Weeklies – Text Only

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS – text only

Sunday Services

  • This Week:

    Can We Still Laugh? 3/30/25

    Laughter is very important, perhaps even necessary, for human well-being, for the health of relationships and communities.  When times are hard it can be hard to laugh. And, laughter can have an edge – it can be used in ways which demean and hurt people.   In times like these, how can we laugh well?  If by chance you have a good joke to share, please bring it!

    With Rev. Jill McAllister

    All are invited to stay for the final pre-stewardship pledge drive gathering after the service in the Sanctuary, if you have not already attended one.

Services This Month

  • Mar. 2  “The Long Legacy of Liberal Religion: What’s It Worth Now?” Rev. Jill McAllister

    Mar. 9  “Keeping the Flame Alive”  Rev. Jill McAllister

    Mar. 16  “You are Invited”  Rev. Jill McAllister

    Mar. 23  “What Was Lost?”  Rev. Jill McAllister

    Mar. 30  “Can We Still Laugh?”  Rev. Jill McAllister

From the Minister

  • Last Sunday I mentioned the need to “practice practicing practices” – which means to cultivate small rituals to help keep ourselves steady amidst the daily tumult of our lives, our times.  Three years ago, at just this time of year, I was also pondering the need for steadiness, as part of the Daily Practice ritual we shared.  Here is what I wrote: 

    Good morning friends – A month of days comes to an end – an arbitrary designation like all the rest – yet a way to mark what we call time, part of our constant need to understand.  (So often, by giving something a name, we think we understand what it is).  Everything moves – breath, wind, cells, clouds, sun, moon, water, thoughts, everything is in motion.  Perhaps this daily practice – this being present to breath as it releases and returns – is a small way to momentarily exist beyond names, beyond descriptions – many of which are more imagination than approximation.  

    I look again at the candle flickering beside me, and feel my breath again.  My mother is ailing – first news of the day. My granddaughter was up early, in full conversation with the morning light.  Spring continues to unfold.  War continues to pound and destroy.  All women – across a huge continuum of bodies – have in common the dangers of patriarchy. What we call March has been full of these constantly moving and intertwining currents and truths and moments. 

    I return again to the candle, and let myself feel the calming breath. I have been carrying a question from yesterday, or it has been carrying me? It asked me “how much joy am I allowed?”  Today I have a sense that though it appeared as a question, it was more of a reminder, for joy is essential.  It is not the same as pleasure – for pleasure can come at the expense of others.  It is not the same as happiness.  It is not found in denial or aversion or in trying to forget. Maybe it comes mostly in gratitude, or perhaps always in the presence of gratitude.  Likely, joy is always present, beyond naming and expectations. Not to be achieved or attained by certain ways of living, but the living itself.  

    This candle is still beside me.  In its light I pause again and let myself be breathed. A day, a month of days, a moment, joy and gratitude – Life, moving.    And I’m sending love to you all —  Jill

This Week at UUFC

  • Final Pre-Stewardship Gathering, 3/30

    Our annual Stewardship Pledge Drive begins this week! All Fellowship members and friends are invited to join the final pre-Stewardship gathering, to talk together about how we all share in sustaining and nurturing the Fellowship.

    After the Sunday service on March 30, in the Sanctuary.

    RSVP with this form: https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/28f825.

  • Sign-Making Party, 3/30

    Sign-Making Party!
    Sunday, March 30, 1:30-3:00 PM
    Westminster House, McLean Room, 101 NW 23rd St, Corvallis.

    To make signs for the Hands Off Rally on April 5.

    We’ll make signs for the rally and for your yards and windows. Bring any supplies that you can share and lots of ideas for slogans! Let’s let the world know we’ve had enough! For more information, contact Claire Montgomery and Karen Josephson using this Breeze form.

    All are welcome! Submitted by the Democracy Action Team.

  • Hands Off Rally, 4/5

    Hands Off Rally
    Saturday, April 5, at noon
    Benton County Courthouse
    120 NW 4th St., Corvallis

    We want our government to govern democratically so let’s make our voices heard again and again. Our message: Defy Autocracy! Defend the rule of law! Oppose executive overreach! Many groups are collaborating to make this happen and make it BIG: Indivisible, 50501, Third Act, Women’s March, and more. Click HERE for the Corvallis event. This will be a peaceful protest.

