Beacon Bookstore
Located in Fuller Hall, the bookstore (which started life in a closet in the 1960’s) has grown to a vibrant, welcoming respite for all congregants and visitors to First Unitarian Portland. It supports the spiritual mission and principles of our church with offerings to stimulate and broaden our thinking as we move along our spiritual path, and help us better understand Unitarian Universalism.
In addition to religion and spiritual topics you’ll find books on current politics, sustainable living, social justice issues, books of contemporary poetry and literature, and a wide selection of titles for children. Books recommended for Adult Program classes can be purchased through the bookstore, and most any book can be special ordered. We support congregant authors and artists by carrying their books, notecards, and CDs.
First Unitarian Portland receives 30% of our book sales. Thank you for your support!
Beacon Bookstore Blog
DACA
DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
President Obama put DACA in place in 2012; President Trump is set to announce its end six months from now.
Our Beacon Press published a great book about the “Dreamers” – those immigrant children brought here illegally and who are … read more.
Light-Hearted Buddhism
Let’s explore Buddhism with simple texts and drawings. . . . .
“Bunny Buddhism: Hopping Along the Path to Enlightenment” by Krista Lester
The cuteness of bunnies meets the wisdom of Buddhism in this irresistible, inspirational guide, based on a popular Twitter feed of the same name. … read more.
Palestinian/Israeli Conflict
The Palestinian/Israeli conflict is long and complicated. Two new books bring new insights to this difficult reality.
Kingdom of Olives and Ash: Writers Confront the Occupation
-edited by Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman
A groundbreaking collection of essays by celebrated international writers bears witness to the human cost … read more.
JUSTICE
JUSTICE – a complex topic.
Two new books tackle the concept. One looks at the concept philosophically; the other reports on actual cases where justice was initially denied, then ultimately reached.
“Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?” by Michael J Sandel
Justice is lively, thought-provoking, and wise―an essential … read more.
All the Real Indians Died Off
All the Real Indians Died Off: And 20 Other Myths About Native Americans
by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz and Dina Gilio-Whitaker
Dina Gilio-Whitaker was a speaker at the 2017 Unitarian Universalist General Assembly held in New Orleans in June.
This is an enlightening book by scholars and activists Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz … read more.
PANDORA (a fox, not a box)
Children’s books often have great messages for adults as well as children. Such is the case with “Pandora” by British author/illustrator Victoria Turnbull.
A fox named Pandora “fixes things”, including a bird with a broken wing – and a friendship is formed. Pandora’s efforts to repair … read more.
To Wake, To Rise – New Meditation Book
Skinner House books has just released the 2017 Meditation Manual in its long-running annual series:
“To Wake, To Rise: Meditations on Justice and Resilience”
Our own Senior Minister, Rev. Bill Sinkford, is the editor of this anthology of 29 poems, prayers, and reflections about resisting oppression and … read more.
Humane Treatment of Animals
The UU Animal Ministry at First Unitarian is working hard to help us recognize the many ways that humane treatment of animals is central to our Principles as Unitarian Universalists. Our bookstore also carries books on this subject. Some expose the cruelty that happens in … read more.
Wellspring Reading
Summer is the perfect time to read materials recommended for the Wellspring classes that start this fall. Your bookstore carries four recommended books. First three books are 20% off for a short time. (Everyday Spiritual Practice is full price at $16.)
Let Your Life Speak: Listening … read more.
UU’s have Diverse Beliefs
Unitarian Universalists are a diverse group of individuals – we have diverse backgrounds and diverse beliefs.
Skinner House, the publisher of titles specifically for our denomination, has published an excellent series of books celebrating and exploring some of these diverse beliefs. Each is a collection of … read more.