First Unitarian Portland

This Memorial Day weekend, let us explore what it takes to be a hero in troubled times. We are hearing from national leaders who project an image of domination and "might makes right" as virtues to be admired. What might it look like instead to lead with compassion, courage, and humility, both in times of war and in the days that follow?

"True Heroes" Sunday Worship led by Rev. Alison Miller
May 24, 2026 at 10:15 a.m. PST

Join us in person or watch online: https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/service-livestream/

Today, Friday May 22 at 5:00pm Pacific: ONLINE VESPERS - David Kovich, Lay Minister, will offer a reflection on our monthly liturgical theme of Calling. Please join us for a brief respite to receive the inspiration of music, readings and prayer as a prelude to the Memorial Day weekend. Virtual service most Fridays from 5:00 to 5:40 p.m.
Vespers url:
https://tinyurl.com/Vespers-1stU
Meeting ID # 897-3753-9315
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Also, the final Vigil for Troubling Times will be next Tuesday, May 26, from 5:30-6:00 p.m.

To join on zoom, go to www.tinyurl.com/FirstU-Vigils

This month we’ll explore the theme of calling. Would you say you have a calling in life? A purpose you would name? And what about institutions like the church, do they have callings?

Join us in person or watch online: https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/service-livestream/

One thing that we know for certain is that transformation is a part of life. Yet, we seem to be living through a period of particularly rapid changes in our society, and some of us may be living through a season of personal change as well. Change may bring us close to the values we cherish, or it may pull us further away. How can we learn to be more present to how changes impact our bodies, our neighbors, and our world in order to be better weavers of the beloved community?

Join us in person or watch online: https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/service-livestream/

We are hosting our Annual Sewell Lecture on an ethical topic that is shaping all of our lives: "AI as a Tool for Oppression and Resistance & Liberation" this Saturday from 1pm - 2:30pm with an optional workshop afterwards. Free and Open to the Public. Register Now at the link below.

Our guest is Dr. Sylvester Johnson who is an expert on race, religion, and technology. He is chair and professor of Black Studies at Northwestern and the co-founder of the Corporation for Public Interest Technology.

This opportunity is free and open to the public, but you do need to register at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-as-a-tool-for-oppression-and-for-resistance-liberation-tickets-1985679778671

Learn more about Dr. Johnson here: https://blackstudies.northwestern.edu/people/faculty/sylvester-johnson.html

Join Rev. Charlotte Cramer for a series of earth-based rituals following the Wheel of the Year. These rituals will be simple and accessible to all, rooted in the earth and human experience, and for any faith background or belief system. Visit our website for more information about the full series.

On Wednesday, April 29, we will be celebrating the fullness of spring, your goals for the summer, and the joy of togetherness!