    For more information, contact Claire Montgomery and Karen Josephson using this Breeze form.

    All are welcome. Bring signs!
    Submitted by the Democracy Action Team

  • Local Resources for Seniors, 4/2

    Please join the Aging Successfully in Community team for a presentation on local resources for seniors and people with disabilities.
    April 2, 3-4:30 PM
    UUFC Sanctuary

    Representatives from the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments will share information about Aging & Disability Resource Connection, Rideline, Options Counseling, and volunteering.

    They will provide a brief overview of services available, where to find more information, and share opportunities to volunteer.

  • Connect Up Hike 3/29

    We will meet @9:45 AM in the Beazell parking lot and start hiking @10:00 AM. If you would like to carpool from the UUFC parking lot, meet there at 9:15 AM.

    We will hike the Plunkett Creek Trail up to the South Meadow and back down. We’ll be on the lookout for trillium and other early spring wildflowers. There is a flat loop option as well. Please choose your own adventure to suit your ability. The distance of this up-and-back hike is approximately 2.5 miles. Elevation gain is approx. 650 feet. Dress for the weather and bring poles if you like.


    To reach Beazell Memorial Forest, head west from Philomath on Hwy 20. In 4 miles, at Wren, turn right on Hwy 223N to Kings Valley. Beazell is 5 miles north on the right.

  • Justice Theatre: Major Barbara Performances, 3/28-3/29

    Ticket reservations are open for this year’s Justice Theatre staged reading of George Bernard Shaw’s Major Barbara on Friday and Saturday, March 28-29, at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary. This Victorian-era play is as witty as it is timely, and it will make you laugh and wince by turns. Come out and enjoy some theatre that will make you think while supporting a good cause—this year’s proceeds will go to support the work of local nonprofit Vina Moses Center.

    Tickets available. Pay what you can.

    Reserve Tickets

  • UUFC Justice Renewal, 4/5

    UUFC justice teams, and all others who are interested, will gather on Saturday, April 5, to hear from community partners and share ideas in an event we are calling a Justice Renewal. We all face growing threats from several directions: an authoritarian federal government, homelessness, and climate change. In support of our Unitarian Universalist values, we will learn what our partners are focusing on now, priorities, and share our justice teams’ activities so we can develop strategies for increasing our impact.  A light breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30 AM (GF and vegan options available.)  We’ll finish up in time for all who plan to go to the “Hands Off” rally at noon.

    If you would like to participate beginning with breakfast at 8:30 AM please email cat@uucorvallis.org by March 29.

Announcements

  • The Pledge Form for 2025-26 is now live!

    As part of our Annual Stewardship Drive, the Pledge Form is now live! You can fill it out HERE.

  • New Web Page Describing Ministerial Transition

    We have added a new page to the Fellowship website that describes the ministerial transition process that we are currently undertaking. You can find the new page at https://uucorvallis.org/ministerial-transition/. Please read through it!

    If you have questions about the ministerial transition process that are not answered by the new page, please send them to comms@uucorvallis.org.

  • Weekly men’s lunch group(s) starting up

    The ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) are looking for more men to start one or more new lunch groups. Each group will meet weekly as a social gathering to talk about whatever comes up. As the name implies, ROMEOs are predominantly older men and are inclined to discuss topics that interest older men.

    One or more YAMEO (Younger but-still-Available-for-lunch Men Eating Out) groups are also forming for men who aren’t retired but still have the flexibility to attend a weekly lunch. Conversation topics will probably differ from the ROMEOs and be of more interest to not-yet-old men.

    Attendance isn’t mandatory for all lunches, though there is certainly value in attending regularly! If you’re interested in joining one of these groups, contact Jed Irvine using the form linked below by March 30th and tell him which group interests you. Jed will set up a scheduling poll for each group to determine how many folks are available on which days, and thus how many new groups will form.

    Contact form: https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/8b1ec9534943196692348281583519237151

  • Affirmative Nondiscrimination Statement!

