First Unitarian Portland

*Registration Required* The Writing Well
2026-10-13 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-10-20 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-11-10 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-11-24 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
The Writing Well invites writing for fun and inspiration. Each of us has a deep well of creativity and writing is one way to access the treasures from that well. A few places are still open for the fall program. “Writing alone, together,” we’ll meet on Zoom the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, September 8 through November 24, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time.
In The Writing Well sessions, we work with prompts to explore whatever is seeking your expression in the moment. We meet together in a safe space, hold one another’s confidentiality, and (if willing) take risks to share what we discover. Consistent practice can strengthen our creativity muscles and may promote healing, connection with self and others, and help improve craft and accountability. Sophia D. brings her experience as lay minister, spiritual director, and professional writer to these informal sessions, but promises there will be no critiquing or instruction.
To register for this event and receive the Zoom link, click here.

Vespers
2026-10-16 17:00 - 17:40, 2026-10-23 17:00 - 17:40, 2026-10-30 17:00 - 17:40, 2026-11-06 17:00 - 17:40, 2026-11-13 17:00 - 17:40, 2026-11-20 17:00 - 17:40, 2026-11-27 17:00 - 17:40, 2026-12-04 17:00 - 17:40 and 2 more dates
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
2026-10-18 10:15 - 11:30, 2026-10-25 10:15 - 11:30, 2026-11-01 10:15 - 11:30, 2026-11-08 10:15 - 11:30, 2026-11-15 10:15 - 11:30, 2026-11-22 10:15 - 11:30, 2026-11-29 10:15 - 11:30, 2026-12-06 10:15 - 11:30 and 1 more date | Main Sanctuary, 1211 SW Main St, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Click here to join us on livestream, or join us in person in our Sanctuary:
1211 SW Main St
Portland, OR 97205
Stay afterward for our Social Hour, where we mingle and build community.
PLEASE NOTE: Masks are welcome in our sanctuary but not required.

Upcoming service topics || Past service topics

*Registration Required* Multi-Generational Book Club
2026-10-18 11:45 - 13:30, 2026-10-25 11:45 - 13:30 | Buchan Room B201
Change is the one constant in life. Join our multi-generational book club as we read Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes by William and Susan Bridges and explore how people of all ages navigate endings, uncertainty, and new beginnings. Whether you’re graduating, launching a career, balancing family transitions, facing new opportunities or challenges, or reflecting on life’s many seasons, the Bridges’ timeless insights offer a common framework for understanding life’s transitions. Through reflection, conversation, and shared wisdom, participants will explore how to navigate life’s journey with patience, acceptance, and resilience. All are warmly welcome, whether you are currently experiencing a major life change or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the hope, purpose, and renewal that can emerge through times of transition.

Sessions take place on Sundays after church from September 20 through October 25. The book can be purchased at our own Bookstore which is open each week during social hour in Fuller Hall.

Click here for more information and to sign up. Class is limited to 12.

🌎 Samhain Ritual
2026-10-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Buchan Hall, 1226 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Join Rev. Charlotte Cramer for a series of earth-based rituals following the Wheel of the Year. These rituals will be simple and accessible to all, rooted in the earth and human experience, and for any faith background or belief system. Click here for more information about the full series.
Note: This service will take place in Buchan Hall.

The Alliance Presents...
2026-11-04 10:30 - 13:00, 2026-12-02 10:30 - 13:00 | Eliot Chapel, 1011 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR, 97205
Each month during the church program year, the Alliance presents a program and luncheon that promotes fellowship, life-long learning and spiritual growth for its members as well as service to the church and larger fellowship.
To view this month’s topic once it has been announced, visit the Alliance’s page.

🥣 Souper Sunday
2026-11-08 11:30 - 14:00, 2026-12-13 11:30 - 14:00 | Fuller Hall, 1211 SW Main St, Portland, OR, 97205
On the second Sunday of most months, we offer two different soups as part of our Social Hour, including at least one gluten-free option and at least one vegetarian option. To learn what type of soups will be offered at the next Souper Sunday, subscribe to our Front Steps e-newsletter.
If you are able, the suggested cost for the soup is $5 to help us cover the cost of ingredients.
Please supplement the offering by bringing the following to share:

Breads
Treats
Snacks/sides
Kid-friendly prepackaged drinks

Spoons and cups for soup will be provided. Please consider bringing your own containers and utensils to be more environmentally friendly.
It takes a lot of folks to put on Souper Sunday every month: organizers, cooks, servers, shoppers and clean up team to name a few. We are appreciative of all who volunteer. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Barbara M.
