Sunday Services
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This Week:
“Janus: Looking Back and Ahead ” 1/12/25
One the Roman calendar, the foundation for the Gregorian calendar we now use, every January was a crossroads between past and future – the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. The month is named for Janus, the god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, duality, doorways, passages, frames, and endings. (Wow – that’s a lot of responsibility!) The Fellowship is at a crossroads in this January; to begin with, with the rest of the country (and much of the world) we’re about see what new government leadership will mean for our lives. And we’re renewing part of our building in preparation for…. the future! Some of this will be hard, some of it will be nourishing. All of it will be change. What tools, practices and skills do we already have for navigating these changes, and what do we need to learn?
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Services This Month
Jan. 5 “Why Religion Matters, Now” Rev. Jill McAllister
Jan. 12 “Janus: Looking Back and Ahead” Rev. Jill McAllister
Jan. 19 “The Most Dangerous Man in America” Rev. Jill McAllister
Jan. 26 Wheel of the Year: Imbolc
From the Minister
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Daily Practice – A Weekly Reminder
In these winter days, which seem filled with catastrophes, there are also invitations. The invitations can be subtle, often silent, mostly missed while we’re hoping for something else. (That’s the thing to be aware of – we’re almost always hoping for something else.) Some of the invitations are always present: the invitation into silence, the invitation to trust, the invitation to be faithful, the invitation to live by generosity. Though always present, these invitations are particularly poignant in these hard days, it seems to me.
Some invitations are more particular to this season: the invitations of darkness and rest and remembering the gifts of cold and rain. The invitation to learn the lessons of fog and to hear messages in the calls of owls and the encouraging honking of geese. And what is an invitation? Maybe it’s a kind of greeting, sometimes a beckoning, like the slight opening of a door with some light shining through. An invitation can be a small voice speaking from your own understanding – from your own ideals, from a conviction you haven’t forgotten – not shouting (usually not), not criticizing, mostly trying to be kind.
The thing is, we’re always hoping for invitations, wishing to receive them, imagining the joy of an unexpected offer to join, to be seen, to be needed, or simply to come a little farther. And yet we miss so many that are present and calling, day after day.
Today, perhaps we can help ourselves by taking time to be quiet enough to imagine, and perhaps begin to hear, the voices of kindness and courage within us. Maybe we can close our eyes and relax into our breathing and begin to be aware of doors that are ready to be considered, possibly half-opened already, inviting us into places the world needs us to go.
This Week at UUFC
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Return Holiday Trees
To return your holiday tree for us to plant, please do so as soon as possible, and definitely by Sun 18 Jan. Please leave your tree at the “bus stop” covered bench in the UUFC parking lot.
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Dance Planet, 1/18
7 to 8:30PM
Dance Planet is a monthly opportunity to dance/move/listen together. This month’s Dance Planet will start with a special live-singing set by Johanna Beekman, flow into DJ’ed music from around the world and across the decades by DJ Geo, and end with more songs by Johanna. Admission to this family-friendly event is a suggested $5–$15 donation, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds. Proceeds go to local Earth-friendly causes.
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Festival of Resistance, 1/20
Mid-Valley Solidarity Coalition
Festival of Resistance
Rise, Resist, Love, Create
People’s Inauguration for Social Justice
Come to explore how we build community and find common ground across multiple social justice issues. What does rise, resist, love, and create mean to you in democracy?
Save the Date!
Monday, January 20th
Westminster House 101 NW 23rd Corvallis, 11 AM – 5 PM
UUFC became a member of Mid Valley Solidarity Coalition when it began soon after the 2017 Inauguration. It’s essential that we grow local community connections going forward into 2025. This is not just information. You and your input are needed, your thinking and experience, on how to respond, protect and thrive this year.
Thanks, Karen Josephson Democracy Action TeamQuestions?
Email stearns_cm@yahoo.com
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1st Quarter Birthday Celebration, 1/12
We’re celebrating all who have birthdays in January, February, and March birthdays after the service on January 12. Join us in the Social Hall for cake or gluten-free desserts. All are welcome! And, all are invited to celebrate your birthday by joining the UUFC Birthday Club with a donation of one dollar for each of your years.
