Weeklies – Text Only

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS – text only

Sunday Services

  • This Week:

    April 12, 2026 – When Our Ideals are Challenged

    When we work hard to make this world more just, but seem to face betrayal and despair instead, what can we do?  Alex will bring lessons from Unitarian and Universalist forebears as well as current activist theologians.  Renewed inner spirituality, sharing our lessons, and resting may surprise us on our way.

    Rev. Alexandra McGee will preach.  Special guest musician Nancy Snowden will play cello.

Services This Month

  • April 19, 2026 – Caring for Moral Health

    As people of conscience, how can we relate to the people who serve in our military, knowing the complex moral issues that they face? Guest speaker Logan Isaac brings his background as a veteran, theologian, and ethicist.

    Logan Isaac will speak

    April 26, 2026 – What’s Your Agenda

    Having a personal or professional agenda is often considered a negative thing in Unitarian Universalism. Yet, not having purpose can cause anguish. We begin wonder what we are doing here. Today we unwrap our agendas in a life well lived.

    Guest speaker Rev. Mitra Rahnema is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry. She has offered ministry to congregations in Missouri, Michigan, and California. Mitra is editor of the 2017 book and UUA Common Read, “Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry.” She is dedicated to building vibrant and engaged anti-oppressive communities. Mitra lives in Portland, OR.

From the Minister

  • April 10, 2026, by Rev. Alex McGee

    Dear Congregation:

    When the world is feeling unstable, it can be good to focus on what we are connected to as a whole.  I am motivated by the many endeavors that our Fellowship contributes to on a national level through the Unitarian Universalist Association.  Here is a “State of the Union” report.

    https://www.uua.org/pressroom/ingoodfaith/state-association-key-themes

    After you read or watch it, I will be curious to hear from you what moves and motivates you!

    With care,
    Alex

This Week at UUFC

  • Dance Planet featuring Lauren Servias, 4/18

    Join us for Dance Planet on Saturday, April 18 at 7 PM. We’ll come together to celebrate Earth Week at the Fellowship.

    At 7 PM sharp beloved pianist Lauren Servias returns to provide 30 minutes of gorgeous opening warmup music. When she’s played for us in the past we’ve had people come just to hear her heart-opening music. I’ll be providing some light percussion during part of her set before we transition into an hour of DJed global grooves (with an Earth Week flavor) for dancing, moving, or just listening. We’ll wind down to a peaceful closing at 8:30 PM.

    Admission to this family-friendly event is a suggested donation of $5 – $20. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to local environmental organizations.

    Please help us spread the word and bring your friends so we can move together and raise lots of funds for our planet.

    Childcare is available!

    Free childcare can usually be arranged for any Fellowship event by using this link 1-2 weeks prior to the event.

  • Second Quarter Birthday Celebrations, 4/12

    Please join in celebrating members and friends with April, May, and June birthdays after service this Sunday. There will be cake in the Social Hall.

  • Invitation from UU Salem: David Roth Concert, 4/15

    Folk singer and songwriter David Roth will be offering a concert at the UU Congregation of Salem on April 15 at 7 PM. Rev. Monica has invited UUs from the region (like us!) to attend. Here’s the link to the announcement on the UU Salem website for a little more info and the option to purchase tickets: https://uusalem.org/2026/03/13/david-roth-at-uucs-april-15/.

  • Grounds Work Parties in April

    Happy Spring!  Time to get outdoors and get our grounds looking great.  Joyce has scheduled 4 work parties for April, and will plan additional work parties weekly in May.  Please come help out when you can – let Joyce know if you plan to attend. 

    April Work Parties
    Mondays:    April 6 and April 20     3-5pm
    Saturdays:   April 4 and April 18     3-5pm  

    If you can’t make those times and would prefer to come when you can, there are specific tasks you can work on individually or with a buddy (a potentially new friend?).  Specific tasks include things like: 

    1. cardboarding and mulching the areas adjacent to Firwood and Elmwood to get rid of the scraggly grass and weeds that are unsightly and difficult to mow. 
    2. weeding a specific area (lots to choose from!) 
    3. repotting potted plants

    Our group efforts will involve completing work on the pollinator garden, which will mean planting annuals, mulching, setting up a watering system and woodchipping the path.  And other misc. pruning and wood chipping the paths. 