    To update our Welcoming Congregation status, we need an affirmative nondiscrimination statement in our bylaws. The Sexuality and Gender Diversity Team proposed and the Board endorsed the following to the introduction to Article II. Membership:

    Existing:
    The Fellowship offers membership to all people who support its purposes, principles, and programs.

    Proposed:
    The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis is committed to establishing, supporting, and maintaining a welcoming congregation that lives up to its highest ideals, a place where all can thrive. We strive to be a congregation that affirms all persons, including but not limited to those embracing differences in racial and cultural identity or background, sexual orientation, gender and its expression, religious background, marital status, family structure, age, mental and physical health and ability, political affiliation, and educational and socioeconomic status. We welcome all who accept our Congregational Covenant to share in the leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, responsibilities, blessings, and joys of our congregation’s life.

    The Fellowship offers membership to all people who support its purposes, principles, values and programs.

    ——————————
    Love it? Hate it? Somewhere in between? E-mail comments for the board’s consideration to secretary@uucorvallis.org by April 13, 2025, and plan to attend the annual meeting on May 18, 2025. A bylaw change requires a 3/4 majority vote of the members in attendance at the meeting.

  • Website Update suggestion form is live!

    Website Update suggestion form is live!  You can now submit your suggestions and feedback for our upcoming website update using the form linked through the button below. If you have questions or need assistance with the form, please email comms@uucorvallis.org.

    Fill Out the Survey

    Thank you for helping us improve our communications!

    For more information on this project, see last week’s announcement.

  • UUA GA Delegates Needed

    The annual General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association will be held June 18-22, 2025 in Baltimore, MD and online. The UUFC is entitled to send seven delegates from the congregation as well as ministers and DREs. In addition to the Business Agenda that will address various issues of policy and action, the program includes enriching addresses, workshops, and musical offerings. To learn more, visit https://www.uua.org/ga/program/highlights.

    If you are interested in becoming a delegate, please contact Rev. Jill McAllister (minister@uucorvallis.org). Scholarships for registration fees and/or travel are available.

  • World Religions for UU’s 4/27 – 6/9

    Many of you have asked for another offering of the World Religions class Jill McAllister has taught for Fellowship members and friends during her ministry here. She is happy to oblige! The class follows most of the syllabus used in her undergraduate religion course at OSU – without the quizzes and other projects. If you are truly interested in attending ten sessions – a few in person and most on Zoom; if you are able and willing to read most of two (paperback) books; and if you are willing and able to not only start but also finish the class, then this offering is for you. Here is a tentative schedule, which will be firmed up when at least 10 people sign up:

    Sunday, April 27: Afternoon, in person (first session)
    Monday, April 28: Evening, Zoom
    Monday, May 5: Evening, Zoom
    Monday, May 12: Evening, Zoom
    Monday, May 19: Evening, Zoom
    Monday, May 26: Evening, Zoom
    Sunday, June 1: Afternoon, in person
    Monday, June 2: Evening, Zoom
    Monday, June 9: Evening, Zoom

    Sign up using this Breeze form: https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/wruu_2025. Contact Jill at minister@uucorvallis.org with questions.

  • Outreach Offerings For March

    Our monthly outreach offerings in March will support the work of the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice, a state-wide collaboration of faith groups, which the Fellowship has partnered with for several years. IMIrJ’s mission is to accompany and equip communities and people of faith in Oregon to advance immigrant justice through the direct accompaniment of immigrants facing detention and deportation, policy advocacy at local, state, and national levels, and purposeful organizing. Through networks of relationships, we create a more just world for immigrants, migrants, and asylum seekers by taking immediate humanitarian action and long-term collective, intentional action. 

Plan Ahead

  • Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup, 4/19

    Come help with Spring Cleaning on America’s first transcontinental highway! A UUFC group will be picking up litter along Hwy 20 on April 19th from 9 AM to noon.

    To learn more and register, use this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4AAFA723A6F85-55981387-spring.

    Questions? Contact Scott Bruslind.

  • Women’s Retreat, 10/17 – 10/18

    SAVE THE DATE! UUFC Women’s Retreat October 17-18 at the UUFC. Theme: Right Here, Right Now: Peace through Practice. We’ll gather to strengthen our center, strengthen our connections, strengthen our community. Volunteers, suggestions, and questions are welcome at womensretreat@uucorvallis.org. Team facilitators are Heather Thomas, Kimi Mayo, and Priscilla Galasso.

