will be virtual, and registration is now open. We are allowed 16 delegates, but anyone can attend. If you would like to represent First U Portland, email the Denomination Connections Committee here.

GA business meetings will be June 14-16 with free registration for delegates. Special programming will be June 19-21 for registered delegates ($350). More information is on the GA website.

The registration rate will increase to $450 on May 1, so start planning now.

NEW! — You Are Invited! Help Wanted!

Community for Earth (CFE)

WEATHERIZATION TEAM

Do you have experience with weather stripping, air leakage sealing, or other basic weatherization practices? No need to be an expert! You are invited to be part of this team for month-to- month projects as we go room by room through our buildings. 

GRAPHICS COMMUNICATION TEAM

Do you have the mad skills for helping us to develop catchy visuals of the heating and cooling “guts” of our buildings? You are invited to help translate stodgy drawings into catchy colorful images for congregational display.

Please email CFE member Beth M. for more information about either team and write ‘weatherization’ in the subject line.

NEW! — Beacon Bookstore

Have you been called upon to offer opening words for a meeting? Or, Dear God, to offer a prayer in a group of Unitarians or your larger family? Are you looking for something to read to provide some calm and comfort? Your Beacon Bookstore has you covered!

Poems, readings, meditations, wise words from different faiths, and humorous stories can all be found among books on our shelves. You are cordially invited to come browse, buy something for a “put your toe in the water” first bite, or even – in an emergency – copy something down for the meeting you’re convening in two hours. We welcome your visit!

About 40% of our proceeds go right to the church’s bottom line.

CHECK WEEKLY — February 22 Newsletter

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

We have a special invitation from Congregational Life Director Jen Thomas about the Considering Membership class on March 1. Click the MORE below to read it! Please let us know you’re coming by filling out this RSVP form. Childcare will be available.

Whether you are a longtime member, interested in joining officially, or belong with us in another way, it is a blessing to be able to share this church community with one another...MORE

NEW! — CARD Meeting This Saturday

Saturday, February 21, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Location: Classroom B304

Care & Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD)

Join us for an informative potluck on Saturday, February 21, at Brie S.’s place in NW (the Pearl) Portland. Our potlucks are a fun blend of socializing, eating homemade dishes and collaborating on ways to continue improving access to reproductive healthcare.

In this meeting we plan to focus on reviewing current proposed Oregon legislation and discussing the book Access by Rebecca Grant.

Please email Brie S. for street address and your food offering. For general information regarding CARD or this meeting, email Marni T.

The Water Factor: A Reading and Discussion

Sunday, March 1, 11:45 a.m.

Location: Classroom B304

Community for Earth (CFE)

Join members of Community for Earth for a reading from The Water Factor, a near-future eco-thriller set in the Oregon High Desert, and a discussion of what happens when something as sacred as water is treated as a commodity instead of a human right. Light refreshments provided. Grab a drink from coffee hour and join us for a lively conversation...MORE

Equal Rights for All Campaign Update

Care & Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD)

The Equal Rights for All coalition has made the difficult decision to withdraw the proposed 2026 ballot measure to protect abortion access and gender-affirming care in Oregon’s Constitution. The purpose of the measure was to add long-term constitutional protection for these rights. Oregon continues to have strong statutory protections for abortion and gender-affirming care under state law and constitutional prohibitions against sex discrimination.

Expanding constitutional protection remains an important goal that the Care and Action for Reproductive Dignity (CARD) team supports and looks forward to working on in the future. We are grateful to First Unitarian's involvement in this initiative through sponsorship, petition signing, and signature collection - thank you! CARD will continue its work on education, collaboration, and action in support of reproductive justice. Join us at our next meeting on February 21.

Thank You, First Unitarian!

Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG)

With your tamale orders and outright donations, you provided $1,365 in support to the all-volunteer Western Farm Workers (WFWA) office for their operations serving farm, low-wage, and seasonal workers during this difficult season. We are most grateful! Same time next year—always around the Super Bowl!    

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 have now expanded our hours to 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays!

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.

“What I try to tell young people is that if you come together with a mission, and it's grounded with love and a sense of community, you can make the impossible possible.” Congressman & Civil Rights Leader - Rep. John Lewis