Welcome to the First Unitarian Church educational programs for adults. For a listing of classes available, please browse through the new Spring Program Guide. Click for Adult Programs calendar.

To register for Adult Programs, call 503-228-6389 ext. 17 or 26.

Upcoming Special Events-Click for Details

Day of Mindfulness

Labyrinth on June 1, 2008

This popular form of walking meditation will be set up on the first Sunday of each month, join us any time between 8:30 and 11 a.m. in Room B102, the new Buchan Reception Hall. In June, 2008 that date is June 1.  A meditation time in Room B101 will also be available. All are welcome to walk the labyrinth. There will be some instruction for new participants. 

Adult Programs Purpose and Philosophy:

Adult Programs seek to foster life long learning, spiritual growth and community building through a variety of classes, workshops, retreats and events throughout the church year.

Rooted in the Principles and Purposes of Unitarian Universalism, the program provides a supportive, engaging environment for congregants, newcomers and visitors to expand and deepen their experiences of themselves and others beyond the Sunday morning worship services.

Classes: The adult education program works on a two-term system: Fall and Winter/Spring. Classes vary widely from term to term.  Each term, we attempt to offer several classes that fit under the following general categories: Spirituality and Religion; UU Fundamentals; Parenting; Personal Growth; and Social Responsibility.

Facilitators: Each class has at least one facilitator. Class facilitators are usually church members and/or staff members, although sometimes non-members may also teach. All of our class facilitators are highly qualified to provice instruction in their given field.

Retreats: The number and format of retreats we offer vary from term to term. Please see the Program Guide for details.

Events: During the past several years we have hosted a variety of special events, including author readings, speakers and workshops by nationally known professionals in fields of interest to our congregation. :  Check out the Calendar page of this site to view upcoming events.

Program Schedule: Adult classes operate on a term schedule:  Fall Term runs September through December, and Winter/Spring term runs January through May.

Classes are offered during a variety of times to meet the varied interests and needs of a large congregation. You will find classes on weeknights and Saturdays, Sunday mornings and afternoons.

Fees: Fees vary from class to class. Some classes are free; others cost from $5-$70, with most in the $10-$30 range. Class fees cover operating costs (lights, heat, etc.), printing costs (Program Guide, etc.), and, infrequently, the payment of class facilitators. Some classes require the purchase of a book; the Program Guide indicates when this is necessary.

Refund Policy: Refunds for a class will be given if 1. the class is cancelled, or 2. the Adult Programming office is notified 10 days before the first class begins.

In case of a refund, you may receive a check refund or a card credit, or make a donation to our scholarship fund.

Registration: For all classes and most events we ask that you pre-register. Many classes require a minimum or maximum number of participants. Twice a year - in September and January - we hold a Program Fair during Social Hour after services on Sunday in Fuller Hall. You can meet facilitators, ask questions and register for classes during the Fair. The Program Guide, our catalog of classes, is mailed to everyone on our church mailing list in September and January. Registrations are received throughout the term by completing the registration form in the Program Guide and mailing it to the church with a check or credit card information, or by calling the church office.

Parking: As a downtown church, we compete with many other activities for on-street parking. We encourage participants to take advantage of Portland’s transit system (the streetcar stops one block from the church), carpooling (a great way to build community), or using your bike (it’s good for your heart). If you must drive, please review the parking lot rules and map by clicking here. 

Accessibility: We strive to hold classes and events in fully accessible spaces at the church. Very occasionally part of a class may be held in a non-accessible space or off of church grounds. If you have any questions about accessibility please call the Director of Adult Programs.

Location of Classes: Most classes are held at the church on the first floor of the Salmon Street Building. Occasionally classes may be held in Daisy Bingham or Fuller Hall of the Main Street Building. See building map for details.

Opportunities for Involvement: There are lots of ways to get involved with Adult Programs besides taking classes. You can join the program’s committee, become a class facilitator or steward, or volunteer to work in the Adult Programming office. Contact the department for more information.

We welcome ideas for new classes: Contact Katie Radditz, Director of Adult Programs (see information below), with ideas and information.

Adult Programs Committee: The committee is a group of 12 church members who work closely with the Adult Programs staff in:

• assessing the needs of the congregation;
• developing goals and objectives for life long learning;
• promoting classes and events;
• providing support to class facilitators through the Steward Program;
• recruiting volunteers and creating new programs to meet the educational and spiritual needs of the congregation.

The committee meets on the first Sunday of the month at 10:15 a.m. Each spring the committee attends a retreat together to evaluate their work, plan for the following year and nurture their spirits.

The committee Chair attends the all church Leadership Council to coordinate activities with other committees.

2007-2008 Committee Chair: Jim Andrews

Adult Programs Staff:

Katie Radditz, (kradditz@firstunitarianportland.org), Director of Adult Programs, 503-228-6389, ext. 17

About Katie Radditz:

Katie Radditz has been the Adult Programs director for First Unitarian Church since 2002. Katie owned Looking Glass Bookstore from 1970-2001 during which time she brought authors for lectures and workshops to the church. She teaches creative writing at Pacific Northwest College of Arts. She is a student of Thich Nhat Hanh and teaches mindfulness and Zen practice.

Ann Hinds, (ahinds@firstunitarianportland.org), Assistant to Director of Adult Programs, 503-228-6389, ext. 26