Vespers
2025-07-25 17:00 - 17:40, 2025-08-01 17:00 - 17:40, 2025-08-08 17:00 - 17:40, 2025-08-15 17:00 - 17:40, 2025-09-05 17:00 - 17:40 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Our Lay Ministers will offer inspirational readings, guided meditation, and quiet music in a contemplative program at week’s end.
Congregants and visitors are invited to bring their prayer requests to be held during the service. They are received in real-time through the Zoom chat box, seen, and read aloud anonymously by the hosts. This is a time to join in prayer not only for our community but also for the world.
We look forward to sharing this time of quiet reflection with you when we are all holding so much in our hearts.
Details: Fridays, 5 – 5:40 p.m.
Join here (SAVE THIS LINK! It works every Friday.)
https://tinyurl.com/Vespers-1stU

🕯️ Sunday Worship
2025-07-27 10:15 - 11:30, 2025-08-03 10:15 - 11:30, 2025-08-10 10:15 - 11:30, 2025-08-17 10:15 - 11:30, 2025-08-24 10:15 - 11:30, 2025-08-31 10:15 - 11:30 | Main Sanctuary, 1211 SW Main St, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
In-person
Sanctuary
1211 SW Main St.
Portland, OR 97205

Join us on livestream here

RE Summer Schedule
2025-07-27 10:15 - 11:30, 2025-08-03 10:15 - 11:30, 2025-08-10 10:15 - 11:30, 2025-08-17 10:15 - 11:30, 2025-08-24 10:15 - 11:30 | OR
This summer we have classes for children up to about six years of age during worship. They explore Unitarian Universalist values and themes like friendship, justice, ritual, world religions, self-expression, art, history, science, adventure, and more. Plus we have a lot of fun!

Nursery/toddlers: Play & explore with Milena and Rhionne.
3 to 6-ish years old: Games & crafts with Emma, Ayanna, and Ellen.

Children of any age are always welcome in the service!

Full programming through high school will resume in September.

Click here to view more information about our Learning Community.

Paul Albrecht Memorial
2025-08-02 10:00 - 11:30 | Buchan Hall, 1226 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Community member and Shower Project volunteer Paul Albrecht died unexpectedly in April 2025. His sister Sandi shared her gratitude that Paul was able to reconnect with their childhood Unitarian faith and with the Shower Project before his death. We hold Paul’s family, all who loved him, and those who benefited from his service to this community in our hearts.
Join us in Buchan Reception Hall to celebrate his life.

*Registration Required* Summer Yoga
2025-08-03 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-08-17 09:00 - 10:00 | Classroom A108
Join us for yoga with Ginny K. before the Sunday service from 9 – 10 a.m. We will meet in room A108.
Please bring your own yoga mat and water bottle. Wear clothing appropriate for yoga and then join the congregation for Sunday service at 10:15 a.m.
LIMIT of 15 participants. First come, first served. We will release the sign-up form for the next date after each class through our Front Steps e-news. There will be a total of four classes over the summer.

First Steps Orientation and Campus Tour
2025-08-03 11:45 - 13:00 | Narthex/Lobby, 1211 SW Main St, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
First Steps Orientation and Campus Tour is a welcoming regular event held on the first Sunday of most months, designed for new and returning members of First Unitarian Portland (First U PDX). This session offers an overview of the church’s history, core values, and vibrant community, encouraging participants to explore their connection and discover ways to engage.
For assistance in finding your way, please check in with the Welcome Desk in the main sanctuary narthex/lobby.
Attendees will meet church leaders, learn about various activities and programs, ask questions about Unitarian Universalism, and tour the campus. This informal setting fosters connections among newcomers and long-time members, enhancing the sense of belonging.
For those interested in deepening their commitment, the orientation covers membership requirements, including signing the Membership Record Book and making an annual financial pledge. Participants can also submit their membership application during the session, taking a significant step in their spiritual journey with First U PDX.
Hosted by Jen Thomas, Director of Congregational Life.

Contemplative Practices Group
2025-08-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Channing, A101
First Thursdays in Channing (A101)
Third Thursdays in Eliot Chapel

The Contemplative Practices Group is returning! Join with us on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to sit together in silence. Connect to your inner self as well as something bigger than yourself. Bring more peace and joy into your life, increase mindfulness and develop more perspective.
“Contemplative spirituality is about slowing down and relaxing our action, our striving, and all of our ‘doings.’ In order to ‘wake up’ to the Reality in which we are already immersed, we must slow down and gently transition ‘from doing to being.’ “ – Keith Kristich
This is a drop-in group. Any silent sitting practice is welcomed and no prior meditation experience is needed. If you would like to learn a contemplative practice for use during the group, let the facilitators know and they will meet with you half an hour before the group sit begins.
Each group meeting consists of a 20-minute meditation, a check-in on a spiritually oriented topic, and deep discussion of a poem or short reading. Facilitators are Patty C. and Ron W. They look forward to being with you!
—
Patty has been a UU since childhood and has attended First Unitarian for 20 years. She has taught spiritual practice classes and been involved with Wellspring, the Labyrinth and other church programs. She learned meditation in college and has had a daily meditation practice since joining First Unitarian. She has been an active Spiritual Director since 2012.
Ron is a spiritual director and has been a lay minister, Wellspring facilitator and taught in the learning community at First Unitarian. He has maintained a centering prayer and lectio divina practice for over twenty years.

