Cameron

Covenant is a Verb and a Noun

From the Interim Minister, Rev. Alex McGee

Dear Fellowship:

While many religions are hierarchical, Unitarian Universalism is not.  While many religions have a creed, Unitarian Universalism does not.  But what we do have that binds us together is covenant.  Covenant is not rules.  It is agreements. It is voluntary.  It allows risk and trust, because of setting an understanding of how we will be in relationship.  

The reason I love covenant is because I can explore with others when we feel tension but know we want to stick together.  I love covenant because it names the ways we want to be, and honors that sometimes we fall short, and gives us space for repair.  I love covenant because it creates a circle of intention that gives me happy chills of what is possible for love and courage in humanity.  

I have been reminded of covenants all summer.  At the Unitarian Universalist Minister Association national meeting in June, a thousand of us started our meeting by reading our covenant together.  When I arrived in Corvallis in July, I met with Rev. Jill and she and I discussed how we wanted to honor and act with one another in our unique roles related to UUFC; then we put it in writing as a covenant.  When I arrived at the UUFC building in August, I immediately noticed the congregational covenant printed on green sheets in the lobby.  This past Sunday, the staff brainstormed, laughed, and discerned together how we would like to show up together; we expect to finalize our Staff Covenant next week.  And on Tuesday night at the board meeting, the board read out loud a past covenant and agreed to covenant again to it for the coming year.  

Since I arrived there have been a handful times when I felt a tension or an “ouch” with someone, but then I chose to rally my courage and centeredness to check in with them so we could get aligned again.  I felt a building of trust when the other person welcomed the chance to see from each other’s perspective.  As a result, we can go forward to even deeper and stronger work together.

I see again and again that covenant is both a verb and a noun.  And it is a living document — reviewed and renewed.  I encourage you to look at the formal covenants you have with other Unitarian Universalists, and perhaps in other areas of your life.  May they allow courageous action and loving relationship interwoven.

In Peace,

Rev. Alex McGee

Alex is happy to meet with members and info on how to reach her is on her bio page.

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