  • Painting Help Needed, 4/18 – 4/27

    Things are moving quickly in the classroom wing and it’s time for us to do our part:
    Here’s the general plan, organized in Phases:
    Phase One – April 18-27 Interior painting. walls ceilings pipes
    Phase Two – May Stain external plywood siding
    Phase Three – June-July Replace doors, blinds, cabinets, final painting, install molding, update Room 7
    Phase Four – July-August Move in! Return items from storage locations

    PHASE ONE HELP NEEDED : Painting ceilings, walls, and pipes using roller and brush, some of which will require using ladders and a rolling scaffold. Please sign up for a 3 hour shift on the clipboards under the bulletin board in the Foyer. Friday April 18 to Sunday April 27 Mornings 9 AM – noon. Afternoons 1 – 4 PM.

    Wolfgang Dengler
    Volunteer Co-ordinator
    Contact here

  • Queerly Beloved April – Journaling, 4/13

    Queerly Beloved April 13, 2025
    4:00 – 6:00 PM – UUFC

    A creative and exciting time led by Molly Curry and Bobbi Bailey using the 6 minute journal technique from writer and cartoonist Lynda Barry.
    About Lynda Barry “What it is”
    Video of the 6 minute Journal technique
    You are encouraged to bring a favorite pen or pencil from home that might get the “writing juices” engaged! Hopefully with the time, we will also bind a simple journal, with craft paper.

    🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈
    Queerly Beloved meets every Second Sunday! Join LGBTQ+ folx and allies for social gatherings centered on queer issues and themes. We understand the importance of queer community, and our goal is to provide a safe space where people can find that sense of belonging right here in Corvallis.
    If you need childcare for smaller children, please contact the Grandfolks Squad here: https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/8c8211

  • “Samurai in the Oregon Sky” Film Showing, 5/17

    SATURDAY MAY 17, 10 AM

    Friendship Force of Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley (https://www.fforegon.org/) and the UUFC Immigrant And Refugee Support Team (IRST) bring you the film “Samurai in the Oregon Sky.” This is an award winning film whose details can be found at https://www.samuraiintheoregonsky.com/.

    The film tells the little-known story of Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita who conducted the only manned aerial bombings of the U.S. mainland during WWII, on the southern Oregon coast. Years later, he would meet and peacefully reconcile with the American civilians who lived in the area. It’s a testament to the power of face-to-face meetings.

    The film maker Ilana Sol will be present and talk with audience members. Attendees can make donations. Any extra funds beyond those needed to cover Director Sol’s expenses will be donated for use by the IRST.

    This film will be shown in the Sanctuary of the UUFC – 2945 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis OR 97330. All are welcomed.

  • Celebration for Jamie Petts, 4/13

    Jamie Petts has been part of the Fellowship staff since 2016, helping to grow our “center” into a professional administrative structure. Her calm and friendly demeanor, her kindness and compassion, her steadiness, generosity, creativity, flexibility, expertise, good humor and much more have helped and supported us in so many ways. Now she is leaving the Fellowship staff to take a new job. (She’ll still be a member of the Fellowship, so she’s not completely leaving.) Join us on Sunday, April 13, during and following the service, to thank Jamie and share our gratitude, and to celebrate with her and for her.

  • Event Series: Conscientious Objection 4/10, 4/24, 5/8

    FILM SCREENING & DISCUSSION: Soldiers of Conscience, open to all adults, April 10th at6:30 PM in the sanctuary

    Informational Session & Q&A: Nuts and Bolts Look at Conscientious Objection for Families, open to all, April 24th at 6:30PM in the sanctuary

    YOUTH WORKSHOP: Open to parents and youth with parent’s permission, May 8th at 7 PM in the sanctuary

    REGISTER HERE by 4/4!

    Questions about conscientious objection, what it is, and what role it plays in Unitarian Universalism are bubbling up more often as the world feels increasingly destabilized. In an effort to address this interest and support our families during uncertain times, a small team has formed to offer resources. Our aim with these offerings is not to convince anyone that Unitarian Universalism has a definitive stance on military service (it does not!) but to help parents and young people collectively explore how their deeply held values and religious beliefs may inform their decisions in the future, and what steps they can take now to safeguard their right to choose should the time ever come when they are compelled into service.

