Ongoing Groups
Our faith knows that “revelation is not sealed” & that there is more truth, wisdom, and peace for each of us to find on our journeys. We are always “works in progress.” We face new challenges daily and some old ones that could benefit from new perspectives. Our individual needs vary greatly. The breadth of offerings available at First Unitarian tries to speak to that variety, to the unique challenges and desires we bring to the church.
That breadth is a blessing, but it can also be a challenge. “How can I make connections in this large community?” “Where can I meet others who share my concerns?” “How can I find what I need at this point in my life?”
The following First Unitarian Portland groups meet regularly during our program year (approximately September through May). Many groups meet irregularly or take the summer months off, so if you are unsure about a particular group’s schedule, don’t hesitate to contact the individual listed.
Please Note: Contact the communications person listed for information on a specific group.
If you see that there is an update needed for a group, please contact Communications.
Some group meetings may vary in certain months. Check the group listings below for any schedule changes.
Due to the seasonal nature of gardening, the First Unitarian Gardening Crew is not included in this schedule. Read below for their details.
Spiritual Development
Meditation Group
MEETING VIRTUALLY – This group is open to all mindfulness and Buddhist-based meditations and beginners. We meet Wednesday evenings from 7 – 8:30 p.m. The format includes a thirty-five-minute meditation followed by a member-led discussion to increase understanding and integration of Buddhist principles into our daily lives. Questions? Want a Zoom link? Contact Robert.
Loving Kindness Meditation
Meets every Monday from 8 – 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Spiritual reading, meditation, and follow up sharing. Open to all. Contact Katie for more information.
Wellspring
Each year, many members of our church participate in this amazing journey. Wellspring offers spiritual deepening within our Unitarian Universalist tradition, an opportunity for learning more about ourselves and our faith through a year-long small group experience. More Info
Vespers
End your week with a quiet pause at the Vespers service each Friday evening on livestream from 5:00 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. Wind down from a busy week and begin your weekend with this service of music, poetry, reflection, prayer, and meditation.
To join on Zoom, go to tinyurl.com/Vespers-1stU.
Community Building
The Alliance
The Alliance meets from September through May, usually on the first Wednesday of the month, for a luncheon, business meeting, and program. Visit the Alliance web page. Questions? Email Alliance.
Community Circles
Keep an eye on our Front Steps for announcements about 2024-25 Community Circles.
Questions? Contact Jen Thomas.
First Connections
Meets once a month on the third Sunday at 12:00 in the Daisy Bingham Rm just behind Fuller Hall for all new and returning folks! This is set up as a brown bag lunch. And, it is a terrific way to meet new folks that are just coming into the community.
Questions? Contact Pat.
Good Times Committee
Join fellow congregants for social gatherings, from ongoing Friday happy hours to hikes, from dinners to plays. Learn more and sign up with Good Times during Sunday’s social hour, or contact Laura or Jan to get included in our emails. Visit our page here for more info.
UU Movie Group: A subset of the Good Times group that meets once a month on Sunday afternoons to discuss 3 or 4 films. For more info, contact Christine.
Affinity & Support
Caregiver Support Group
MEETING VIRTUALLY – A monthly Caregivers Support Group meets virtually on the 4th Sunday of the month, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. year-round. We gather to provide support, inspiration, and information relevant to those caring for a loved one.
Questions? Email facilitator Kathleen || Website || Click Here to Register
LGBTQIA+ Pride
Find out the latest social events by subscribing to the church’s weekly e-newsletter for our upcoming events. Questions? Contact Alison.
Mental Health Caregivers Group
MEETING VIRTUALLY – Living or being close to a person diagnosed with a mental illness can be challenging. Many people with this experience find that being part of a support network can be helpful. This safe, confidential group focuses on recovery, resiliency, resources, and support. First Unitarian Portland offers a group that NAMI-trained Lay Ministers facilitate. Newcomers are warmly welcome! Virtual meetings second Wednesday of each month, 7–8:30 p.m. Questions? Contact Ellen.
UU Men’s Community
MEETING VIRTUALLY – The UUMen’s Community is a welcoming group where men and non binary individuals can share life experiences, learn from one another, develop new friendships, support one another, honor men, remember family and friends, serve our communities and have fun. || More Info
Parent Community Circle
Join the community of parents at First Unitarian and share stories, wisdom, and explore spiritual reflection. These circles are great for long-time families and newcomers alike to build community with those who share a parenting journey. Meets every 2nd Sunday of most months (Feb & May meet 3rd Sundays) from October to May. Lunch and childcare provided.
For more info and to RSVP, check out the flyer.
