Weeklies – Text Only

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS – text only

Sunday Services

  • This Week:

    September 14, 2025 – What’s Wrong and Is It Me?

    This sermon will be an exploration of times in life we are trying to fix something…but the best change will come from looking at a bigger picture.  Special reflections on the exciting new Mosaic curriculum this year.

    Rev. Alex preaching.  

Services This Month

  • September 7: Gathering the Waters and Beginning a New Congregational Year

    Bring water to pour into the common bowl as you name the qualities and commitments you bring for the year ahead.  We will commission the board and Interim Minister.  We will offer blessings to the guides who will work with children and youth this year and the sermon will reflect on the urgency of helping the world by raising the next generation with UU values.  

    Choir will be back, and Rev. Alex will preach.

    September 14:  What’s Wrong and Is It Me? 

    This sermon will be an exploration of times in life we are trying to fix something…but the best change will come from looking at a bigger picture.  Special reflections on the exciting new Mosaic curriculum this year.  

    Rev. Alex preaching.  

    September 21:  

    We will hear from Ben Martens, Community Engagement Coordinator at Jackson Street Youth Services.

    September 28:  Balance and Loving Embrace of Imbalance.

    As the days and nights are nearly equal in length this week, we have a chance to reflect on the many meanings of balance.

    Rev. Alex preaching and the band will play.

From the Minister

  • Weekly Announcement from Rev. Alex McGee for September 12, 2025

    Connections to UUs Near and Far

    from Rev. Alex McGee September 12, 2025: 

    On Sunday, please help welcome Sam Pearl, who will travel from the Bay Area to be with us.  In addition to participating in the opening of worship, Sam will share some of Sam’s stories of growing up UU with our teens during their Religious Exploration time, and then Sam will give a workshop for the Board and Staff in the afternoon.  Sam serves on the Regional Staff of the Pacific Northwest Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).  

    Pacific Western regional staff practice the four Cs:  (1) challenge congregational leaders to help their congregations become the most vital congregations each can become, (2) coach congregational leaders through consultation and trainings, (3) companion congregations through times of difficulty and times of celebration, and (4) connect congregational leaders to one another, to other institutional partners, and to resources.  Learn more here: https://www.uua.org/pacific-western

    And the region is not the only place UUs are reaching out to us!  Our connections to UUs across the country are shown in this video from the UUA President, Dr. Sofia Betancourt, as she welcomes in a new year of programming.  I find the voices in the video give me a sense of calm and courage.  I hope you will, too. Read the letter that accompanies this video by clicking this link.

    Finally, right here at home in the Fellowship, please know that I am open for meeting with you about what is on your heart and mind.  I have set aside Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for meetings, but can also be flexible.  You can suggest a time by writing rev.alex.mcgee@uucorvallis.org, or sign up outside the door of my office.  Plus, the contact info for all the staff is at this page.  Please know that we on staff are all learning together and striving to serve the congregation as it lives into its values.

    Sincerely,
    Rev. Alex McGee

This Week at UUFC

  • Aging Successfully in Community Program Kick Off, 9/17

    Aging Successfully in community

    Join the Aging Successfully in Community team for our kick off event for this year. Wednesday, September 17 at 3 PM in the Social Hall.

    Think about what YOU are doing to stay connected, engaged and thriving in this time of your life. We’ll provide some questions to prompt discussions in small groups. We’ll also review last year’s topics and discuss what you’d like to see in the coming year. Look forward to a fun announcement, too!

  • “What can I do?” Resource Fair 9/13 at 2pm

    These are challenging times. As Universalist Unitarians, we covenant, in part, to inspire each other to be our best selves by clarifying misunderstandings and embodying healthy relationships as a living practice of our faith and beliefs. We will honor everyone’s gifts, with the intention of learning from diverse perspectives. Recognizing the interdependent web of all existence, together we will build a better world.

    These values demand that when we are faced with intolerance and injustice, we cannot sit idle. Yet, it is difficult to know where to start, how to help, what will be enough. Nevertheless, we must start somewhere.

    We invite your to start with asking the question, “What can I do?”

    Join the Immigrant and Refugee Support, Democracy Action, Secure Food and Housing For All, Climate Action, and Sexuality and Gender Diversity Justice Teams on Saturday, 9/13 from 2-4pm at Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, 333 NW 35th St, Corvallis for a Resource Fair. This event brings together Mid-Valley community organizations working for peace, justice, democracy, human dignity and rights, a clean environment, mutual aid and more. This event aims to build bridges and weave ever more tightly the bonds of fellowship, belonging, and care that our Community will need to face the days to come.

    We invite you to take this small step and once again: accept our shared responsibility to commit, again and again, to lovingly return to this, our sacred covenant.