    The first 2 offerings in this series are open to any interested adults, with parents strongly encouraged to attend. The film contains graphic footage from war zones and is not suitable for young children. The presentation and Q&A does not contain graphic images or descriptions, but the very reality of having to register for selective service is one that many find disturbing, so please monitor your own and your child’s readiness for those conversations when making decisions about attendance. And finally, the third offering is a workshop to assist youth and their parents in the practical steps of documentation. This session is ONLY open to parents and/or youth who have the written consent of a parent to participate.

    If you have any questions or are interested in joining the CO Awareness Team of the RE Council, please contact Skyla King-Christison at dre@uucorvallis.org.

  • Summer Camp at UUFC! Register by 5/5

    Play to Your Values Summer Camp

    June 23-27, 8:30-11:30, Fellowship Lawn

    Join veteran professional puppeteer, Linda Zittel, for 5 days of using puppetry and folktales to explore our shared values. Children will create puppets, props and sets, learn performance skills, and put on an original puppet show at the end of the week.

    Camp is for children in grades K-5. Space is limited.

    Register HERE by May 5th.

    Direct questions to Skyla King-Christison at dre@uucorvallis.org

  • Book Discussion, 4/14

    The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team invites you in exploring “Mountains Beyond Mountains” written by the award-winning literary journalist Tracy Kidder about the life and work of Dr. Paul Farmer. This is a not-to-be-missed story, especially for us today.


    Join the conversation 7:15 PM, Monday, April 14th when we’ll share our reading experiences and responses. Contact Elona Meyer using the Breeze form below for more details and the Zoom link.

    Contact Elona Meyer

  • UUFC Family Camping at Cascadia State Park, 6/19 – 6/22

    Come and join in fun and fellowship while camping at Cascadia State Park June 19 – 22, 2025. Group Site ‘A’ has been reserved with a limit of 25 campers. Plans include group meals on Friday and Saturday evening, time for hiking, exploring, building community, games, and much more. Bring your own tent, personal gear, and food. Parking is very limited (6 cars and 2 RVs – no hook-ups) so carpools are encouraged. Come out for all or part of the event.

    The registration fee for the whole weekend is $25 per person (a family with children rate will apply). A minimum of 12 adult registrations must be received by May 1st for this event to take place.

    Cascadia Camping Reservation

    If you have specific questions, please contact Julie Halter and Nancy Gill using this Breeze form.

  • Connect Up: Laughter Yoga – Breathe Deeply and Have Fun, 4/26

    Join Joyce Marvel-Benoist for Laughter Yoga: inclusive and accessible simple exercises to increase endorphins, connect with others, breathe more deeply and lighten up! This is not traditional yoga, but was named yoga by Dr. Madan Kataria of Mumbai, India. Joyce was trained and certified by Dr. Kataria. All ages welcome. Adaptations will be made for physical abilities. Wear comfy clothing, bring your water bottle ~ come as you are!

    Saturday, April 26, 2025 9:00 – 10:30 AM in the Sanctuary. RSVP using the Breeze form below.

    Breeze RSVP Form

  • Yoga for UUFCers, 4/13

    Three UU staff members with long interest and experience in yoga offer a workshop on the aims and benefits of yoga practice for these times. 2 – 4 PM, Sunday April 13, in the Sanctuary. Experience not required. With Jill McAllister, Jamie Petts and Skyla King-Christison.

  • Elevator Speeches, 4/8

    Do you trip over your words when someone asks you about your religion? Do you find it hard to articulate what UUs believe when you’re feeling on the spot? Well, struggle no more, my friend! There’s a workshop for that!

    Join Skyla for a 3-part workshop to help you clarify your thoughts on what UUism means to you. By the end of our time together, you’ll have a short, meaningful elevator speech in your pocket for the next time someone says, “You’re a Unitarian Universalist? What does that even mean?”

    April 8, 15, and 22nd from 6-7 PM in the social hall.

    Register with this form: https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/3c115c6.

    Thank you for preregistering by April 1st.

Connect Up/Affinity Groups this Week