When you donate, be sure to click on the arrow to choose the fund “Birthday Club.”
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Just Hire Some Help! How? 2/5
Join us for the this program presented by the Aging Successfully Together in Community team, on Feb. 5. Two die-hard DIY seniors will share their journey of recognizing their need for home, yard and personal assistance, with results of their research into what it takes to hire help legally and ethically. Four approaches will be discussed: government programs, licensed firms, becoming an “accidental employer”, or paying cash and accepting risks.
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Post-Inauguration Reflections, 1/21
Jan. 21 6:30 PM
On the day after the inauguration, gather on Zoom with other Fellowship folx for reflection and conversation on “how we’re doing now…”
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Singing Together on the Eve of Change, 1/19
Come join Audrey Perkins, Mark Weiss and Cliff and Chere Pereira for an hour of singing together starting at 7 PM on Sunday, January 19th, the eve of inauguration day.
We will share familiar and not-so-familiar songs of resilience, justice and peace. Come feel the energy and comfort that comes from joining together in song. Some lyrics will be provided. Knowing that there lots of winter germs around, masks are welcome, although they are not required.
Masks will be available for those that need one.
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Leadership Supper, 1/30
Thursday Jan. 30, 6 PM
All leaders of teams, councils, committees, events, task forces, plus Board members and all others who are interested in leadership at the Fellowship, are invited by the Committee on Ministry to join once again for a Leadership Supper. A simple supper is provided and we’ll spend time connecting with each other about our shared ministry, especially emerging needs due to the state of the country and the world. Please plan now to join us! -
Death with Dignity & Advanced Directives, 1/15
3:00 – 4:30 in the Sanctuary
Death with Dignity (“Medical Aid in Dying”) discussion with Dr. David Grube: components of the law, the process, barriers to access, medical ethics, and other issues faced by terminally ill adult patients interested in ending their suffering. Presented by the UUFC Aging Successfully in Community team in partnership with Lumina Hospice and Palliative Care.
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Justice Theatre Auditions, 1/27-1/28
It’s time to audition for the yearly Justice Theatre @ the UUFC production! This year, we’re doing George Bernard Shaw’s Major Barbara in support of the Vina Moses center. The production this time around will be a staged reading…which means no one has to memorize a thing! The performances will take place on March 28-29, and auditions will be in the Social Hall on January 27-28 at 7pm.
If you have any questions, please email Rachel Kohler at reassociate@uucorvallis.org.
Justice Theatre at the UUFC Presents a staged reading of George Bernard Shaw’s Major Barbara.
Open Auditions
January 27th and 28th at 7pm
at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis
Directed by Rachel Kohler and Chad Howard
In support of Vina Moses Center
Announcements
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Become a Greeter
Do you feel compelled to do something helpful at the UUFC? Greeters are an integral part of Fellowship life as we help set the stage for this welcoming community.
If you would like to bring your authentic self onto this Team, please either speak to the staff at the Greeters Desk on Sunday or contact the Team lead via this announcement. Get on the volunteer list!
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Magic Flute in the Social Hall and Kitchen
The pre-school has moved into the Social Hall and Kitchen on weekdays. 7:30 AM – 5 PM. They also use the foyer for coming and going.
So far, they’re feeling comfortable about how the space works for their program. And together we are still figuring out some of the details. One big detail for us to be aware of: Fellowship groups do not have access to the kitchen on weekdays or evenings, EXCEPT for Fellowship events that make reservations to use the Social Hall and Kitchen on weeknights. For those events, moving of furniture and kitchen equipment is needed on both ends of the event, and that requires orientation and communication. Again, during this temporary change in building use, Fellowship events do not have access to the kitchen except by reservation and with orientation. Thanks for your help with this! Some permits are still under review for the work in the classroom wing, however work will begin on January 13, starting with asbestos abatement.
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Outreach Offering for January
We Care is a local coalition of faith communities, businesses, foundations and other non-profit organizations which provides emergency assistance for Benton County residents. Each week, We Care helps people pay for rent, utilities, and other expenses to prevent evictions and homelessness or the shut-off of water or electricity. The Fellowship has long been a supporting partner.
