The end of June will mark a significant moment in the life of our congregation as Rev. Thomas Disrud retires after 31 years of ministry here at First Unitarian. For more than three decades, Rev. Tom has been a steady and trusted presence in our community. He has offered deeply caring pastoral support, thoughtful leadership, and a consistent ministry that has helped shape the life of this congregation. One of the most enduring expressions of Rev. Tom’s ministry has been his work with our intern ministers. Over the years, he has guided, supported, and mentored many emerging ministers, helping them…

At our recent membership celebration Sunday, I shared that every year we become a new community. As new people join us – as new visitors, friends, and members join with us in fulfilling the promises and actions that create our congregation – we become different. While we are not wholly different, we are also not the same as we were the year before. This is also true with the transitions on our staff team, which includes people who participate in and contribute to the life of our community.As you may well be aware, one of the significant staff transitions that…

You would have to be hiding under a rock not to be aware of how prevalent the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming in our world. Yet, many people – most of us – don’t really understand how it works, its limitations, its possibilities, or its plethora of ethical considerations. The Sewell Lecture with Dr. Sylvester Johnson on April 25th at 1:00pm in our sanctuary will help all of us – novices and those with greater understanding – be able to examine how AI is, will be, and could be shaping our world for the better and for the…

We enter a season of deep gratitude for our Associate Minister, the Reverend Tom Disrud, as he approaches his retirement on June 30. Our community has benefited from his ministry for 31 years now, which is truly an incredible feat. There will be opportunities in the coming months and weeks to say goodbye and to give thanks, and I want to be sure that you all are aware of what’s happening.Many people will want to know when he will be preaching between now and the end of June. Here are those dates: April 12 (New Member Sunday), May 3, May…

When people are new, they often ask me and others: What is a good way to get to know people in our community? There are a few answers to this, including classes, community/covenant circles, volunteering on a team, and hosting or attending Auction Events. Would you please help us to build community in the year ahead by considering hosting an event? The Auction Team will be accepting new events through Monday, April 13. You might be wondering: what kind of event could I host? Here are twenty-two suggestions. You could choose one, or come up with your own: Group hike…

Our history is rich—our future needs you. For generations, the people of First Unitarian Portland have been weaving something extraordinary. Since our founding in 1865, members of this church have helped shape the moral and spiritual fabric of Portland—from early work for women’s rights and racial justice to today’s commitments to climate action, housing, and inclusion. Our history is rich with people who met the needs of their own time with courage, creativity, and love. Those who came before us built the foundations we now stand upon—the programs, the ministries, the sanctuary itself—and they handed us the loom. It’s our…

There are folks who speak about a “fourth wall” in worship. This is the invisible barrier between those of us on the chancel – the worship leaders and musicians – and the congregation in the sanctuary seats or with us online. Over time, I have enjoyed breaking that metaphorical wall and co-creating with you in the moment. We did that last Sunday. We co-authored a prayer together, which we playfully called a “Mad Libs” Prayer.Here are some of the words we shared with one another in the physical and virtual sanctuary: Spirit of Love, Healing, Compassion and Creation,May we find…

I'm writing to let you know that I have decided to retire from my ministry at First Unitarian this coming June. When I was called to this congregation back in 1995, little did I know I would go on to spend close to half of my life serving this community. Being your minister for these 31 years has been one of the great privileges of my life.  Why now? My plan had been to retire a year from now but some recent events have caused me to reevaluate that plan. Since last November I have been dealing with some loss…

An update about our Campaign for 2026In a time when so many congregations are struggling, we are blessed to co-create a vibrant, multigenerational church made up of people who are growing in spirit, community, and impact. In large part, we are able to do all we do together because of the generous support of all of you – the individuals and families who give of yourselves, your time, your talents, and your financial treasure. Thank you to all of you who have supported our community for a long time, all of you who are newer supporters, and all of you…

This week marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian tradition. Ash Wednesday begins a 40-day period leading up to Good Friday and Easter. It is a time of preparation, reflection and making space for what is coming. The making space part is especially speaking to me this year. I don't know about you but I find my own life full of checking email and looking at my Youtube feed. There’s a paradox here–I’m wanting space even as I all-too-frequently turn on my phone to check for updates when that desired spare moment comes. I long for space and yet…