|
Sunday Services |
June 10, 2012:
Final Sunday for Services
at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
in the Sanctuary.*
"The Ties That Bind"
Rev. Bill Sinkford, Senior Minister
We place high value on individual freedom, yet we live
in a complex web of relationships. There is tension in that reality. We will reflect on the challenges of sustaining community and the power of covenant to save us.
A
"Flower Communion" will conclude each service as we move into summer. Remember to bring a favorite flower to share.
Half Our Weekly Offering Is Shared
For June: "Love Has No Borders" Campaign
For the remaining Sundays in June, our shared gifts will support an interfaith effort recently launched by the Oregon New Sanctuary Movement. This coalition of individuals, faith leaders and congregations feels called by faith and
conscience to respond actively and publicly to the suffering of our immigrant brothers and sisters residing in the United States. Learn more at:
Love Has No Borders.
Rev. Sinkford's Blog:
Lost And Found
A few weeks ago the nightly news reported that a basketball had washed up on a beach in Alaska. It was from Japan, taken from the school playground by the receding waters of the tsunami and carried by the Pacific currents to our shores.
The ball is to be returned to the school where they will keep it as a memorial of the tragic losses caused by the earthquake. This seems fitting. What was lost has been found. There could not be a more vivid reminder of our
interconnectedness on this small blue planet.
Read More.
*Summer Worship Schedule Begins Next Week
On Sunday, June 17, our summer schedule commences, with one service held at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary only. This schedule remains in effect through Sept. 2. Our special Learning Community summer program, for children 12-years and younger,
also begins June 17.
|
|
Sunday Events |
June 10, 2012:
Foundation Sunday
During both services, we will recognize the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of the First Unitarian Church Foundation. Please plan to attend a special reception at 12:30 p.m. in Buchan Reception to honor the many members who
worked for years to make the Foundation a reality.
The recipient of Unitarian Universalist of the Year Award will also be announced.
A "Flower Communion" will conclude each service this Sunday. Remember to bring a favorite flower to share.
What Is Flower Communion?
The UUA/UUSC Haiti JustWorks Travelers offer
a PowerPoint presentation about their trip. Sunday, June 10, immediately after both services in B103 (the partitioned section at the west end of Buchan Reception). Light snacks will be served. Grab your coffee and come hear
about the extraordinary work that UUSC is supporting in Haiti. Also see their
Blogs and Photos on the church web site.
Sign UUJME Petition at Peace Action Table
Support Palestinain human rights by signing the Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) petition asking investment giant TIAA-CREF to divest from companies that profit from Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands.
Staffs of UU organizations and churches have retirement savings invested with TIAA-CREF. Come to the Peace Action table for more information and to sign the petition.
Downtown UU History Tour
Sunday, June 10, 12:45 p.m.–2 p.m. Facilitator: Kate Brickey. This fun and informative walking tour will cover First Church history from our pioneer beginning in 1866 to the present. Fee: Pledging $10 per person, $15 per family /
Non-pledging $20 per person, $25 per family.
Also This Weekend
Tenor Recital Tonight
Thursday, June 7, at 7 p.m., in Eliot Chapel. Evan Miles, our tenor section leader and soloist in the Unitarian Choir, will present his junior recital as part of his studies in music at PSU. Please come to support him and enjoy his
one-hour presentation of varied music.
LGBTQ Pride Picnic Potluck
The LGBTQ Pride Group will host a picnic potluck at the home of Don Tarbutton, Saturday, June 9, from 1–5 p.m. Please bring your favorite vegetarian dish to share. Don can host 15 people at the Columbia Ecovillage. RSVP for directions to
Don, or call 503-281-1110. Friends and allies are welcome.
|
|
Upcoming Events |
How Can Portland Better Involve Its LBGTQ Community?
Monday, June 11, 12–1 p.m. at the Portland Building, second floor, Room C. Happy Pride Month! All are welcome to attend this panel discussion being organized by the new Director of Portland's Office of Equity, Dante James. Panelists
include: Rev. Kate Lore, Social Justice Minister, Mary Wheat, Portland Police Bureau and Board Member for the Q Center, and Khalil Edwards, lead organizer for Portland Black Pride and PFLAG member. Questions? Email
Sara Schooley.
