First Unitarian Church of Portland

Super welcoming church to discover your own spirituality and beliefs. Active social justice commitees and work. Inspired youth group discussing todays topics and impacts.

Do not, under any circumstances, give them your email address. I've submitted five formal requests over the last four months, CCing leadership and administration, to be removed from their mailing list. I'm still getting emails from them with no way to unsubscribe.

Like a breath of fresh ocean air or maybe a drink from a pure mountain stream one feels compassionate lovingkindness at this sanctuary..........

The people here have the courage to take unpopular moral stances.

I’ve been attending First church since 1995 I even met my husband there! and it consistently offers rich spiritual services, education and community events, along with the dedication and investment in local and national social justice issues.

im so greatful for this place. it was my second time there nd im going through alot right now. i miss mu old uu but im a state away. i was crying in backsilently and multipal peole wer so kind and welcoming. they helped me alot and were so genuin. i have loved the UU in general scenc the last place i lived. i have never felt so welcom.

I have been a member at the church since 2004. This is a one-of-kind community of amazing, open-minded people that feel passionately about supporting each other in their spiritual development and making the world a better place. Add in unbelievably great music and so much more and you really just need to check it out to believe it.

Great music and preaching that appeals to multi-religious folks. Problem is that though it is multi-religious, it appeals mostly to wealthy west hills types and is 99% white liberal. You will find it quite welcoming if you are in the niche they are targeting, far less so if you're not. They claim to embrace diversity. Be careful, if you are a Buddhist an Atheist, or a Wiccan, that type of diversity is fully welcomed, you've found your home. If you are Black, Latino, working class, or lower income your welcome will be similar to what a LGBTQ might feel at an evangelical church. Used to be a member here, their "we are fully diverse and welcoming" has asterisks attached.

I have never felt more unwelcomed in a church with a child by staff. My wife and I came with a 19 month old, who was not crying other than muttering "shoes" while pointing to shoes we were told we had to leave to the child cry room- which I would understand had she been crying. I do not recommend this church for it has a lack of family friendliness- I know most of the parishioners are older and white as someone else has also mentioned not feeling as welcomed- see Chris's review from 7 months ago and it is also no wonder why younger children are not a common sighting, and when the children went to RE there were probably a dozen max. I remember our old church, First Unitarian of Dallas, had a Reverend that LOVED hearing the sound of children from the pulpit because he said they represented the next generation of UUs and had an extensive RE program for an abundance of children. Unfortunately, we won't be back. No dirty looks from parishioners themselves everyone seems friendly just a problem with an usher in particular, maybe retraining would be helpful. Our child did start crying, but only as we were rushed to pack our things and move snatching toys out of her hands. I don't want to infringe on anyone's right to worship or their experience and would gladly remove a noisy or overly excited child, but literally sitting in the floor and saying " shoes" under her breathe did not warrant the forced removal, "You need to come with me" and overall unwelcomed feeling of our first visit. I felt so angry from the hovering of the usher and have never felt the need to rate 1 star except in this instance. I genuinely hope we are the exception and not the rule which we might be, but just wanted to share our experience to other families that may also be new to the area and looking for their UU home

Review for online service only: My wife and I are really happy we were able to find the family service offered during Covid online. Its great for our whole family including an 11 year old and 4 year old. Looking forward to future family services at first UU portland. Ps. It would be great if the family service was better advertised easier to find on the first UU portland website I only found it via checking the calendar of events. Maybe include it on the drop down "Worship" Page or in the website header just like the regular service. Great service and thanks!