Marti Yoder, Volunteer Coordinator
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Be Part of the Final Push Before Summer
It was a pleasure to have our new senior minister and his wife witness the combined efforts of the volunteer hours applied to recent improvements in the "house and grounds." There are many more projects scheduled before year's end but only one more big one is planned before a summer break. Saturday, June 12, has been reserved to complete painting that will give our 12th St. entrance the aesthetic appeal of the Main St. entrance. Twelve painters and three “cleaners” are needed that day for a full out effort before the paint and brushes are stored away until fall. Be one of those volunteers and email Marti Yoder at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Deepen Your Connection to the Church by Volunteering!
New members to our church community are often drawn by a desire for deeper spiritual experiences as well as the hope for a sense of belonging. One of the quickest ways to develop that connection is through a myriad of volunteer opportunities in our music and religious education or social justice programs. Your time and energy creates more than  opportunities for social interaction, it also supports and enhances our mission within the larger community.

What are your interests and talents? Let us know by printing and completing the volunteer information form and mailing it to the church office at 1034 SW 12th Ave., Portland, OR 97205, attn.: Marti Yoder.

Our Work Projects UpDate
Here’s an update on completed and planned facilities projects at First Church. Thanks to ALL who have volunteered time and effort so far! Since our final gathering to "clean and polish" the church before Homecoming, a good deal of effort has been expended by both volunteers and staff and the results continue to draw positive comments.
Volunteer Efforts:
Skim-coating, repair and painting to the wall immediately to the right of the front door.
Painting of an accent color on the archway at the top of the front steps.
Accent color applied to the wall at the bottom of the steps leading to Fuller Hall and origami "dove of peace" fixture moved to that area for better exposure.
Skim coat and accent color applied to the wall just outside the women's restroom on the lower level and repair made to wall on landing outside elevator. (All pipes and woodwork in those areas washed along with repainting of windows.)
Fabric selected, purchased and constructed for cushions on the narthex bench. Banners of the same fabric await their position in the chancel area once the wreaths are removed. (Watch the bulletin for recognition of the seamstress.)
Painting of the doors and door frames on either side of the chancel area completed, along with a second coat on the chancel rail. (Yes, scuffs immediately appeared so cleaning options are being researched.)
Lobby to office area and windows cleaned and new pictures hung. Accent color painted outside the door and window frames to draw attention to entrance.

A few of the completed projects by staff include:
Repair of the drinking fountain on the lower level outside Fuller Hall.
New sinks in the men's restroom outside Fuller Hall. (The carpet was steam cleaned in that area to soften the water stain from the previously damaged fountain.)
New toilets and toilet paper holders in the women's restroom on the lower level. (A female sexton has been hired and will check supplies in that restroom between services.)
The front doors that open on Main St. were stripped and finished by contract help. (Yaw!!)
While a plan and budget exist for further improvements, unforeseen--and unseen--expenses have changed some of the priorities. Nevertheless, the areas mentioned above have been causing consternation so we can celebrate those accomplishments.
In addition, our UU Men’s Community completed a leaf raking project in November and early December and the Membership Committee has volunteer to thoroughly clean and maintain the narthex on a regular basis.

You also may be aware that Tonino Pacifico was hired as Gardner's assistant in October and is now managing the efforts of the sextons as they complete their main task of cleaning and set-up and take-down for events. Our church is a busy venue and the sextons logged over 6,000 events last year! As a result of a meeting recently between Tonino and myself, he has organized enough projects to occupy volunteers in areas of our church for the next 9–10 months. And that's where you may come in!
The majority of the projects involve experienced, dependable painters who are willing to select and commit to projects as they are scheduled. For example, the first painting effort will take place on Wed. Jan. 20, when we will gather to paint the walls on either side of the steps to Fuller Hall. I'd like to have at least 6 people present but if more are willing we will move to the second project on the list. Let me know if you can be available and I will email further instructions closer to the date.

If you're not a painter, there are other areas that are currently crying for attention. The most immediate need is for a receptionist at the Buchan desk on Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. as well as a greeter/receptionist on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30–7:30 p.m. during choir practices. Tonino will be managing and training those volunteers so if you are interested and would like more information, please contact him by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 503-679-9114.

Should there be cleaners among you, a small group might be interested in cleaning the chandeliers in Eliot Chapel and the Channing Room. (Given notification, sextons can lower the chandeliers in the Chapel for easy cleaning.) Because the Chapel is a wonderful venue for weddings and a financial resource for us, it's important to keep that area "mother-of-the-bride-ready."
 
Because you volunteered with our four major efforts several months ago and are in my "web," I've appealed to you first but would like to add additional resources as we continue our efforts so encourage others to join you.
I look forward to a new year filled with the positive energy, goodwill and commitment you displayed earlier. Thank you again for those efforts and for being an important part of our church community.
--Marti Yoder  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.