January 4: What’s Your Leadership Story?
Come hear our Council Chairs share their story of leadership at UUFC. Each of us can reflect on what motivates and informs our roles in the congregation. What puts fuel in your tank for leadership? Many people find that in congregational leadership, they live out their values in new ways and grow spiritually. Looking ahead to the Spring, some leadership roles will turn over, so now is a time to listen for seeds in your soul waiting to sprout.
Carl English-Young (Connections Council), Kathy Kopczynski (Justice Council), Scott Bruslind (Financial Oversight Council), and Nick Houtman (Facilities Council) will speak. Rev. Alex McGee will lead.
January 11: How Do You Tell Your Story?
Each of us has a spiritual autobiography. When we stand back and look at the arc, what seasons do we see? What narrative do you want to claim today to carry you forward?
Rev. Alex McGee will preach
January 18: Can I Let You Have Your Story?
In anticipation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, let us consider whose version of his story we know. Widening the lens, let us consider what versions of someone else’s story we are willing to hear. If we truly live our inclusive values, what discomfort comes with accepting a person’s whole story?
Rev. Alex McGee will preach
January 25: Why Church?
“Why Church?” Community, exploration, redemption, forgiveness, exchange, justice – what the heck is church for? Let’s talk about why church matters.
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.
February 1: Forgiveness
Forgiveness can sometimes feel elusive or confusing. But humans throughout the ages continue to grapple with forgiveness. Let us consider what is ready to be heard in our hearts and put into action now.
Rev. Alex McGee will preach
February 8: Reconciliation
Cheap forgiveness may be falsely labeled as reconciliation — but the risks are great. So, today, let us consider the many steps of accountability that are often necessary before true reconciliation is possible. Because around the world and in the home, true reconciliation allows fresh possibilities in life.
Rev. Alex McGee will preach
February 15: Love
What do we need to talk about in our Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on the day after Valentine’s Day? Come find out!
Rev. Alex McGee will preach
February 22: Shelter and Community Care
For several decades, Corvallis has grappled with challenges of what it means to have safe housing for all and shelter accessible to those in need. This UU Fellowship has played a role in many ways. Come reflect on the history of the congregation’s collaboration with Unity Shelter, current local issues, and what might be possible in the future.
Shawn Collins, Executive Director of Unity Shelter, will be our guest speaker. Shawn got his first look at the realities of homelessness and poverty in the Willamette Valley through his volunteer experiences at the South Corvallis Food Bank. After leaving HP in 2016, Shawn worked at United Way of Benton & Lincoln Counties, as the Program Manager for the Housing Opportunities Action Council (HOAC) through 2019. He was instrumental in securing the site that would become the Corvallis Men’s Shelter in 2017.
March 1: Inspiration from our Partner Church in Transylvania
Last Fall, several members of UUFC went to visit our Partner Church in Transylvania. Today they will share information, illumination, and inspiration: history of partner churches at UUFC; how they observed resilience in action; how Unitarianism there reflects Christian roots; and rituals that were transformative.
Janet Throop, Linda Bruslind, Scott Bruslind, and Patricia Parcells will speak.
