Dear Beloveds,
As we approach the end of 2021, and look to a new year, I’m noting the range of emotions in me: relief (that we made it through); some dread and maybe even fear (how many variants will 2022 bring, how much longer will this … read more.
We share our plate this Christmas Eve with First Unitarian’s long-time community partner, Outside In. Since 1968, Outside In has helped to break the cycles of chronic homelessness, poverty, and poor health among those experiencing houselessness, and the underserved. As the pandemic continues and the crisis of … read more.
In January, we share our plate with the The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. RCRC is a broad-based, national, interfaith movement that brings the moral force of religion to protect and advance reproductive health, choice, rights and justice through education, prophetic witness, pastoral presence and … read more.
A few days after Thanksgiving, thinking about Christmas coming up, I decided to buy some paper white bulbs, hoping that I could get them to bloom. I found a container that was the right size and found some pebbles to anchor the six bulbs. I … read more.
“the entryway to our community house, littered with shoes and jackets, a place of welcome.”
This weekend, I have been given a taste of spiritual renewal. I have been reminded of the power of human connection as we work to build a better world. I want … read more.
It was wonderful to welcome the Amity Choir back into the sanctuary last Sunday. Though we are proceeding with caution, it feels like we are moving back toward the church we knew before COVID. Attendance at in-person worship is growing and we hope to welcome … read more.
Rev. Bill Sinkford spoke at an Interfaith Gathering for Abortion Justice in support of Planned Parenthood Oregon on December 1 at Temple Beth Israel. His talk was on the morning the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the Mississippi Abortion Law case. He was one of a number of faith … read more.
I’m skeptical of “devotion”. Don’t get me wrong, I’m deeply in love with the concept of it, but I have not been sure it’s real.
In the name of devotion, I’ve seen conservatives cling more closely to personal gain than to integrity. I’ve seen liberals cling … read more.
So many of us are so ready for celebration. As we approach the holidays, First Unitarian will offer an array of opportunities. Safety will continue to be critical, but, assuming that infection rates do not increase again, in-person worship will begin to feel more normal. All … read more.
This church year, we focus our giving on climate justice initiatives that use innovative solutions and an intersectional lens to support and build power for communities at the front lines of the climate crisis.
For the month of December, we share our plate with … read more.
