As a faith community we strive to provide caring and support for those experiencing difficult times in their lives.

Our ministers are available for pastoral support to members in need. The ministers often work in partnership with the lay ministers to offer care. In addition, ministers are available to officiate at rites of passage including memorial services and weddings. To contact a minister, call the church office at 503-228-6389 or send an email to the church office. To make an appointment with Rev. Alison directly, sign up through her Calendly.

If you would like to have a prayer intention privately held, or if you would like a joy or sorrow shared publicly, please fill out this form:

Alternatively, you can send a message to prayer@firstunitarianportland.org.

You can view the most recent Joys and Sorrows in our Front Steps e-news.

Lay Ministry

In addition to our called ministers, we have a team of volunteer Lay Ministers who offer support through difficult times. Lay Ministers are church members who offer one-to-one caring and support to folks in times of need, including:

• spiritual crisis
• major life changes, such as the loss of a loved one, loss of employment, divorce or retirement
• isolation because of age, mobility problems, or for other reasons
• health problems, illness or hospitalization
• other personal life changes

Lay Ministers support the pastoral work of the ministerial staff, are present with members during times of need, and help build a stronger church community through outreach to congregants and through support groups. Lay Ministers are not intended to replace the role of our church ministers or professional counselors.

To contact a Lay Minister, you may call the church office at 503-228-6389 or send an email to the church office. Generally, you may expect a telephone call from a Lay Minister within 24 hours.

Learn more about our Lay Ministry program here.

Friend to Friend Outreach Program

Our Friend to Friend outreach program provides connection to seniors and individuals who may be homebound and unable to attend church regularly. It offers members up to four in-person visits per year from a lay minister. The goals are to increase connection with the church, offer support, and provide assistance with personal needs when applicable. If you are curious and/or know someone else who is, or have questions, please email lay minister Steve K.  

Lotsa Helping Hands Support Network

Coordinated by Lay Ministry, Lotsa Helping Hands is a care calendar similar to Meal Train that enables volunteers to provide meals or visits for congregants going through challenging times.

If you or someone you know could use the support of meals or visits—or if you have any questions—please email our coordinator, Leslie C.

To join our volunteer team, send a request here. (For safety, a coordinator must approve your request to access our church’s site.)