As the summer comes to a close, we are hard at work preparing First Unitarian for the new church year. We are making some changes to help our congregation become more welcoming and accessible to more people. Our vision is to be a spiritual center in the heart of our city, a spiritual center that sets a welcoming table for all of us and for more of our neighbors.

When you arrive at church this Sunday,especially if you’ve been away this summer, you will immediately notice some exterior enhancements. The improvements to our entrances, funded by money from the Auction more than a year ago that have been awaiting city permits and approvals, are nearing completion. We will be presenting a fresher, brighter and more accessible face to the city.

You will also notice new signage on our buildings, visual improvements to what we are now calling the “breezeway” (long known as the “alley”), and a broader, safer concrete step leading into the Sanctuary at the Main St. entrance. The improved accessible entryway on 12th Ave. will have an added bench and an overhang so that those waiting for rides have a place to sit out of the rain.

You will notice the large screens in the Sanctuary where the words to hymns and responsive readings will be projected. No more fumbling with two hymnals. No more squinting at small print or remembering to pick up a large print order of service. The hymnals will still be available, of course, for those who want to read the music as well as the lyrics. But many of us may find that the Spirit of Life will move a bit more easily if we are not preoccupied with finding the right page in the right hymnal.
All of these improvements will be ready for Homecoming Sunday (September 11). As I write, some are still works in process. But the progress is evident and I have my fingers crossed that we will be able to try the new projection system and screens for the first time this Sunday.

What you will be noticing in all of these changes is First Unitarian beginning to take seriously how and whom we welcome. Accessibility is really about how we live into our vision to be a spiritual center in the heart of the city. It is about how we offer our liberal way of being religious to those who are yearning for what we have found.

Whether we are reflecting on our older age profile (70% of those who responded to our last congregational survey are over 60), wondering why more visitors don’t make connection and return, or asking when our congregation will more fully reflect the increasing racial/cultural diversity of our community…the broad question of how we will make our faith available and accessible is much on my mind.

You will be hearing more on this subject this fall, under the broad heading of Congregational Life. We know that the world of church is changing and that the wider world is becoming more difficult to navigate. Finding our path to remain a vibrant and relevant church community in such a world will call on all of us to stay both open-hearted and open-minded.

You will also see me beginning to use a cane this fall. My spirit remains as strong as ever, but my body tells me there are times when I need a bit more support. The challenges that our facilities present to those with physical limitations are a personal – as well as a church – concern.

Asking whom and how we welcome is central to our mission. It is not about sustaining the institution of First Unitarian, as important as that is to most of us. It is about what we are called to do to continue being the primary liberal religious voice in Portland and a spiritual center in the heart of our city.

I will be answering your questions from the pulpit this Sunday. If there is a question that has been on your mind, I hope you will sent it in to John Rosette ( jrosette@firstunitarianportland.org). You can also submit questions on Sunday morning.

Blessings,

Bill