  • Dance Planet, 9/20

    Dance Planet is back! Move in your own way to a rhythmic flow of music from around the world and across the decades. We’ll start with live warmup music from harpist Laura Zaerr and cellist Sabina Monn with rhythmic support from George Beekman. All three are members of Compass Rose. At 7:30 PM, DJ Geo will create a global music journey. Suggested donation: $5–15 (or more) – 100% of the proceeds are donated to local environmental organizations.

  • Partner Church Team meeting, 9/14

    The Partner Church Team is expanding its vision and embracing new goals to work for mutual benefit with partners around the world. There’s a place for you on our team!

    The PCT wants to create awareness about partnerships with members and friends of UUFC and discuss transformational opportunities for learning and service.

    Please join us on Sunday, September 14 at 11:45 AM in Room 7 of the RE wing. The timing couldn’t be better for you to join us as we prepare for a new church year!

    Contact PCT lead, Heather E, for more information.

  • Grounds Work Parties

    There is lots to do outside at the UU and happily, cooler weather is at hand!  Here are 3 opportunities to help get the UU grounds looking good and the pollinator garden off the ground (well, in the ground). Come help! Contact Joyce F. with questions.

    Saturday, Sept 6, 3 – 5 PM
    Friday, Sept 12, 9 AM – 12 PM
    Sunday, Sept 21, 3 – 5 PM   

  • Parking Lot Rummage Sale – Saturday, 9/20

    We’ll be holding our annual Parking Lot Rummage Sale on September 20 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Do you have items you no longer need and want to get rid of? Will you kindly donate all the sale proceeds to UUFC?

    Here’s what you do:

    1. Price your items (thrift store prices or less and whole dollar amounts only)
    2. Bring you items to our parking lot and sell them. Send buyers to the cashier with their items. You don’t have to collect any money
    3. At 2:00 PM take all unsold items home or deliver them to your favorite thrift store.

    Tell your friends, neighbors, and OSU folks. The Rummage Sale is open for everyone to shop.

    VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
    • At 9:30 AM to bring tables and chairs from our building to the parking lot.
    • At 2:00 PM to return tables and chairs to the building.

Announcements

  • Men’s Retreat – Last Week to Register!

    This is the LAST WEEK TO REGISTER for the Men’s Retreat, Friday-Sunday, Oct. 3 – 5. It’s a great opportunity for men at the Fellowship to get to know each other better and build connections. Camp Harlow near Eugene (only an hour’s drive from Corvallis) offers space for pickle ball, mini-golf, disc golf, bocce ball, and creative activities. We’ll also meet in large and small groups to reflect on our theme: “Sharing the Story of Your Life Journey.” Check out the flyer with details at this link:
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f6YJIxzCbjXZdWaI45a5bDxtDZsJoCsv/view?usp=sharing

    Register ONLINE at https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/mensretreatregistration2025.

    More information: contact Alan Kirk.

  • Outreach Offerings for September

    Our Sunday Outreach offerings in September support Jackson Street Youth Services, who offer youth a safe place to live and resources to work through crises and towards a brighter, more stable future. Founded to fill a gap in housing for homeless youth, they serve youth throughout Linn and Benton Counties. Read more about them at https://www.jacksonstreet.org/.

  • Chalice Circle Sampler Pop-up this Fall

    Want to experience what a Chalice Circle session is like? We’re trying a different format this year that will hopefully lower the barrier to make it easier for YOU to check out if joining a Chalice Circle is for you.

    Chalice Circles are an opportunity to deepen your ties to others in this community. We do this by meeting on a regular basis with the same small group of people to share how we each navigate the journey of being human. This is done via thoughtfully designed “topics” that offer ideas and questions for reflection. Through authentic sharing and listening, we learn how to voice what deeply matters to us.

    Never been in a chalice group? “Test the waters” by signing up for a Chalice Circle Pop-up Session offered this Fall. If you want to continue, we’ll help set up new groups that will continue through the upcoming liturgical year (through June). You’re also welcome to sign up if you’ve been in a group in the past or even if you’re already in a group! Come see what’s changed or just experience chalice with a different group of people.

    Three sessions will be offered (2 hours each), and you can choose to attend 1, 2 or all 3 (different topic, different people but same format). Sign-ups are online via this Google Form (https://bit.ly/fall25chalice). The dates of each session are specified in the form.

    Have more questions about chalice circles? Attend the next Inquirer Series featuring them on October 5, or read our FAQ at: https://uucorvallis.org/chalice-circles/.

    Questions? Email: chalicecircles@uucorvallis.org

  • Register for Fall RE!

    Parents and guardians, it’s to register your children for the new year of Sunday morning Religious Exploration!

    CHILDREN WHO WERE REGISTERED AT ANY POINT LAST YEAR MUST STILL BE REGISTERED Anew BEFORE ATTENDING RE THIS YEAR.

