The Good Times committee offers lots of entertaining activities with a variety of ways to socialize and make friends.

Do you want to know more people here at First Unitarian Church? Are you looking for fun and interesting things to do with your time? You’ve come to the right place! 

The Good Times Committee’s mission is to offer a range of opportunities for people to meet and learn about others within this large church community. We are committed to bringing people into the fold of First Unitarian, so they feel welcomed and gain friendships. 

Good Times sponsors activities, small groups, and special events to help you meet people, make friends, and feel right at home. Whether you’re new to the church or have been here for years, you’ll find opportunities to meet others, share experiences, and feel truly part of our church family.  We welcome all new as well as long-time members and friends. Below are descriptions of the activities that we offer to everyone. Take a look—you will probably find at least one area of interest for yourself.

A group of Good Time friends enjoying music at a special event. 

There are so many ways to enjoy our church community. 

Whether you love outings, shared meals, walks around town, book or movie discussions, or just good conversation, there’s a place for you here. 

 It’s more than just fun—it’s about building real connections, growing in community, and truly feeling part of our church family.  Come join us!  

You can register for all our offerings by clicking on the QR code or the URL at the end of this website description. 

Have Fun at our TGIF Happy Hour!

This is one of our most popular events! 

Enjoy your food and beverage of choice Portland has to offer along with good vibes with friends as well as First U folks whom you may not know. We’ll help you widen your circle of friends and acquaintances and begin to feel more at home here.  Join us Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. We gather at various pubs and restaurants for great deals and lively conversation as we celebrate the coming of the weekend.

A convivial gathering at one of our go-to pubs

After you register using the QR code on our final web page, you will receive a weekly email with the location of the week. We infrequently rotate locations, so you don’t have a new place to find every week.

Bridge Group: Learn and Play—All Skill Levels Welcome!

Take the plunge and join the group, even if you are a beginner. 

Take the plunge and join the Bridge Group! The group is open to all who want to play—at whatever skill level, from beginners to experienced players. We usually have two to three tables and play four hands and then switch partners. We play for a couple of hours, and sometimes there is a prize for the high score!   Always wanted to play bridge? Need a little refresher?

Don’t hesitate! It’s great fun and a dandy way to meet other big-spirited First U folks while you sharpen your game. And we’re always looking for new members. 

Drop In to the Women’s Coffee Klatch—for good coffee and conversation.

Wake up and smell the coffee while you share some time with interesting women for a warm and delicious experience!

We meet two Friday mornings a month at 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. The second Friday of the month we meet at a popular coffee shop that serves delicious homemade breads and pastries as well as breakfast sandwiches. The fourth Friday we’ll see you at a different shop that offers a huge selection of items that are good for breakfast or lunch. Beyond excellent food, you will enjoy the interesting and thoughtful discussions that we share. You can just drop in—attendance will not be taken. 🙂 But you’ll be missed if you don’t. And we are always gracious to welcome new joiners.

Book Group: Talk about Notable Books!

Meet with other book lovers to discuss books suggested by the group members.

 If you’ve never been in a book group, maybe now is the time to start! Get to know your fellow bookworms through enriching discussions and through listening to others’ interpretations and observations. Discussing a book you have just read can really enrich one’s experience through give and take about opinions and common experiences. Plus you learn more about your group members through conversation, laying the groundwork for friendships.  

Meets via Zoom from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm on third Tuesdays. After you register using the QR code on our last page, you will receive an email from the Group Lead with all the particulars.

Movies, Anyone?

Discuss selected movies monthly in the homes of group members. Of course, food is included in the agenda. 

Here’s your chance to watch the best current movies in theaters and/or streaming and then to discuss them with a group of witty and erudite First U film buffs. 

We have snacks followed by discussion of three to four films from the recommendations of the previous month’s meeting. All watch at least one film for the monthly discussions. The group considers film elements such as characters, themes, direction, photography, and more.  Meetings rotate among members’ homes. Fun for all!

Aw, Go Take a Walk!

Walk with fellow First U wanderers to new and interesting places.

Short walks, long walks; flat, steep, morning, evening walks; walks along trails and in Portland neighborhoods, birdwatcher walks—come along! All levels of stamina and experience are just fine with us. 

Members of the group decide among themselves where to wander on each walk. Join us for both popular and obscure destinations. We’d love to have you with us! 

Special Events

Your chance to create an activity you’d like to share! 

Special events are suggested and organized by anyone in the church. Good Times’ role is to support anyone who wants to offer an event, whatever and wherever it is. Let us know what you are interested in doing and we will help you plan and execute the event! 

Here are examples of several successful events that have been offered: 

  • Potluck dinners
  • The annual all-church picnic
  • Game nights
  • Day trips
  • Hobby circles
  • Musical gatherings
  • Bring your own hors d’oeuvre 
  • Music or theater performances

 First U folks gathered for a special event. This time, it’s a boat trip down the Columbia Gorge.

Your Ideas for New Adventures with Good Times.

We invite you to provide your thoughts on new ideas for Good Times’ activities. We are always looking for creative suggestions and we’d love to hear from YOU! Talk to someone at the Good Times table during coffee hour. 

Your imagination is the key!

Register here for any activity we offer!