    We are having the large oak trees pruned on April 16th by Peak Tree Care.  After their work, we should have some high quality wood chips to use for the paths.  

    Childcare is available!

    Free childcare can usually be arranged for any Fellowship event by using this link 1-2 weeks prior to the event.

  • Sacred Chanting with Shantala and Friends, 4/11

    Shantala, the kirtan duo of Benjy and Heather Wertheimer, has over two decades of experience leading kirtan (sacred chanting), and have captivated audiences worldwide. Their music is a beautiful tapestry of exquisite vocals, Indian instrumentation, and Western influences, creating a loving and reverent atmosphere.

    Saturday, April 11 at 7 PM in the Sanctuary.

    Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Get tickets here.

    Childcare is available!

    Free childcare can usually be arranged for any Fellowship event by using this link 1-2 weeks prior to the event.

  • Minister Emerita Listening Sessions

    The Board of Directors has formed a task force to inform the congregation about Rev. Jill McAllister’s nomination for Minister Emerita in preparation for a vote at the UUFC Annual Meeting on May 17. This task force is conducting a number of listening sessions in which to discuss this process and answer any potential questions.  They will also set up a table in the Social Hall or Foyer after worship services to answer questions and share information.

    Here are the currently-scheduled listening sessions:

    Sunday, March 22  7 – 8:30 PM         Listening Session in the Sanctuary
    Thursday, March 26  7 – 8:30 PM      Listening Session in Room 3
    Sunday, April 12    11:45 AM            Listening Session in the Sanctuary

    The task force has written a list of frequently-asked questions about Ministers Emerit, which you can read here.

    Childcare is available!

    Free childcare can usually be arranged for any Fellowship event by using this link 1-2 weeks prior to the event.

  • Info on 2026 Pilgrimage to Transylvania, 4/12

    Explore Our UU Roots – Castles, Cathedrals, Dungeons, Villages!

    You’re invited to join other members of the UUFC who have expressed interest in the September 8-19, 2026 trip to the Transylvania region of Romania.

    This is where Unitarianism started as an organized religion. The trip will be led by the Hungarian Unitarian Church and will be guided by local English-speaking Unitarian ministers. Included will be a weekend visit with our partner congregation in Kőrispatak.

    We will meet on SUNDAY April 12 in the UUFC Library at 11:30 a.m. to discuss particulars.

    Contact Heather at this link ASAP if interested in joining the conversation or is you want more information. Deadline to sign up: April 20, 2026

Announcements

  • Your 2026-27 Stewardship Drive Update

    As you are likely aware, our 2026 Stewardship Drive is underway. As of Friday, April 10, 86 members and friends have made pledges totaling $191,000. These numbers are comparable to last year’s drive at this same time. The dollar amount is 38% of our anticipated pledge need of $500,000.

    Sunday, April 12 will be the beginning of the third week of the drive. Sunday, April 19 will be the “soft close” to the drive. After April 19, your stewardship team will reach out on an individual basis to all members from whom we have not yet heard as well as friends who have contributed in the past but not made a commitment in this drive.

    As stated before, our goal is to have all members and friends complete a stewardship form, even if they are unable to make a dollar or time commitment in the coming year.

    Click here to go to the stewardship online form. Click here to learn more about the stewardship drive and to access a frequently asked questions (FAQ) website. Paper copies of the stewardship form are also available in the foyer outside our fellowship hall. An email to Stephanie Haines (our office/business manager) at businessmgr@uucorvallis.org that includes your name, dollar amount you would like to pledge, and your plan for method of payment can also get you into the system.

    Please act now. Opportunities await. Open yourself to them!

  • Outreach Offerings for April

    Our April Justice Outreach offering will support the Community Services Consortium Weatherization Program. The program targets lower income housing for basic energy efficiency repairs and upgrades.  These involve energy assessments, insulation, weather stripping, ducts, furnace safety, and more, in a planned, organized process by local workers.  This is free for qualified residents of Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties.  The program relies heavily on Federal funding which has become more difficult, while the waitlist for program services lengthens.  Your donations will allow more local households to be served and help those with sub-marginal incomes to save on energy costs. For more information, visit https://communityservices.us/weatherization/.

