Sunday, November 15

Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m.

Everyone starts in the Sanctuary at 10:15 a.m. then children/youth head to RE
Nursery and toddler care available all service.

Social Hour: Fuller Hall after the service.

Updated — Annual Fund Drive - Brighten the Light: We're Almost There!

We're 90% of the way to our goal! Thanks to the generosity of our congregation, we've now received $1,212,900 in pledges for 2027, bringing us closer than ever to our $1.35 million goal!

With $137,100 left to raise, we're hoping not only to reach our goal but to surpass it!

Join us this Sunday, November 15, for Celebration Sunday! We'll celebrate with special music during the service, followed by cupcakes and sparkling cider in Fuller Hall to Brighten the Light! It's a chance to recognize the generosity that makes all we do here possible.

Help us make the final push to 100% and beyond! If you haven't yet pledged, bring your completed Pledge form to church on Sunday or Pledge online below. Able to give a little extra? We're also inviting everyone to consider making a one-time gift during Sunday's plate collection. Every dollar raised on Sunday will go toward next year's church budget and help us finish the campaign strong!

We hope to see you Sunday for a special morning of music, gratitude, and celebration!

Questions? Email Stewardship


Sunday's Sermon

Fire of Commitment

Rev. Alison Miller, Senior Minister

How can a spark become a lasting flame? Join us for our Celebration Sunday, the last day of our Annual Fund Drive for 2027, as we honor the generosity it takes to brighten the light within our community and beyond our walls. We will also share some of the sparks that rippled out when our children were given $5 and invited to make a difference.

NEW! — Special Front Steps Edition!

In support of the Annual Fund Drive (AFD), this week's Front Steps concentrates on AFD and the events/deadlines happening this week and next. Other sections, e.g., Music Notes, Social Justice, will return next week.

How Can We Support Our Immigrant Neighbors?

Date: This Sunday, November 15, 12 p.m.

Location: Eliot Chapel

Have you been wondering how to support our immigrant neighbors? Come learn about the Legal Observer Program with the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) and the Accompaniment Program of the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ). Representatives of both PIRC and IMIrJ will share how their programs work and some of the critical ways you can get involved. First Unitarian volunteers with both programs will share about their experiences.

Registration Deadline! — Grief and the Holidays Class

Register by Friday, November 13, 12 p.m.

Date: November 15 & 22, December 6 & 13.

Location: Eliot Center

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 at 1st Unitarian on four Sundays, from 11:45 to 1:15, on November 15 and 22 and December 6 and 13. The Rev. Duane Fickeisen and Dr. Bill Yasnoff will facilitate the group. There is no cost, but pre-registration is required. More info and preregister here

NEW! — New Church Phone System!

Date: Monday, November 16, 9 a.m.


The church is implementing a new phone system on Monday, November 16, at 9 a.m. Along with new office phones, the new system will be easier to manage, and for the first year, cost less than the current system.


The church Facilities team has put in a lot of work preparing for this upgrade. They expect the transition to go smoothly. If there are 'bumps' or if your call to the office on Monday doesn't go through, please wait a while and try again.

NEW! — Church Email System Issues!

The church utilizes Microsoft's email and several other of their applications. As you may have heard, their systems have been down/offline for a number of hours, which negatively impacts the ability of office staff to receive and send emails.


Also, like other organizations, the church website has experienced some issues that are being addressed by the church staff tech team and our long-time technology consultant.

Thanks for your patience as we wait for Microsoft and others to resolve these technology issues!

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.