Roderick Williams OBE & Myra Huang: Sublime Schubert A BREATHTAKING RECITAL OF SCHUBERT LIEDER Chamber Music Northwest is delighted to bring two lauded chamber musicians to First Presbyterian Church of Portland for a performance on Tuesday, October 29, at 7:30 pm. From King Charles’s coronation and the Royal Opera House to the renowned Wigmore Hall and the London Philharmonic, baritone Roderick Williams is among the UK’s and world’s most sought-after voices. He is an officer of Britain’s illustrious Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), a distinction for his contributions to the arts and sciences. This recital is an immersion into a powerfully moving evening of Schubert’s full Schwanengesang (Swan Song) cycle, along with Williams-selected Schubert favorites. Joining Williams is Tigard-grown, two-time Grammy-nominated pianist Myra Huang, who returns to Portland for this special appearance. Visit https://cmnw.org/concerts-events/2024-25-season/roderick-williams-myra-huang-schwanengesang/2167 for event information [...]
Big Ideas Book Group
Join Us for an Exciting Evening of Discussion at Big Ideas Book Group! Get ready for an engaging night of exploration and insight! You’re invited to be a part of our Big Ideas Book Group, our congregation’s vibrant non-fiction book club. When? Monday, October 21, at 6:00 PM Where? Chapel Art Gallery This month, we’ll dive into the thought-provoking final section of The Great Dechurching by Jim Davis and Michael Graham. This compelling collaboration takes a deep look at the startling research conducted by sociologists Dr. Ryan Burge and Dr. Paul Djupe on the dramatic decline of church participation in America over the past 25 years. Join us as we unravel the themes and implications of this vital topic, share our perspectives, and engage in lively conversation. Our aim is to meet once a month to tackle new and [...]
Joel Nickel’s Artwork
Joel Nickel’s Artwork We are excited to invite you to explore a beautiful collection of eight paintings by retired Lutheran minister and abstract geometric artist Joel Nickel. These stunning works of art will be on display in our Chapel Narthex until Advent, offering a unique opportunity to engage with Old Testament passages often associated with the season of Lent. Each painting is a visual narrative, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the stories they represent. Joel Nickel’s unique approach blends vibrant colors and geometric forms, encouraging a fresh interpretation of these sacred texts. Throughout the display, we will provide special announcements where you can learn more about the stories behind the paintings and how the artist conveys these powerful themes. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our friends at St. James Lutheran for sharing this wonderful collection with [...]
Women’s Book Club
Join us for our monthly Women’s Book Club on the first Tuesday of every month from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We start our meetings at 11:00 a.m. with a bag lunch and conversation, followed by a discussion on our selected book for the month. Meetings are in person and available via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81233316517. On Tuesday, November 5, we will meet from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Heritage Room. We’ll enjoy a bag lunch with conversation followed by a discussion of My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor, a Supreme Court Justice. Growing up in poverty in a dysfunctional family with a single mom and eight siblings and overcoming a chronic illness, she writes about how she faced these adversities in her extraordinary journey—moderated by Marilyn Weber. If you have any questions, please contact the church office at [...]
Women’s Open Circle Group
Join us for Open Circle, a wonderful women’s group dedicated to study and fellowship. We meet every Thursday in the Heritage Room on the second floor of the Parish House. Our gatherings start softly at 10:00 a.m. when our Zoom link, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88908907928, goes live. We begin our study time with prayer at 10:15 a.m. This season, we will be studying From Judgment to Hope: A Study on the Prophets by Walter Brueggemann. You can purchase your book at the first meeting for $11. We hope you’ll consider joining this amazing group of women every Thursday. [...]
Monthly Birthday Celebration
Join us for our monthly birthday celebration during Coffee Hour on the first Sunday of each month! We look forward to celebrating with you! Upcoming Dates: Sunday, November 3 Sunday, December 1 [...]
Julia West Redevelopment Update as of September 2024
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Julia West Property Redevelopment
Julia West House has been a part of First Presbyterian Church since 1988 and has served those in need in our community well over that time. For a time, it served as refugee housing through the Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees (SOAR) program of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, the home of Operation Nightwatch in downtown Portland, and a similar program for hospitality to the unhoused during the day. Later, Julia West House became the home of GED programs and a men’s clothing center called Best Foot Forward. Over time the broad array of services decreased as other agencies evolved, certain public funding disappeared, and the congregation became less able to support the activities while trying to maintain a building that was over 125 years old. By early 2018, Best Foot Forward had become independent and relocated. Although FPC provided over [...]
Weddings at First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church (FPC) is a unique treasure nestled in the heart of the city. With its Victorian Gothic-inspired architecture, it is the perfect location for a large or intimate affair. Built in 1890, it is one of the oldest and largest churches in Portland. The hammer-beam trusses, original hand-carved pews, Povey stained glass windows, and magnificent Jaeckel pipe organ provide the perfect setting for a romantic and unforgettable wedding ceremony. Click here to learn more about booking your wedding at First Presbyterian Church. [...]
Columbarium Dedication on September 26th
Please join us for the dedication of the recently completed Memorial Garden and Columbarium on Sunday, September 26th, after worship. The dedication service celebrates the culmination of a three-year project spearheaded by Columbarium Committee Chair, Joyce Evans, and Committee Members Laurna Shively, Ann van Bever and Jon Bates. The installation of the Memorial Garden and Columbarium is a timeless and welcome addition to the church’s Plaza and provides a peaceful place for quiet meditation and remembrance. [...]
All are welcome!
The Presbyterian Church (USA), of which First Presbyterian is a part, works to affirm the worth of all persons, including those in the LGBTQ community. The governing body of our church, the Session, affirms ours as a welcoming and affirming congregation. All are welcome to join in worship, fellowship, and service! Our PCUSA Mission staff penned this prayer as we continue to work and hope for the reign of God to be established: God of justice, hope, love, and mercy, help us to continually live into the church that you have called us to be. Compel us to stand against injustice wherever it may be found. Provoke us to hold firm to the gospel message of inclusion and equity. And empower us to continually be salt and light in a world that so desperately needs more representation of your Spirit. [...]
Statement on Racial Justice from the Pastoral Staff of the First Presbyterian Church of Portland, Oregon
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Lectionary Adult Bible Study on Zoom
Every Sunday morning, Dr. Will Deming leads an Adult Bible Study on the lectionary Scripture passages for that day’s worship, using the lectionary. This is a wonderful way to dive into the Scriptures before hearing them in the worship service. Join study class on Zoom on Sundays from 9 – 10 am via this link:(https://zoom.us/j/92285138816), the Zoom Meeting ID is 922-8513-8816. This is a recurring meeting, the above link can be used until further notice. [...]