A Many Flavored Event:
 Thursday, June 14, 6:30-8 p.m., Buchan Reception. Celebrate the end of the church year with UU writers from the church Poetry Group, including Henry
Amick, Eric Brown, Andrea Budy, Steve Collopy, Trudi Forte, Barry Green, Ruth Ann Homan, Ann Holznagel, Cynthia Huntington, and Lynn Thomas. Our poets will offer many flavors of pie and poetry for your enjoyment. Please bring $5---or a
book of poetry---as a donation to the church libraries.
Help Us Wrap Up Gardening Projects
On Saturday, June 16, 9 a.m.-12 noon, we'll put the final touches on the church perimeter gardening projects that were begun recently. Can you help? Simply email
Marti Yoder to indicate your willingness. You bring the energy, and tools will be provided!
Also, a "menu" is being created to entice green-thumbed congregants to "adopt-a-bed" for attention over the summer months. Look for details soon.
The UU Men's Community Monthly Meeting
Saturday, June 16, 9–11 a.m., in the Channing Room. The first half of the meeting is for planning activities and taking care of business; the second half is for personal sharing. Potluck breakfast. Open to all men.
UU Men.
LGBTQ Pride Parade, Sunday, June 17
 It's time to march together in the 2012 Pride Parade! Whether you're LGBTQ or straight, young or old, single or coupled, don't miss this opportunity
to rejoice in the blessing of lovein all its forms. We will meet on the front steps of the Eliot Chapel following our 10 a.m. service, and walk to SW 13th and Burnside at 11:30 a.m. Please come to church wearing good walking shoes and
festive clothing, including your Standing on the Side of Love t- shirts. If you have questions or a willingness to help, please contact
Kate Lore or
Scott Winters.
Join Us To See Documentary "The Welcome"
Thursday, June 21, 7 p.m., Buchan Reception. This award-winning film provides a healing journey for war veterans and their families. It will be followed by a panel discussion led by veteran Captain Ken Kraft, who is featured in the movie,
and Mike Maxwell, former VA mental health provider and a Returning Veterans Project Board member, who was present during the making of the film. This event is sponsored by the Returning Veterans Project and our Economic Justice Action and
Peace Action Groups. Suggested donation: $5–$20. No-one turned away. More:
The Welcome Movie, or
Returnining Veterans, or call Marcia Meyers, 503-665-3957.
UU Movie Group And Potluck
Sunday, June 24, 4:45–8 p.m., at the home of Sue Decker in N. Portland. See Bernie and Monsieur Lazhar. The alternate is The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Then meet other UUs and share a lively discussion. Call Sue for
information and directions, 503-709-8977. Newcomers welcome. Space may be limited.
Voices of Veterans: A Bridge Back Home
For veterans from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other wars. Saturday, June 30, 7 p.m., in the Sanctuary.
Order Tickets Here. This Welcome Home Ceremony brings together veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, veterans of other wars, and the local community. It intends to help heal the distance between the warriors and those they
protect and to bridge the gaps between war and peace, trauma and renewal, pain and understanding. Join author Michael Meade and veterans for an evening of poetry, stories, and cogent commentary on the realities of war and the difficulties
of returning from it. Healing only happens when the burdens of war can be shared by the greater community.
Summer mUUsic Camp for Kids
Our annual interactive camp is designed to give kids in grades 3-6 a chance to learn and perfect their music skills, including reading notes, counting rhythms, as well as performing independently and in groups.
Learn More. Questions or to register:
Ellie Hodder.
Learning Community
Check the
Learning Community Calendar on the church website for details about Learning Community events.
Teacher Recruiting For Fall Continues
The essential qualities of a good Learning Community teacher are a love of children, a sense of wonder about life, an ability to empathize and listen, and a willingness to share who you are more than what you know. Our children can be our
best teachers. There is no doubt you will discover more about your own spiritual path through your work with the Learning Community. Learn more about starting as a volunteer teacher this September. Please contact
Nicole Bowmer or
Dana Regan with your questions, or for an application.
|
|
Get Involved/Make A Difference |
Check this section for ways to deepen your connection to First Church and beyond.