Last Wishes: How Do We Want to Be Remembered?
2025-08-10 11:30 - 14:00 | Buchan Hall, 1226 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
What are the life stories you want others to know and remember about you? What do you want your legacy to be? How do you start sometimes difficult conversations regarding your last wishes with friends and family? Join Rev. Duane Fickeisen and First U Senior Engagement (FUSE) team for an afternoon of conversation with one another about the journey of life, who we have become along the paths we’ve taken, and what we hope others will remember. We’ll talk about how to plan for a memorial service and how to approach writing your obituary. We will also ask for your ideas on topics for future forums. All ages welcome!
Bring your own lunch and desserts. Drinks will be provided. Please RSVP with the “Going” button below so we can plan accordingly.

All-Church Picnic
2025-08-17 12:30 - 15:00 | Off Campus: Peninsula Park, 700 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland, OR, 97217
Join us at Peninsula Park on August 17 from 12:30 – 3 p.m.
Fun for all ages—games and activities for kids and adults.
Bring your own lunch and a dessert to share.
Sponsored by First Unitarian’s Good Times Committee.
Look in upcoming editions of our Front Steps e-news for more details!

Contemplative Practices Group
2025-08-21 13:00 - 14:30 | OR
First Thursdays in Channing (A101)
Third Thursdays in Classroom A108

The Contemplative Practices Group is returning! Join with us on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to sit together in silence. Connect to your inner self as well as something bigger than yourself. Bring more peace and joy into your life, increase mindfulness and develop more perspective.
“Contemplative spirituality is about slowing down and relaxing our action, our striving, and all of our ‘doings.’ In order to ‘wake up’ to the Reality in which we are already immersed, we must slow down and gently transition ‘from doing to being.’ “ – Keith Kristich
This is a drop-in group. Any silent sitting practice is welcomed and no prior meditation experience is needed. If you would like to learn a contemplative practice for use during the group, let the facilitators know and they will meet with you half an hour before the group sit begins.
Each group meeting consists of a 20-minute meditation, a check-in on a spiritually oriented topic, and deep discussion of a poem or short reading. Facilitators are Patty and Ron. They look forward to being with you!
—
Patty has been a UU since childhood and has attended First Church for 20 years. She has taught spiritual practice classes and been involved with Wellspring, the Labyrinth and other church programs. She learned meditation in college and has had a daily meditation practice since joining First Church. She has been an active Spiritual Director since 2012.
Ron is a spiritual director and has been a lay minister, Wellspring facilitator and taught in the learning community at First Church. He has maintained a centering prayer and lectio divina practice for over twenty years.

Shower Project Open House
2025-08-24 11:30 - 13:00 | Buchan Hall, 1226 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Curious about our 13 Salmon Shower Project that our congregation runs weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the lower level of the Buchan Building? Come to the Open House after church on Sunday, August 24, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Meet us in the Buchan Reception Hall for snacks and a brief movie about the Shower Project. We’ll then head downstairs to tour our shower, day room, and clothing closet and experience the welcome our unhoused guests receive. The Open House is open to all – with stickers for the kids! The space is ADA accessible.
If you’d like to contribute to the Shower Project, feel free to bring NEW men’s or women’s underwear (size M boxer briefs, sports bras, etc.) or USED clothes, shoes, and belts for the clothing closet.

Office CLOSED
2025-09-01 | OR
The office will be closed on this date in observance of Labor Day.

The Alliance Presents "Weaving Together Through Storytelling"
2025-09-03 10:30 - 14:00 | Eliot Chapel, 1011 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR, 97205
Kelly Clendenon will show and discuss “Helpers,” a new documentary that weaves his story of recovering from addiction and incarceration with the inspiring work of the 13 Salmon Shower Project. His film addresses the twin crises of fentanyl addiction and homelessness. Told through the lens of Kelly’s personal journey and people working on the frontlines in Portland.
Bring your lunch for after the program. Email AllianceRSVP@firstunitarianportland.org to join for the dessert ($5).

Monthly Board Meeting
2025-09-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Buchan Hall, 1226 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Congregants are welcome to join us in person (Buchan Reception Hall) or on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82930223125?pwd=[REDACTED]
Tonight’s agenda and additional materials can be found here:
Click to access Board-Packet-Final-1.pdf

Contemplative Practices Group
2025-09-04 13:00 - 14:30 | Channing, A101
First Thursdays in Channing (A101)
Third Thursdays in Eliot Chapel

Join with us on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to sit together in silence. Connect to your inner self as well as something bigger than yourself. Bring more peace and joy into your life, increase mindfulness and develop more perspective.
“Contemplative spirituality is about slowing down and relaxing our action, our striving, and all of our ‘doings.’ In order to ‘wake up’ to the Reality in which we are already immersed, we must slow down and gently transition ‘from doing to being.’ “ – Keith Kristich
This is a drop-in group. Any silent sitting practice is welcomed and no prior meditation experience is needed. If you would like to learn a contemplative practice for use during the group, let the facilitators know and they will meet with you half an hour before the group sit begins.
Each group meeting consists of a 20-minute meditation, a check-in on a spiritually oriented topic, and deep discussion of a poem or short reading. Facilitator is Patty C. We look forward to being with you!
—
Patty has been a UU since childhood and has attended First Unitarian for 20 years. She has taught spiritual practice classes and been involved with Wellspring, the Labyrinth and other church programs. She learned meditation in college and has had a daily meditation practice since joining First Unitarian. She has been an active Spiritual Director since 2012.

Mike Couch Celebration of Life
2025-09-06 14:00 - 17:00 | Eliot Chapel, 1011 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR, 97205
Member Mike Couch died early on the morning of June 25 at the age of 68, after living with Alzheimer’s Disease for the past twelve years. Mike was a long-time member of First Unitarian, and leaves behind his wife Kathy, son Jack, siblings, and the many people who loved him.
Join us in Eliot Chapel to celebrate his life, followed by a reception in Buchan Reception Hall.
