There are new doorstops on the entry doors. Use your foot to lower the doorstop in position. To release it, step on the metal tab and the doorstop pops back into the open position. No more bending to unlock the hook latch!
There are also new window blinds in the classroom wing rooms which are operated by lifting up slowly from the bottom with two hands. This stacks the blind as you open it (no cords to pull). To close these blinds, pull down gently/firmly/evenly. A plastic rod on the left can be rotated to tilt the blinds into varying degrees of light entering.
Time to register for the annual Men’s Retreat, this year at Camp Harlow near Eugene (only an hour’s drive from Corvallis). The retreat will be held from 5 PM Friday October 3 to 2 PM Sunday October 5. For those who identify as men, this is an opportunity to get to know each other and build connections with other men at UUFC. Our theme this year is “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
A blood drive will be hosted in our Social Hall from 9:30 am until 2:30 pm on Wednesday 9/10. You can sign up to donate on the American Red Cross Donate Blood website.
Looking to increase your resilience during trying times?
OSU research suggests that cultivating a sense of openness and fun even though things may be challenging (lemonading) helps. There is no greater place to create a moment of joy than serving on the Greeter Team.
Don’t wait! Join the Greeter Team and experience the joy of providing valuable human connection to those seeking reassurance (especially newcomers).
Speak with anyone at the Greeter desk or contact the Team lead via this form for more information. Cheers!
The art hanging team needs some additional hands for our next art installation. The artist and his wife will also be on hand with Isabel Prusinski to hang their art on Friday, August 29 at 1 pm. One volunteer is needed. Ability to climb up and down a ladder is a must. This is a great opportunity to get a sneak peak at the art which will enhance our space AND talk with the presenting artist. Please contact Isabel Prusinski if you are interested.
The contract I signed to serve you includes an agreement that the Board and I will work to support the congregation in multicultural understanding. I am so excited that Skyla, the Fellowship’s Director of Religious Education, has arranged for you to be able to participate in Mosaic, which is a new UUA program inviting us to reflect on anti-racism, UU culture, and how to transform our best intentions into better understanding. This is core to the congregation’s acknowledgement (published at the bottom of the order of service each week), saying that we are committed to dismantling oppression and continually learning more. I look forward to seeing you there on Monday nights in the fall: https://uucorvallis.org/mosaic-antiracism-workshop-for-adults-register-by-9-1/.
I said in last week’s sermon that I would give you the links to creative campaigns that are working to stop deportations. Even if this isn’t how you will choose to take action, please read about them so you can learn from their strategies. Perhaps you would like to commit to share the links with three other people?
Ground Avelo is a campaign to stop and disincentivize this airline from secretly deporting people using tax dollars.
Signs of Solidarity provides a toolkit to talk to local business owners about worker safety in case of ICE presence.
I want to offer you a spiritual music video from time to time in this weekly email. So, here is one related to this coming Sunday’s sermon on “Dignity of Labor.” During the sermon I will describe a group of Christian songwriters who felt that more songs were needed to honor not just Sundays, but also the workweek. Therefore, a few years ago they created an album. One song particularly moves me, as it describes feelings of never being able to get ahead despite hard work. The YouTube video of the song is embedded below. If you listen to it, I hope you will tell me how it made you feel. If you don’t see the video, click this link to watch it: https://youtu.be/IsoCkFqai8k.
This week included my first board meeting. I admire the Board’s ability to handle both the macro and micro. The board members bring a rich variety of skills and insight. I am excited about how they are tending to the justice work, spiritual work, and financial stability of the congregation.
As I come into the end of my third week with you, I continue to observe your hospitality, sense of community, and service work. I loved being outside in the fresh air together on Sunday evening at the grounds work party and enjoying Joyce’s peach rhubarb crisp! And thank you to everyone who answered the survey that greeted me when I came. I have already used those tips to make an appointment for an oil change in my car, to find great gluten free food and local produce, and to slip away for quiet time in nature. And thank you to everyone who helped me get the office set up here for my use.
In a few weeks, college students will be returning. Please look for ways to reach out, tell them why you value this Fellowship, and offer them a ride, or offer to bike or walk together.
As we look ahead to Labor Day next week, let’s explore the many meanings of work and labor. What do various spiritual traditions have to say? What does our Unitarian Universalism have to do with the Labor Day solidarity action planned in Corvallis this year?
Hello dear congregants at UUFC: What a week it has been in this world, with the extreme heat and more painful political news. But that discomfort and pain is not the whole picture. As we continue in our spiritual growth and grounding together, we have opportunities to find a soothing balm as well as deep courage. Please continue to make time for the things that nourish you spiritually and connect you to others. I was grateful for the coincidence that my sister was travelling through Oregon this week and I got to go hiking with her as we explored the mountains and waterfalls together. Here is a photo!
In my second week at the Fellowship, I continue to observe generosity of time, talent, and treasure. I see so many members getting great joy from doing their part in sustaining this spiritual community. I was inspired to see the nearly 30 people who came on Wednesday evening to the training coordinated by the Democracy Action Team. Folks left energized with ideas of the many ways to resist autocracy with focus on what is unique to this location in Oregon, to their unique abilities, and to this spiritual community.
Next week will be my first board meeting and I will begin working with the board as they provide leadership to you all during this interim time. I will be leading worship with you here for the first time this coming Sunday, and I look forward to being with you there.
Habits help a person get through life with ease, but sometimes those habits don’t serve us when we encounter new situations. Many people are experiencing new situations in public safety, national economy, and also right here in the Fellowship. What spiritual practices can guide us to be present and act skillfully – both as individuals and community? Rev. Alex McGee will preach.
We will hike the Takena Landing lollipop trail in Albany. Meet at the UUFC parking lot at 8:30 a.m. if you would like to carpool. We’ll gather at the trailhead under the bridge at 8:45 and begin hiking at 9:00. This 3.6 mile riverside hike in North Albany has little elevation gain. There are opportunities for wading and for agate hunting and blackberry picking.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM CORVALLIS: Take Highway 20 to North Albany. When you come to the stoplight/intersection with NW North Albany Rd, turn RIGHT into Takena Landing and proceed to the parking lot under the bridge.
