Many of the spaces in our facilities are made sacred – not just by how they look, but also by what we do in our spaces together. Pastoral prayers are shared in our Main Sanctuary, but also in ministers’ offices. Marriages are celebrated in our Eliot Chapel, but also in the Channing Room. Our religious imagination is sparked during a sermon, but also in classrooms, and meeting spaces all around us. Meditative music is shared from our chancel, but also in our Zoom rooms.
When I arrived four years ago, I thought about how to decorate my office. Today, as I sit in that office on 13th Avenue, I feel surrounded more by the meaningful stories you have shared with me, by the prayerful intentions we have held together, by the spark of imagination for what is possible, than by any decorative thing. It is holy ground – because of what these walls have witnessed during my time and the time before I came.
Some of you may be wondering, when might I contact a minister or a lay minister to make an appointment? Here are some examples:
- You have been diagnosed with an illness or will be having surgery
- You are anticipating a milestone ceremony in your life – a wedding, a baby dedication, a memorial service
- You are facing a challenge or navigating one of life’s transitions
- You want to learn more about our church or want to join
- You are questioning or wrestling with a matter of faith or theology
- You are looking to receive prayer or spiritual companionship
- You are discerning your future
- You are concerned about something happening in the church or you have a compliment to share
- You are wondering how you can make a difference in the church or in the wider world
You can make an appointment with me (Rev. Alison Miller) or Rev. Ken Jones by emailing us directly or by calling the church office (503-228-6389). You can ask to set up an appointment to meet with one of us in-person, on Zoom, or on the phone. You can also request an offsite visit, for example a hospital visit.
I have a calendar app, which you can click directly here to set up an appointment: www.calendly.com/alisonmiller.
We are blessed to have over twenty volunteers who serve as lay ministers in our congregation. These are members who are equipped to serve as spiritual companions with you in a time of challenge, transition, or loss. You can connect with our team of lay ministers by calling the church number (503-228-6389) and pressing extension 9 to reach the lay minister on call. Our lay ministers also coordinate meals for folks who have a temporary need, such as following surgery or a birth. I’ll add a note of appreciation for Kathy L. and Patrick M., who serve as co-chairs of the lay ministry team, as well as for Leslie C., our meal/ride coordinator.
You can also reach our ministers and lay ministers via email at prayer@firstunitarianportland.org or parishconcerns@firstunitarianportland.org. Or, you can use the form on our website at www.tinyurl.com/1stU-care to share your joys, sorrows, and transitions publicly on Sunday or privately with our ministers and lay ministry team.
Whatever joy or sorrow, transition or trial is happening in your life, please know that there are many people at First Unitarian who are here alongside of you ready to celebrate, to comfort, to listen, to pray, to make meaning, and to help make sense of what is unfolding.
May the compassionate listening, prayers, meals, rides, cards, and spiritual companionship our ministers, lay ministers, and volunteers offer our members and friends allow each and every one of us to know a deep-down truth: we are never alone.
In faith,
Rev. Alison