    Please read the following descriptions carefully and register each child for the appropriate space. We acknowledge that school grades are not a perfect proxy for age or development. Nonetheless, we find them useful for determining the most appropriate group for most children. If you feel your child would benefit from being in a different group than the one designated below, please reach out to the Director of Religious Exploration, Skyla King-Christison.

    THE RAINBOW ROOM

    This space is for new walkers through preschool. We may occasionally be able to accommodate infants if the caregiver-to-child ratio allows; however, your infant may be returned to you in the service if more children arrive and it can no longer be safely accommodated. Children in this space may be dropped off in Room 4 of the classroom wing no earlier than 9:50, and should be picked up before their guardians attend coffee hour.

    Please register for the Rainbow Room HERE prior to dropping your child off.

    SPIRIT PLAY

    This space is designed to meet the approximate developmental needs of beloved children in grades K through three. Children in this space begin in the service with their families, and will depart for room 6c as a group after the time for all ages. Guardians should pick them up before attending coffee hour. This group may occasionally be on the playground, through 6c, at pickup time.

    Please register for Spirit Play HERE prior to their first Sunday.

    SEEKER SPACE

    This space is designed to meet the approximate developmental needs of beloved children in grades four through six. Children in this space begin in the service with their families, and will depart for room 9 (upstairs) as a group after the time for all ages. This group will prioritize outdoor time and project-based exploration, so please ensure that they are dress for the weather all year round. This group must be picked up before attending coffee hour.

    Please register for Seeker Space HERE prior to their first Sunday.

    OPEN MINDS GROUP (OMG!)

    This space is designed to meet the approximate developmental needs of beloved children in grades seven through twelve. Youth in this space will be released to come join the adults in the social hall. They do not need to be checked out by guardian, but they are not permitted to linger in the classroom wing unattended. Please discuss expectations with your youth prior to their attendance.

    Please register youth for OMG! HERE before their first Sunday

    If you have questions about any of our Sunday morning offerings for children and youth, don’t hesitate to contact the Director of Religious Exploration, Skyla King-Christison at dre@uucorvallis.org.

    And don’t forget that we have a variety of Religious Exploration offerings for adults this year, and can often provide free childcare with appropriate notice. Check it out and get the whole family engaged in RE!

  • Please register for the UUFC Women’s Retreat, 10/17 & 10/18

    If you identify as a woman in a way that is significant for you, you are welcome to join us for our annual Women’s Retreat. It will be held at the UUFC on Friday night Oct. 17 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm and from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm on Saturday, Oct. 18. This year’s theme is “Right Here, Right Now: Peace through Practice”. We will share practices that may help you find peace in your center, peace in your connections, and peace in your community. The $55 fee for the retreat includes two meals on Saturday catered by Forks and Corks.

    Please register using this form. https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/wr2025

    Payment can be made online or by check to the UUFC with “Women’s Retreat” in the memo line.
    Volunteers, suggestions, and questions are welcome at womensretreat@uucorvallis.org. Team facilitators are Heather Thomas, Kimi Mayo, and Priscilla Galasso.

Plan Ahead

  • Vendors spots available for Holiday Fair, 12/6

    It’s that time of year again to start thinking about the Holiday Fair!  This year’s fair will be on December 6th from 9AM to 3PM.  All are welcome – UUFC members, friends, and the larger community.  This event builds connections between UUFC and the larger community, plus it’s a ton of fun!

    This event commemorates the start of the holiday season featuring handmade goods from vendors and artisans, gently used children’s items, greenery swags, and baked goods.  The café will also be open selling delicious soup, bread, fruit, and drinks.  There will be live music and activities for kids.

    Are you interested in being an artisan vendor for this event?  If so, please email holiday.fair@uucorvallis.org.  There are spaces available, and we would love to have you.  We will also be posting volunteer sign-ups closer to the event.

  • Secure Housing and Food for All meeting, 9/21

    The Secure Housing and Food for All team meets on September 21 in Room 7 @ 11:30 AM.

    We’ll discuss what is happening for unhoused folks. Join us to share what you know, ask questions and determine how you/we can support the unhoused in Corvallis. We’ll also have information for supporting school needs for students. 

    Currently the Room at The Inn at First Methodist is housing 50 men and 50 women considered most vulnerable to living outside. Volunteers are needed at ‘The Inn’. 

    In November separate night housing could open at the Men’s shelter. You can sign up online and get training for the kinds of support needed. 

  • Bringing Back Drop-In Choir! , 10/12

    Sunday Morning, October 12th. Rehearsal at 9 AM

    Come be a part of the music on Sunday morning!

    Help lead the congregation in singing!

    Learn a piece to sing with the choir during the service in one rehearsal!

    All voices and skill levels welcome!

    Please sign up if you plan to come:

    Sign Up

    If you forgot to sign up and still want to sing, just drop in anyway!

    Questions? Email David at music@uucorvallis.org

Connect Up/Affinity Groups this Week