Cameron

Protecting What We Hold Dear:  Shared Responsibility for Safety

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From Rev. Alex McGee Oct 18, 2025

Dear Fellowship:
As we live out our values of caring, one way we show that is by caring for each other and our building in physical ways.  And part of that is to be prepared for events in which we might need to think quickly about safety.  

In the next month, several events will occur at UUFC to help us strengthen our preparedness muscles.  Next weekend, staff and leaders who are responsible for others will spend a morning to train in fire safety and evacuation skills.  Then, on Sunday, November 2, at the end of worship, all present will all have an opportunity to practice evacuating the building.  This will help us see all the great work that has already been done to keep a safe egress, communicate between parents and RE guides, and signage for where to gather after evacuation.  Also, practicing evacuation can help us learn ways we could improve even more.  Next, the week after, staff and leaders will receive a three-hour Know Your Rights training and Human Rights Observer training, so that we can respond quickly and effectively if ICE comes to the building.  

Finally, the Facilities Committee has been reviewing exterior locks and keys.  This is very important for the safety of those who work in the building — we need to provide a workplace that is as secure as possible, while still being welcoming.  Of course, the balance between having an open door and protecting against harm is a dynamic to hold with wise attention.   Toward that end, I ask that all members and friends remember to avoid propping the doors open, and if you must, to assign someone to watch the door.  Please give gentle reminders to those who have overlooked this.  

If you are entrusted with a key code, please hold that in a covenant of accountability.  People who know the key code are responsible for the safety and well-being of the building and people in our community.   Not everyone needs a keycode: we provide times of welcome when the office is staffed from 10 – 12 noon on Tuesday through Friday so someone is here to let you in. 

I invite all of us to reflect joyfully and thoughtfully about the many ways we steward this building and its safety.

In peace,
Rev. Alex

Secure Housing and Food for All team meeting, 10/19

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The ‘Secure Housing and Food for All’ team is meeting on Sunday, October 19 at 11:45 AM in Room 3. All are invited to attend! The team will be discussing multiple topics:

  1. Thoughts on how UUFC meet needs of unhoused. 
  2. Update on Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center.
  3. Food donation collection at the Fellowship.
  4. Men’s shelter opening in November, and taking volunteers. 
  5. Other ways UUFC folks can be of ‘good’ help. 

Childcare is available!

Free childcare can usually be arranged for any Fellowship event by using this link 1-2 weeks prior to the event.

Greeters Got Game

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As a Greeter, you are the friendly face of the fellowship and extend an invitation to all who would like to join us; therefore, being friendly and welcoming is most important.

You’re invited to learn more about being a Greeter on Sunday, October 26 at the TRICK or TREAT RESOURCE FAIR. Drop by the Greeters Table and sign up – we’re game if you are!

Contact Team Lead, Heather E, for more information.

Learning Overview

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Learning Overview

Religious Exploration (RE) is one of the ways that UUFC supports faith development at all stages of life. RE offers participants opportunities to develop spiritual practices, connect with our liberal religious heritage, cultivate understanding and respect for diverse religious traditions, clarify our own personal values, and utilize our unique gifts to create a better world for all.

Religious Exploration

Religious Exploration Council

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Religious Exploration Council

The role of the Religious Exploration Council is to provide support, guidance, and coordination of RE programs.  The RE Council works closely with the Director of RE  to monitor learning needs across the lifespan of our congregation and develop materials and structures to help address those needs through classes, workshops, events, and volunteer mobilization. 

The primary tasks of the RE Council include:

~Developing and promoting programs that deepen our community’s capacity for spiritual and faithful living;

~Assessing unmet congregational needs for learning and communicating those with staff;

~Identifying potential volunteers and connecting them with the opportunities best suited to their skills and interests.

October 19, 2025 – Compassion as an Open Door

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Anger and indignation may well up for us as we read the news.  But spiritual teachers such as Howard Thurman have convincing arguments for why love is better for us and for everyone.  Can we perhaps have compassion for our own anger?

Rev. Alex will preach and the choir will sing.

Sing Your Heart Out!

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Come join the Choir and learn (or remember) seasonal favorites for November and December services. It’s an excellent time to warm up your vocal cords and enjoy goodwill.

The UUFC Choir meets every Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary.

Contact Choir Director Steven Evans-Renteria for more information.

Partner Church Team meeting, 10/12

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The Partner Church Team is meeting on Sunday, October 12 at 11:45 AM in Room 3.

Did you know that 4 members of the UUFC traveled to Kőrispatak, Romania last month to visit our partner church? The goal was to keep the bonds of our nearly 30-year relationship alive with mutual trust, friendship and respect.

During the 10-day pilgrimage, members visited the Transylvania region of Romania where Unitarianism started as an organized religion and learned more about local customs and culture.

If you want to travel in 2026, please come to the PCT meeting on Sunday Oct 12th and be part of the conversation!

Contact PCT lead Heather E. if you want more information.