Volunteer Opportunities

Check here for weekly listings of some of the many, many
volunteer opportunities at First Church.

Fabric Designer/Artist Needed

We would like to create seasonal banners for our Sanctuary. Currently, a winter theme is on display, but by March we’ll need a spring banner (can you envision cherry blossom branches to reflect the Japanese trees planted along the river walk?) and then one for summer. We need two sets—one for the chancel and another for the tall walls going up the stairs on either side to the balcony—so two people could work on each set. Skill with bold design, color, appliqué and an eye toward large piece work is necessary. Would you like to create a piece of artwork that will be displayed year after year? Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Green Team Concludes Efforts on 12th Street

The volunteer gardeners now known as the Green Team recently concluded planting efforts with the instillation of bushes and ground cover in the 12th St. beds recently vacated by vinca. Under the leadership of Kathy Ludlow and Debbie Kaufman, a plan was created to fulfill requirements for a Backyard Certification in and around our block. As a result, native plants and those with low water demands have been selected and planted to enhance our property. During the planting efforts, passersby, both congregants and strangers, paused to express appreciation for the beautification and the care that is demonstrated by our congregation.
Next spring we hope to create a "menu" of areas that can be adopted for regular attention by willing gardeners. If you'd like to add your energy to the project, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for additional information in early spring.

Seeking Usher-Greeters
Are you looking for a fun way to serve the church once per month? Do you enjoy meeting people? If so, become an usher-greeter for the sanctuary or Eliot Chapel services! For more information, contact Bill Cunninghame and Steve Nelson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Social Hour Hosts Needed
Do you enjoy meeting people? Are you a regular Sunday morning attendee? Would you like to help out at our Buchan Reception beverage table one or more Sundays a month? Then we’d love to have you join our team! No experience needed… just a willingness to be a cordial host, and some fast footwork (to refill hot water pitchers, creamers, etc.). Contact Kathryn Estey for more information ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).

SCRIP Volunteers Sought
In tough economic times like these, we may not be inclined to buy extra or unnecessary things; but everyone still needs to EAT and buy ESSENTIALS!… and our church still needs to raise funds for materials and programs. That is why First Unitarian Church will begin participating in our local Scrip program. SCRIP is the #1 Fundraising Program Across the Country! It is a unique and creative program in which everyone wins; church members and other supporters only buy the things they ordinarily need to buy anyway—like gas and groceries. To get our program off the ground, we’re looking for a few committed volunteers to serve as coordinators. If you’re interested in helping the church in this important way, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in the church office at 503-228-6389, ext. 12.

Front Office Volunteers
Are you “good on the phone?” Do you enjoy interacting with a wide variety of people? Do you have basic computer skills? Would you like to volunteer in the church office for half a day, or even a day, each week? Then we’d love to interview you for one of our available volunteer positions. Please contact Kathryn Estey ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) to learn more.

Interested In Creating Meaningful Worship?
Does alternative worship call to you? Looking for healing or grieving or celebration services, rituals to mark the earth seasons, special event worship services, croning, blessings, singing together, Vespers, or something else we haven't named yet? We will be crafting a variety of worship services to be held on the third Wednesday of each month. If you have storytelling, altar creation, ushering, decorating, ritual leading, singing, instrument playing, reading aloud, bright ideas, or any other gifts to share that might make our Wednesday evenings more meaningful, please contact Intern Minister This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . If you aren't sure what you have to offer, contact me so that we can work together to uncover your gifts.

We're Seeking Musicians For Wednesday Worship
Every third Wednesday of the month between 6 and 8 p.m. Especially seeking single, duo and trio groups from a variety of musical backgrounds. Come and share your musical gifts in this intimate and inspiring worship setting led by Intern Minister Amy Beltaine. Please contact Amy at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 503-228-6389, ext. 22.

Deepen Your Connection to the Church by Volunteering!
New members to our church community are often drawn by a desire for deeper spiritual experiences as well as the hope for a sense of belonging. One of the quickest ways to develop that connection is through a myriad of volunteer opportunities in our music and religious education or social justice programs. Your time and energy creates more than opportunities for social interaction, it also supports and enhances our mission within the larger community.What are your interests and talents? Let us know by printing and completing the volunteer information form and mailing it to the church office at 1034 SW 12th Ave., Portland, OR 97205, attn.: Marti Yoder or, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.