    How to donate to the monthly Outreach Offering

    Each month, the Fellowship gathers donations for a certain charitable cause. These are our Outreach Offerings. You can contribute to this month’s offering in a few ways:

    1. Give to the Sunday collection basket
    2. Donate online
    3. Donate to the refreshments during the social hour

    The Kitchen team donates an assortment of sweet and savory refreshments, including gluten-free and vegan choices, for our enjoyment at the social hour following Sunday worship. These items are purchased and prepared by the team to encourage donations to the Outreach Offering. Collection baskets are always found at the ends of the refreshments table. The next time you’re eyeing something tasty on the table, consider putting a donation in the basket first to show how much you appreciate having that treat ready and waiting for you!

  • Justice Outreach Fund is Seeking Proposals

    The Justice Outreach Fund (JOF) created in 2015 supports our Unitarian Universalist Values with an emphasis on creating a just and diverse multicultural Beloved Community where all thrive. To do this, the Fund awards small and large grants up to $10,000 to projects that are aimed at seeding and/or achieving social, economic, racial, and environmental justice.

    The JOF Team is looking for projects that support one or more of the following three outcomes:

    1. Changing how people are thinking and talking about an issue.
    2. Engaging people and communities in civic action.
    3. Developing or changing public or corporate policy.

    For more information, the JOF Team encourages you to visit our table in the Social Hall on the first Sunday of each month, visit our newly revised webpage, or email us at jofund@uucorvallis.org for more information.

  • Share Your Voice: Timeline for UUFC Elections and Annual Meeting 2026

    The UUFC Annual Meeting is coming up on Sunday, May 17, 2026 after worship service. Many things happen at our annual meeting, including voting on who will fill various leadership roles. For exact details, please read the UUFC Bylaws, shown at the bottom of this page.

    Here is the timeline of events leading up to this year’s annual meeting.

    • Friday, January 16, 2026: The date of the Annual Meeting was announced
    • Friday, April 17, 2026: Slate of candidates nominated by the Nominating Committee is published
    • Saturday, May 2, 2026: Deadline for any candidates to be nominated by petition (see Bylaws Article III Section 1)
    • Saturday, May 9, 2026: Finalized slate of all nominated candidates is published
    • Sunday, May 17, 2026: Annual Meeting!

    Matters Up For Vote

    Elected Fellowship Lay Leaders

    The Nominating Committee will present a slate of candidates to fill the following roles:

    • Members of the Board of Directors
    • Members of the Nominating Committee
    • Chair of the Personnel Committee
    • Chair of the Financial Oversight Council

    Note that the Chair of the Committee on Ministry would normally also be elected at the Annual Meeting, but the work of the Committee on Ministry is paused during our time of Interim Ministry.

    Ministerial Search Committee

    The Board of Directors will present a slate of candidates to serve as the Ministerial Search Committee, which will be tasked with conducting a search for our next settled minister.

    Ways of Voting

    Motions are passed by majority vote of those present, which is determined through a verbal Yea/Nay vote.

    Becoming a Voting Member

    Voting at the Annual Meeting is only open to people who are signed, active members of the Fellowship. In other words, those who have signed the membership book and maintained active membership. See Bylaws Article II.

    There is still time for new members to join before the Annual Meeting! Prospective members are required to attend three of the Inquirers Series sessions before signing the book: #1 Our Shared Values, #2 Transitions Q&A, #8 Membership 101 (or #9 UU Roots). These sessions will be offered before the Annual Meeting, on these dates:

    • Transitions Q&A: April 19 (swapped dates with Care & Support, which is now on May 10)
    • Membership 101: April 26
    • Our Shared Values: May 3

    If you have already completed any of these sessions, you only need to attend the others. You do not need to repeat a session you’ve already attended, though you are welcome to!

    The membership book will be available for signing after the Inquirers Series on May 10, for those who have completed the prerequisites. This will be the last opportunity to sign the membership book before the Annual Meeting. To learn more about membership at the UUFC, see our Path to Membership page.

