Ongoing Groups
Our faith knows that “revelation is not sealed” & that there is more truth, wisdom, and peace for each of us to find on our journeys. We are always “works in progress.” We face new challenges daily and some old ones that could benefit from new perspectives. Our individual needs vary greatly. The breadth of offerings available at First Unitarian tries to speak to that variety, to the unique challenges and desires we bring to the church.
That breadth is a blessing, but it can also be a challenge. “How can I make connections in this large community?” “Where can I meet others who share my concerns?” “How can I find what I need at this point in my life?”
The following First Unitarian Portland groups meet regularly during our program year (approximately September through May). Many groups meet irregularly or take the summer months off, so if you are unsure about a particular group’s schedule, don’t hesitate to contact the individual listed.
Please Note: Contact the communications person listed for information on a specific group.
If you see that there is an update needed for a group, please contact Communications.
Advancing Racial Justice Action Group (ARJAG)
We provide special events and sponsor community events at the church. These are announced in our e-newsletter, which includes other upcoming community events and reading/viewing recommendations.
For more information, to sign up for the newsletter, or for answers to questions, contact the group. || Website
The Alliance
The Alliance meets from September through May, usually on the first Wednesday of the month, for a luncheon, business meeting, and program. Visit the Alliance web page or get caught up with the Alliance Fellowship Newsletter. Questions? Email Alliance.
Antiracism Learning Circles
MEETING VIRTUALLY – Read books or listen to podcasts in this discussion-based cohort small group setting. For more information, contact Jody. || Website
Beloved Community of Color
MEETING VIRTUALLY – Congregants who identify as Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color, or Bi-Multiracial gather for monthly gatherings. Meets every fourth Thursday evening and second Saturday morning of the month.Email the group for more information.
Caregiver Support Group
MEETING VIRTUALLY – A monthly Caregivers Support Group meets virtually one Sunday per month, from 9:30 a.m to 10:45 a.m. September through May. We gather to provide support, inspiration, and information relevant to those caring for a loved one.
Questions? Email facilitator Kathleen || Website || Click Here to Register
Children’s Mosaic Restoration Group
Questions? Leslie Pohl-Kosbau, 503-245-6087. More info is on the Children’s Mosaic at First Unitarian Portland Facebook page.
Committee on Hunger & Homelessness (COHHO)
We meet monthly from September through May on the third Sunday from 1–2:30 p.m. through Zoom.
Questions? Email us. || Website
Community Circles
FULL – Our 2024 Community Circles will meet monthly (or twice a month) for a total of six sessions. The main purpose is for people to get to know each other and the wisdom in one another’s stories. Each session will be grounded in our annual theme of “Love is at the Center.” The sessions will include readings, practices, and spiritual questions that connect with the six values that stem from our annual theme: Generosity, Justice, Pluralism, Interdependence, Equity, and Transformation. There is no homework. Just bring yourself and a readiness to listen and to share. This is mainly a chance to meet with small groups and to nurture relationships.
Questions? Contact Rev. Alison Miller.
Community For Earth (CFE)
CFE members are guided by our 7th Principle, “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” Our primary focus areas include climate justice, air quality, green sanctuary, and support for front-line communities.
Website || Contact Us Form Request
Contemplative Practice
An open and eclectic group for those seeking to grow their spiritual practice. Each meeting has a theme, some media around that theme, discussion and a period of quiet meditation. Meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month, from 6:30-8:00 in the Channing Room.
Questions? Chris Kidwell || Website
Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG)
The Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG) educates and advocates on economic justice issues. Watch for our speaker, book, and movie events. Please stop by our table for the latest information on fair trade, health care, democracy, and inequality and its dimensions.
Questions? Michael Wade || Website
First Connections
Meets once a month on the third Sunday at 12:00 in the Daisy Bingham Rm just behind Fuller Hall for all new and returning folks! This is set up as a brown bag lunch. And, it is a terrific way to meet new folks that are just coming into the community.
Questions, please contact Pat.
Good Times Committee
Join fellow congregants for social gatherings, from ongoing Friday happy hours to hikes, from dinners to plays. Learn more and sign up with Good Times during Sunday’s social hour or contact Laura, lauragadley16@gmail.com, to get included in our Google groups emails.
Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG)
Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. Our meetings include time for reflection, sharing, and information about the many dimensions of the immigration challenge. We also share opportunities for engagement and collaboration with our partners in the community and develop strategies and arrangements for our participation.
IJAG hosts regular monthly events and meetings. For information about upcoming activities, please email ijag@firstunitarianportland.org
Questions? Contact us here. || Website
LGBTQIA+ Pride
Find out the latest social events by subscribing to the church’s weekly e-newsletter for our upcoming events. Questions? Contact Alison.