Sojourners: Lollygagging Our Way To The Inevitable
Sojourners and Sojourners2 are two separate groups that meet for 2 hours, in-person at First Unitarian Members support each other through the aging journey by engaging in facilitated discussion and activities, sharing personal stories and concerns, inspiring individual growth and promoting friendship through social activities. All are welcome, but both groups are limited in size; no drop-ins please
Details? Contact Lucy.
“T” Time: A Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive, Exclusive Gathering
When: We meet on 2nd and 4th Sundays
Location: Channing Room (next to Eliot Chapel)
Join “T” Time, a gathering every second and fourth Sunday, exclusively for trans, nonbinary, 2Spirit, and gender-expansive members and friends! We will have a small selection of complimentary teas available. You do not need to be a member of First Unitarian or consider yourself a Unitarian Universalist to join us – come one, come all! No registration is required
Questions? Contact Morgan.
Women’s Circles
Making deep friendships and sharing life’s journey are precious parts of spiritual life. If you seek rewarding connections with other women at First Unitarian, you might consider joining a Women’s Circle.
I: First and third Mondays at 7 p.m. Questions? Email Tess, 503-257-2042.
II: Second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. Questions? Email Kim, 503-869-1486.
III: We meet on first and third Mondays 10–11:30 a.m. Email Dorothy for questions. (We are currently on pause from accepting new members.)
IV: A multigenerational group focused on personal sharing and mutual support, Women’s Circle IV is open to new members curious to listen, share, and become a part of a close community. Meets 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Email Anne for questions.
Arts & Crafts & Gardening
Children’s Mosaic Restoration Group
Questions? Leslie Pohl-Kosbau, 503-245-6087. More info is on the Children’s Mosaic at First Unitarian Portland Facebook page.
Gardening Crew
We welcome all gardeners of all skill levels—good humor and persistence a must! We meet once or twice a month—depending on the season—to spruce up and maintain the plantings around the multiple buildings in our block-square church campus. Our sessions are two hours, generally on a Saturday morning. We try to watch the weather and re-schedule as needed so calendar dates are subject to change. The best way to stay apprised is to join our mailing list and read the e-mails that are sent out for work dates. To join, contact Laurie.
Quilts of Love
1st and 3rd Monday meetings 10 to 1 in the undercroft of Eliot Chapel. 2nd and 4th Mondays on Zoom from 10:30 to 11:30a.
This group creates quilts for families served by Path Home as they transition from the shelter to permanent housing.
Need the link? Questions? Contact Kathleen.
UU Yarn Crafters
Second and fourth Thursdays each month, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Buchan Reception Hall. The Yarn Crafters are wanting to expand to include crocheters. Yarn provided. All levels welcome.
Questions? Contact Susan at 503-894-9945.
Social Justice
Advancing Racial Justice Action Group (ARJAG)
We provide special events and sponsor community events at the church. These are announced in our e-newsletter, which includes other upcoming community events and reading/viewing recommendations. For more information, to sign up for the newsletter, or for answers to questions, contact the group. || Website
Antiracism Learning Circles
MEETING VIRTUALLY – Read books or listen to podcasts in this discussion-based cohort small group setting. For more information, contact Jody. || Website
Committee on Hunger & Homelessness (COHHO)
We meet monthly from September through May on the third Sunday from 1–2:30 p.m. through Zoom. Questions? Email us. || Website
Community For Earth (CFE)
CFE members are guided by our 7th Principle, “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” Our primary focus areas include climate justice, air quality, green sanctuary, and support for front-line communities.
Website || Contact Us Form
Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG)
The Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG) educates and advocates on economic justice issues. Watch for our speaker, book, and movie events. Please stop by our table for the latest information on fair trade, health care, democracy, and inequality and its dimensions.
Questions? Michael Wade || Website
Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG)
Our focus is on making connections, education, and action on immigrant justice. Our meetings include time for reflection, sharing, and information about the many dimensions of the immigration challenge. We also share opportunities for engagement and collaboration with our partners in the community and develop strategies and arrangements for our participation. IJAG hosts regular monthly events and meetings.
For questions and information about upcoming activities, please email ijag@firstunitarianportland.org || Website
Peace Action Group (PAG)
The Peace Action Group has been operating for over 30 years and is devoted to doing all we can to foster peace within our region and internationally. Questions? Contact Tess || Website
Social Justice Action Groups & Social Justice Programs
The Social Justice Program at First U PDX includes the committed involvement of 8 action groups. Each action group is engaged with the broader community on specific issues and provides avenues for members of the congregation to move spiritual beliefs to action. Our action groups offer education, opportunities for direct action, advocacy and service, and engagement with community partners. We seek to recognize the intersections of our various justice efforts with the root causes of oppression and understand that no one is free until all of us are free.
Questions? Email us at SJProgram@firstunitarianportland.org.