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Sunday Services This Month
Jan. 5 “Why Religion Matters, Now” Rev. Jill McAllister
Jan. 12 “Janus: Looking Back and Ahead” Rev. Jill McAllister
Jan. 19 “The Most Dangerous Man in America” Rev. Jill McAllister
Jan. 26 Wheel of the Year: Imbolc -
January in RE!
It’s finally happening! The classroom wing is really, truly, actually closing this time. The doors are off most of the rooms, and Brian Egan has transformed the RE office into command central for the construction project. We are a go, people. This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill.
Parents, we ask that you keep a close eye on your children while areas that feel familiar and welcoming to them are no longer safe for entry.
If you’re the parent of preschool or elementary aged kiddos, I encourage you to arrive early on Sunday to help your littles get familiar with the new setup.
STARTING THIS SUNDAY:
~Infants, toddlers, and preschool children will remain in the sanctuary. Additional toys have been added to the gallery, and I and several volunteers are more than happy to walk/distract willing wee ones during the service if you indicate an openness to that variety of support. We’re all in this together! Please communicate your needs!
~Grades K-5 will meet in the back of the social hall, behind the accordion doors.
~Middle and high school students will meet in the library.
Construction can’t keep us down! We have lots of great reasons to gather in the coming months, so pull out your phones and mark your calendars.
JANUARY EVENTS for FAMILIES
1/12 Family Breakfast, 8:45-9:45
1/16 Parent Peer Support Group, 6:30-8PM
UPCOMING EVENTS for YOUTH
1/18 -19 OWL kickoff overnight
2/15-16 Eugene Aromantic Ball and overnight
3/14-16 Coast Retreat
More information for all family events can be found at uucorvallis.org by clicking “News” in the menu bar and then selecting “RE Council” from the drop down menu. Registration and event details for youth gatherings will arrive in parent inboxes 2-4 weeks prior to the event.
With the Our Whole Lives program (OWL) for middle schoolers returning for the first time since 2019, many Fellowship parents are seriously reflecting on how best to discuss matters of sex, sexuality, body changes, and identity with their kids.
Even if your child is not old enough for the OWL program, we have plenty of resources to offer you!
- Free copies of It’s Perfectly Normal are available to any Fellowship family that requests one by emailing dre@uucorvallis.org.
- A limited supply of smaller resources like the Askable Parent pamphlet will be available in the library.
- Beyond reading materials, now you are able to check out a set of anatomically correct dolls that are complete with pubic hair, working wombs, and more.
We want our parents to feel well supported, not just with peer groups and pastoral care, but with concrete resources that you can access as the need arises. If you have questions about the check out process, or ideas about other supportive resources we should add to our library, email me or find me on a Sunday morning so we can chat.
I cannot remember the last time I ventured into the classroom wing and did not find Wolfgang hard at work hauling, boxing, or building custom storage shelves to fit our exact needs. Talk about love in action! If you see him around, give that man a big thank you!
YOU CAN HELP!
Once the construction company is done, there will be some finishing touches to make as a community before we can move back in. This means opportunities to bring the whole family to help revitalize our newly secured building. How exciting is it that you’ll have a chance to leave your fingerprints on this piece of Fellowship history? From painting and trim work to unboxing, I’m sure the needs will be great. Please let me or Wolfgang know if you have hidden talents to share, a desire to build new skills, or just a strong back and energy to give. Moving this project across the finish line will surely take the whole village!
As always, if you have any needs or big ideas to share, I’m here for you. Just send an email, text, or carrier pigeon. And if you’re not interested in receiving updates for children and families conveniently in your inbox, say the word and I’ll remove you from our mailing list.
Thanks for being one of the many reasons this community is so fabulous!
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Free Book for Families
With the return of the Our Whole Lives program (OWL) for middle school, conversations are bubbling up all around the Fellowship about how we were taught (or not taught) about relationships and our bodies. Most often they center on how we want to do better for the next generation than was done for us. While we do not have the volunteer power, at this time, to offer OWL for younger ages, parents of elementary aged children are not without resources.
