Cameron

September 21, 2025

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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.

September 21, 2025 – Jackson Street’s Continuum of Care for Homeless Youth

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Our guest speaker is Ben Martens, who serves as Community Engagement Coordinator at Jackson Street Youth Services, which offers 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 now serve youth throughout Linn and Benton Counties.

Vendors spots available for Holiday Fair, 12/6

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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.

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

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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

Aging Successfully in Community Program Kick Off, 9/17

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Aging Successfully in community
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!

Secure Housing and Food for All meeting, 9/21

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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. 

Dance Planet, 9/20

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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.

Join the Freeway Banner Brigade!

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A small group of highly motivated UUs, spawned from the Democracy Action Team, are organizing to create the Freeway Banner Brigade. We will make large banners to display on I-5 overpasses in the Albany area, following the guidance of a Washington group that has been doing this for years. We just ordered our banner-making supplies, and are looking for volunteers to join us. Participate at whatever level you’d like—organizing, banner making, or show up to help hold the sign at our bannering events. We needs lots of sign holders! With this project, a small group of people can make a big impact. For more information or to volunteer, contact Jeanne Holmes.

Partner Church Team meeting, 9/14

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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.