Author: Rev. Alison Miller

Planting Seeds of Change

This month we are exploring the theme of transformation as one way into our annual spiritual theme of “Rooted in Relationship.” Being part of a covenanting spiritual community involves continuous change. First Unitarian is not the same as we were in the 1880s or the … read more.

Covenanting Together 

I am so excited to be with you this Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. for our Service of Installation as we covenant together and make promises to one another to ground and lift our shared ministry. This is a service about us and our future. … read more.

A Holistic and Sustainable Future

Together, we co-create our spiritually alive, radically inclusive, and justice-centered community. We do this through joining our collective commitments to our collective time, talent, and treasure. Thank you for being so generous in all the ways you can be. This month we are finalizing a … read more.

Journey of Surrender

On the three-hour journey to travel four miles home yesterday amidst the chaos of the second-largest snowfall on record in Portland, on the first day of the Lenten Season, I was reminded that Lent is a journey of surrender. The three leading practices of this … read more.

Community Conversations

It has been so meaningful to begin to grow roots here with you in Portland during our first six months together. It is a blessing and a privilege to lead and serve alongside you as we re-imagine and rebuild our community in this time of … read more.

Creation and Creativity

This month we are reflecting on creation and creativity as a way into our spiritual theme of the 2022-2023 year: Rooted in Relationship. From the origins of our earth up until this day, we can see that everything and everyone and every action ripples out … read more.

Lifelong Learners

We currently use the words “Learning Community” to signify our programs for our children and youth. However, we are really a lifelong learning community. We don’t just learn about spiritual practices, world religions, ethics, and life’s big questions up through high school and then graduate … read more.

Many Ways to Do the Holidays

What a joyous week this is in our congregation! I am grateful to be experiencing the winter holidays with you for the first time. Although, the temperatures are dipping low outside, the spirit of warmth and community are alive and bright in this place. We … read more.