I am pleased to share that beginning in January, we will have several offerings for parents as they navigate questions about changing bodies, relationships, and identities.
- Free copies of It’s Perfectly Normal are available to any Fellowship family that requests one.
- A limited supply of smaller resources like the Askable Parent pamphlet will be available in the library.
- Beyond reading materials, now you are able to check out a set of anatomically correct dolls that are complete with pubic hair, working wombs, and other surprising details.
We want our parents to feel well supported, not just with peer groups and pastoral care, but with concrete resources that you can access as the need arises. To receive a copy of It’s Perfectly Normal, ask questions about the check out process, or share ideas about other supportive resources we should add to our library, email me at dre@uucorvallis.org or find me on a Sunday morning so we can chat.
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Help Create a Household Lending Library
When we lived on Bainbridge Island we were part of a HOUSEHOLD LENDING LIBRARY. For example, I currently have 24 stemless wine glasses if anyone needs to borrow them for an event. If you have any things similar such as lots of plates, cloth napkins, air mattress, Rototiller, portable crib, luggage, etc. please email me and I’ll make a spreadsheet. I will also put an announcement on our UUFC facebook page. Let’s share!
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Help Plant Trees, 1/18
On Sat 18 Jan, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon, in the fourth year of our collaboration with the Corvallis Urban Forestry Program, we will plant eight trees along Avery Park Drive, and we need your help.
Thank you. Questions: treasurer@uucorvallis.org
Plan Ahead
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Just Hire Some Help! How? 2/5
Join us for the this program presented by the Aging Successfully Together in Community team, on Feb. 5. Two die-hard DIY seniors will share their journey of recognizing their need for home, yard and personal assistance, with results of their research into what it takes to hire help legally and ethically. Four approaches will be discussed: government programs, licensed firms, becoming an “accidental employer”, or paying cash and accepting risks.
-
Post-Inauguration Reflections, 1/21
Jan. 21 6:30 PM
On the day after the inauguration, gather on Zoom with other Fellowship folx for reflection and conversation on “how we’re doing now…”
-
Singing Together on the Eve of Change, 1/19
Come join Audrey Perkins, Mark Weiss and Cliff and Chere Pereira for an hour of singing together starting at 7 PM on Sunday, January 19th, the eve of inauguration day.
We will share familiar and not-so-familiar songs of resilience, justice and peace. Come feel the energy and comfort that comes from joining together in song. Some lyrics will be provided. Knowing that there lots of winter germs around, masks are welcome, although they are not required.
Masks will be available for those that need one.
-
Leadership Supper, 1/30
Thursday Jan. 30, 6 PM
All leaders of teams, councils, committees, events, task forces, plus Board members and all others who are interested in leadership at the Fellowship, are invited by the Committee on Ministry to join once again for a Leadership Supper. A simple supper is provided and we’ll spend time connecting with each other about our shared ministry, especially emerging needs due to the state of the country and the world. Please plan now to join us! -
Death with Dignity & Advanced Directives, 1/15
3:00 – 4:30 in the Sanctuary
Death with Dignity (“Medical Aid in Dying”) discussion with Dr. David Grube: components of the law, the process, barriers to access, medical ethics, and other issues faced by terminally ill adult patients interested in ending their suffering. Presented by the UUFC Aging Successfully in Community team in partnership with Lumina Hospice and Palliative Care.
-
Justice Theatre Auditions, 1/27-1/28
It’s time to audition for the yearly Justice Theatre @ the UUFC production! This year, we’re doing George Bernard Shaw’s Major Barbara in support of the Vina Moses center. The production this time around will be a staged reading…which means no one has to memorize a thing! The performances will take place on March 28-29, and auditions will be in the Social Hall on January 27-28 at 7pm.
If you have any questions, please email Rachel Kohler at reassociate@uucorvallis.org.
Justice Theatre at the UUFC Presents a staged reading of George Bernard Shaw’s Major Barbara.
Open Auditions
January 27th and 28th at 7pm
at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis
Directed by Rachel Kohler and Chad Howard
In support of Vina Moses Center