Rev. Ken, our Assistant Minister, our Lay Ministry Team, and Rev. Alison, our Senior Minister, are all available for pastoral support to members going through challenging times. Below you can fill out a confidential form to share what is happening in your life.

Rev. Ken works with our Lay Ministry Team of 20+ volunteers, and he can be reached by calling the church office, 503-228-6389, or via his email to schedule pastoral appointments.

Our Lay Ministers or Ministers can also be reached by calling or emailing the church office at 503-228-6389 or office email to be connected.

To make an appointment with Rev. Alison, you can sign up through her Calendly or email her. Rev. Alison is also available to speak with you about rites of passage, including memorial services, weddings, and baby dedications. She may be able to officiate or will connect you with one of our other ministers.

If you would like to have a prayer intention privately held, or if you would like a joy or sorrow shared publicly, please fill out this form: This form is temporarily NOT working, please use the emails below the form to contact us right now.

Alternatively, you can send a message to prayer@firstunitarianportland.org for a prayer to be held or parishconcerns@firstunitarianportland.org for an announcement in worship.

You can view the most recent Joys and Sorrows in our Front Steps e-news.

Lay Ministry

In addition to our called ministers, we have a team of volunteer Lay Ministers who offer support through difficult times. Lay Ministers are church members who offer one-to-one caring and support to folks in times of need, including:

• spiritual crisis
• major life changes, such as the loss of a loved one, loss of employment, divorce or retirement
• isolation because of age, mobility problems, or for other reasons
• health problems, illness or hospitalization
• other personal life changes

Lay Ministers support the pastoral work of the ministerial staff, are present with members during times of need, and help build a stronger church community through outreach to congregants and through support groups. Lay Ministers are not intended to replace the role of our church minister or professional counselors.

To contact a Lay Minister, you may call the church office at 503-228-6389 or send an email to the church office. Generally, you may expect a telephone call from a Lay Minister within 24 hours.

Learn more about our Lay Ministry program here.

Friend to Friend Outreach Program

Our Friend to Friend outreach 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. The goals are to increase connection with the church, offer support, and provide assistance with personal needs when applicable. If you are curious and/or know someone else who is, or have questions, please email lay minister Steve K.  

Lotsa Helping Hands Support Network

Coordinated by Lay Ministry, Lotsa Helping Hands is a care calendar similar to Meal Train that enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times.

If you or someone you know could use the support of meals or visits—or if you have any questions—please email our coordinator, Leslie C.

To join our volunteer team, send a request here. (For safety, a coordinator must approve your request to access our church’s site.)