    UUFC Bylaws

  • UUFC Group Camping Opportunities

    group camping at cascadia

    Save the Dates: Cascadia County Park, June 25 – 28, 2026
    Moonshine Park (near Siletz), September 10 – 13, 2026

    Come and join in fun and fellowship while camping with fellow UUFC members and friends! Plans include time for hiking, exploring, crafts, building community, happy hour, and much more. Bring your own tent, personal gear, and food. Parking is very limited (6 cars and 2 RVs – no hook-ups) at Cascadia and 8 vehicles (including RVs) at Moonshine Park, so carpools are encouraged. Come out for all or part of the event.

    Links to the camps:
    Cascadia County Park: https://www.linncountyor.gov/parksrec/park/cascadia-county-park
    Moonshine Park: https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/1060/Moonshine-Park

    Registration fees: $30 per person for each weekend (4days/3nights); family rates are available and will be detailed on the registration form

    More information and a link for reservations will be sent out soon. If you have specific questions, please contact Julie Halter and Nancy Gill by filling out this form.

  • UUFC Auction Donations Needed

    Our annual Services and Silent Auction is on Saturday, June 6 at the Philomath Scout Lodge and the theme this year is a garden party. Please join in our largest fundraiser by offering a fun service, event, or item. Do you have access to a getaway at the beach, in the mountains, or other vacation spot? These prized offerings always earn lots for our Fellowship.

    Services are a wonderful and fun way to meet other UUFC members and build community. Do you have a skill, interest, or hobby that you would like to share with others? Some possibilities: bird watching; dance lessons; singing lessons; music performances; guitar or ukulele lessons; drawing or painting opportunities; clay crafting; knitting lessons; rafting on the river; dinner for 4-12; computer help; house or window cleaning; clutter reduction; woodlands hike; homemade dinners delivered; homemade artisan breads or preserves; custom scarf or journal; gift basket; wine tasting on your patio; camping; yard work; cooking classes; gardening help; trip to the beach; anything you love. 

    Did you downsize or maybe clean out your closets this year and have some special items that you no longer want or need, such as jewelry, furniture, or artwork that you would be willing to donate?  Bonus points if your donation coordinates with this year’s theme!

    The Services and Silent Auction is a fun party. You’ll definitely want to attend. Everything you donate and everything that’s purchased goes to help support the UUFC. Submit information about your donation(s) here, and the Fundraising Team will reach out.  Paper copies of the donation form will be available at the Fellowship after worship on Sundays. Thank you!

    If you have questions about donations, email servicesauction@uucorvallis.org.

Plan Ahead

  • Next Community Music Circle, 5/4

    How was the Community Music Circle last week?  It was great! 

    We had about 25-30 people attending, several who brought instruments. We sang all of your favorite UU hymns–some that you haven’t heard in a while. You can read more about it in this month’s Monthly Journal. 

    The next Community Music Circle is scheduled for May the 4th. You are invited to bring a song from childhood to teach to the group! More details coming in the Weekly Announcements.

    Open to all ages and all levels of musical ability! Bring voices and instruments if you have them.

  • Memorial Service for Susan Straight, 5/3

    This event will be a celebration of Susan’s life. All UUFC members and friends who knew Susan or would like to know more about this extraordinary woman are invited. RSVPs are appreciated for planning purposes.

    Sunday, May 3 at 3 PM in the Fellowship’s Sanctuary.

    As part of our celebration, all attendees are cordially invited to reception in my home following the service. Transportation will be provided, as needed, from the UUFC parking lot and back again.

    RSVP by contacting Elona Meyer.

  • Invitation to Ordination of Karishma Gottfried, 5/16

    Fellowship member Karishma Gottfried invites you to attend her ordination to Unitarian Universalist ministry on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 2 PM (Eastern time) in New York City! Those willing to travel are welcome to attend in person. The service will also be streamed online. See more details and RSVP at this link: https://partiful.com/e/r8mVpRCktdr0daerWzIU?.

    Karishma Neva Gottfried grew up in the Fellowship with her sister, Malika, and her parents, Shikha and Herky Gottfried, and was active throughout high school in religious exploration classes, district youth conferences, and denominational service. Although she moved away from Corvallis to Boston in 2019 to attend Wellesley College, and then to New York to study at Union Theological Seminary, she still considers UUFC her home congregation and visits whenever she is home.

Connect Up/Affinity Groups this Week