Meditation Group
MEETING VIRTUALLY – This group is open to all mindfulness and Buddhist-based meditations and beginners. The format includes a thirty-five-minute meditation followed by a member-led discussion to increase understanding and integration of Buddhist principles into our daily lives. Questions? Want a Zoom link? Contact Robert Schroeder
Mental Health Caregivers Group
MEETING VIRTUALLY – Living or being close to a person diagnosed with a mental illness can be challenging. Many people with this experience find that being part of a support network can be helpful. This safe, confidential group focuses on recovery, resiliency, resources, and support. First Unitarian Portland offers a group that NAMI-trained Lay Ministers facilitate. Newcomers are warmly welcome! Virtual meetings second Wednesday of each month, 7–8:30 p.m. Questions? Contact Ellen.
UU Men’s Community
MEETING VIRTUALLY – The UUMen’s Community is a welcoming group where men and non binary individuals can share life experiences, learn from one another, develop new friendships, support one another, honor men, remember family and friends, serve our communities and have fun. || More Info
Quilts of Love Group
Third Thursday meeting is 10–11:30 a.m., B310. Sew-in is on the first Thursday at Modern Domestic, 1408 NE Alberta St., from 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. This group creates quilts for families served by Portland Homeless Family Solutions as they transition from the shelter to a permanent home.
Questions? Contact Kathleen Vinson, 503-477-6001.
Peace Action Group (PAG)
The Peace Action Group has been operating for over 30 years and is devoted to doing all we can to foster peace within our region and internationally. Questions? Contact Tess || Website
Sacred Circles
Join Us in a Sacred Circle to Build Relationships, Study, and Act…
Join Us in a Sacred Circle to Build Relationships, Study, and Act…First Unitarian is working with longtime partner organization IMIRJ (Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice) in a new endeavor called Sacred Circles. We want to launch two Sacred Circles at First Unitarian. One will work within the Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG) and help direct its activities for the coming program year. The other will be formed from folks interested in various social justice issues — racial, environmental, immigrant, and economic justice — and will work together, looking at problems, studying, and advocating through that intersectional lens.
Interested? Please email communications.
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable
Sojourners, previously know as Aging Together. We meet monthly in person.
To foster discussion on topics of aging
To share personal stories and concerns
To inspire individual growth on the aging journey
To promote friendship through social activities
Group is limited in size.
Questions? Contact Lucy.
Social Justice Action Groups & Social Justice Programs
The Social Justice Program at First U PDX includes the committed involvement of 8 action groups. Each action group is engaged with the broader community on specific issues and provides avenues for members of the congregation to move spiritual beliefs to action. Our action groups offer education, opportunities for direct action, advocacy and service, and engagement with community partners. We seek to recognize the intersections of our various justice efforts with the root causes of oppression and understand that no one is free until all of us are free.
Questions? Email us at SJProgram@firstunitarianportland.org.
Check out a list of the Action Groups here.
“T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering
When: We meet on 2nd and 4th Sundays
Location: Channing Room (next to Eliot Chapel)
Join “T” Time, a gathering every second and fourth Sunday, exclusively for trans, nonbinary, 2Spirit, and gender-expansive members and friends! We will have a small selection of complimentary teas available. You do not need to be a member of First Unitarian or consider yourself a Unitarian Universalist to join us – come one, come all! No registration is required
Questions? Contact Morgan here.
UU Animal Ministry (UUAM)
Our Mission is to promote understanding and awareness of Animals as fellow Sentient Beings in line with the 7th UU Principle, and to provide Animal Advocacy Ministry, Education, and Support to our Members and the Church Community as a whole.
Questions? Contact (503) 520-9012. More Info || Facebook || UUAM Website
UU Yarn Crafters
Second and fourth Thursdays each month, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall. The Yarn Crafters are wanting to expand to include crocheters. Yarn provided. All levels welcome.
Questions? Susan, 503-894-9945.
UUA Outreach Group
(ON HOLD) – Monthly on the last Wednesday at 7 p.m., usually in B310, but check the sign board when entering.
If your interest lies in the larger picture of UU ministry, join us! Questions? Contact Bill.
Wellspring
Each year, many members of our church participate in this amazing journey. Wellspring offers spiritual deepening within our Unitarian Universalist tradition, an opportunity for learning more about ourselves and our faith through a year-long small group experience. More Info
Women’s Circles
Making deep friendships and sharing life’s journey are precious parts of spiritual life. If you seek rewarding connections with other women at First Church, you might consider joining a Women’s Circle.
I: First and third Mondays at 7 p.m. Questions? Email Tess, 503-257-2042.
II: Second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. Questions? Email Kim, 503-869-1486.
III: Accepting new members! First and third Wednesdays at 10–11:30 a.m. Email Dorothy for questions.
IV: A multigenerational group focused on personal sharing and mutual support, Women’s Circle IV is open to new members curious to listen, share, and become a part of a close community. Meets 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Email Anne for questions. (We are currently on pause from accepting new members.)