13 Salmon Family Center Needs
Diapers for newborns---and cough & cold medicine for children and adults, as well as ibuprofen. Thank you!
HHAG Seeking a New Name
The moniker Hunger and Homelessness Action Group doesn't exactly trip off the tongue! So we've decided to hold a "contest" to pick a new name. We want our name to embody the passion we have for helping those in need in our
community. Please send suggestions to
Donna Richards.
Can You Joomla?
The church communications department is seeking one or two volunteer web designers who are proficient in the Joomla platform, and who are willing to help build enhancements for the church website from time to time. Interested in serving
your church this way? Please contact
Craig Towers.
|
|
In the Community |
News of congregant milestones, joys, and concerns.
The memorial service for member Kathelene Cover, previously announced for Saturday, June 9, at 2 p.m., has been rescheduled to 4 p.m., in the Eliot Chapel. A reception will follow in the Buchan Reception Hall.
Member David Fitzpatrick died June 2 of a blood infection, but had been in declining health since being diagnosed with melanoma in 2003. He was 59, and had been a teacher in our Learning Community. David is survived by his companion,
Kirtland Davidson, his mother and nine siblings. A memorial service is being planned for this summer.
We Are All In This Together Support Group Concludes
This group held its final meeting on May 30, due to decreasing participation. Stay tuned for Covenant groups and other small group ministries coming this fall. As always, if you are in a life transition and need extra support, please let
our ministry staff or front office know so that a lay minister can connect with you.
Blessings,
Amy Beltaine, Intern Minister
Rev. Kate Lore, Social Justice Minister
|
|
Other News |
Mt. Hood Area Cluster of UU Congregations Formed
Representatives of greater Portland UU congregations met recently to foster coordination and collaboration. Cluster activities often take place in areas where multiple UU congregations serve the community.The lively group developed over a
dozen ideas for collaborative action and sorted them into four categories, as follows:
1) Organize a collective that receives regional and UUA support, enriches each others' programs, and organizes common activities.
2) Share communications among congregations.
3) Develop a strategic plan for growth in the region.
4) Unite at important social and economic justice events and venues.
A complete report is on the church website:
Confluence Committee.
The group meets next on Sunday, June 10, at 1:30 p.m., in RE Rooms 1 and 2 at Atkinson Memorial Church, 710 6th Street, Oregon City. All are welcome. For questions contact Congregational Confluence chair
Stan Jewett.
Annual Report, Online:
Your annual ballot mailing sent early in May contained information about the church's finances. But we have a much larger story to tell about the church year just ending. Read all about it online in the:
2011/2012 Annual Report.
Beacon Bookstore News
At long last, the wonderful DVD, Raw Faith, about Minister Emerita Rev. Marilyn Sewell, is for sale in our Beacon Bookstore in Fuller Hall; $25. Raw Faith is an intimate and revealing documentary that follows two years in the
private life of Marilyn Sewell. For more, visit
Marilyn Sewell's Web Page.
Meet A Member
From time to time, Mark Woodlief of the Membership Committee will interview, and write about, one of our church members.
This week, meet
Joyce Gotsch.
Raw Faith Radio---With Marilyn Sewell
Check here for the latest radio program hosted by First Unitarian's minister emerita, Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell.
RFR Program Menu.
Resources for Hard Times
Rev. Kate Lore has compiled this list of resources for congregants who may be experiencing difficulties this time of year (pastoral care, job board, emergency fund, etc.)
Resources.
Electronic UU Job Board: Seeking Job Postings!
Can you help? Remember, we're all in this together. To subscribe, or to post a job opening you know of, visit the "Ministry" page on the church website, and scroll down just a bit:
Electronic UU Job Board. Here you'll learn all the details for subscribing.
UU World Weekly, Online
Read this week's
UU World Weekly, for news and information from the Unitarian Universalist Association. Or visit the Association at:
UUA.
|
|
|
