First Unitarian Church
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Mission Statement
First Unitarian is an urban church in downtown Portland, Oregon, which strives to create a welcoming community of diverse individuals; to promote love, reason and freedom in religion; to foster lifelong spiritual growth; and to act for social justice.
About This Cause
First Unitarian Church is an urban church which strives to serve its members and the community beyond. Our mission is to create a welcoming community of diverse individuals; to promote love, reason and freedom in religion; to foster lifelong spiritual growth; and to act for social justice. The purpose of our church is to promote: (a) The inherent worth and dignity of every person; (b) Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; (c) Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; (d) A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; (e) The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; (f) The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; (g) Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. As such we work to serve the community in a variety of ways: >>Committee on Hunger and Homelessness (COHHO) COHHO strives to limit the effects of hunger and homelessness in the community. Each year COHHO supports community partners through volunteering, providing needed food and supplies, fundraising, and advocacy. Current community partners include: Portland Homeless Family Solutions/13 Salmon Family Day Center, the Portland Family Winter Shelter, the Holiday Store, Clay Street Table, and New City Initiative. It also informs the UU community about hunger/homeless issues as well as volunteer opportunities. COHHO maintains a small First Church pantry as a part of its ministry and vision: No One hungry; no One homeless: Children, Families Thriving. >>Thirteen Salmon Family Center is a day shelter for homeless families with children. It is operated by Portland Homeless Family Solutions, and housed at and financially supported by First Unitarian. The shelter operaters year-round. >>Beloved Conversation As our congregation actively works to be more racially and ethnically diverse, we are providing ongoing opportunities to grow in skill and understanding and to learn. We offer intensive classes throughout the year, including 8-week classes, one-day workshops, and cultural events. We also offer a Beloved Conversation class each year to build the multicultural competency of our church leaders, members and staff. Lore, klore@firstunitarianportland.org >>Habitat for Humanity Team provides ongoing volunteer opportunities on local Habitat for Humanity Projects. We build every second Wednesday of the month and also once a month on a Saturday. No experience is necessary. >>Outside In Mission Statement: To help homeless youth and other marginalized people move towards improved health and self-sufficiency. >>Community for Earth Action Group strives to connect our spiritual community to the sacred earth and inspire personal and congregational change through deeds, commitment to education and faith in our ability to change the world for ourselves and our children. >>Cuba UU Portland Action Group focuses on facilitating and supporting cultural appreciation and U.S.-Cuban friendships through music, service and travel. This group holds a religious activities license providing legal travel to Cuba for those affiliated with First Unitarian Church. The purpose of these trips is to share Unitarian Universalism, foster citizen diplomacy, create and maintain friendships, bring much needed supplies to Cubans, and keep the struggles of the Cuban people on the radar screen for U.S. Americans. >>Economic Justice Action Group promotes fair and just economic policies and practices for all citizens. Current issues include economic globalization, the balance of economic and corporate power, and preservation of our democratic process. Activities are both church- and community-based and include: education and research, publication, direct action, and work for campaign finance reform. >>Ending The New Jim Crow - Healing the Justice System This Action Group organizes public forums and political advocacy efforts to address racially unjust aspects of our Justice System. >>Unitarian Pride Action Group provides outreach to LGBT and questioning youth and adults within the congregation and in the greater community. >>UU Animal Ministry The mission of this group is to promote understanding and awareness of animals as fellow sentient beings, and provide ministry, education, and support to interested congregants and those in the wider community. >>UU Global AIDS Coalition provides education and action options to address the global AIDS epidemic, and raises funds to support AIDS orphans in Kenya. >>UU Service Committee (UUSC) The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is an international human rights organization with team members in many Unitarian Universalists churches, including First Unitarian Church of Portland. The UUSC works to advance justice worldwide by combining human rights education and advocacy in the United States with direct support for grassroots initiatives. Opportunities abound.