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.
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?
If you are a musician, consider joining the fun of the Holiday Fair by volunteering to play seasonal music during the fair for an hour between 9 am and 3 pm on Saturday, December 6. One of the highlights of last year’s Holiday Fair was the live music in the lobby during this beloved annual event.
The Holiday Fair team is looking for volunteers to help prepare for and run the event. We need help with various tasks leading up to the event, including baking goodies to donate to the event, posting flyers, and collected donated children’s items. On the day of the event, we will need help with things like greeting, cashiering, and providing vendor relief. If you are interested in helping out with one or more of these roles, please use the links below to sign up.
Holiday Trees (small, live, native conifers) provide holiday cheer and make a modest financial contribution to the UUFC while supporting local tree planting. The Climate Action and Fundraising teams are again collaborating to offer these trees for sale and, after the holidays, to take them back for planting. Doug fir and Willamette Valley Ponderosa pine, both in 3 gal containers (slightly bigger than last year’s 2-gal), will be available. Trees will cost $25.
This year, Holiday Trees has expanded to include two other faith communities and a service club. As a result, the total number of trees is up, at 102 trees, but our UUFC allocation is down, at 36, limited by logistics and our planting partners.
With a limited number of trees, we are taking reservations and asking for payment in advance to confirm reservations. To reserve one or more trees and indicate preference for Doug fir v. Willamette Valley Ponderosa pine, please use theOrder Form. Your reservation will be confirmed once payment is received and recorded. Payment can made be via Breeze to “Unpledged Donation” with note “Holiday Trees,” by check to UUFC with memo “Holiday Trees,” or by cash in an envelope marked with your name and “Holiday Trees.” The Breeze option is recommended because checks and cash will not be recorded until the Monday following receipt, and your tree will not be reserved until payment is recorded. The form will be updated daily to show trees still available. Unreserved trees to be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Holiday Trees will have the best chance to thrive once planted if (a) their time in a heated in-door environment is kept as low as possible and (b) they are watered, but not over watered.
Trees will be available for pick up at UUFC on Sun. 30 Nov. and Sun. 7 Dec., and can be returned to UUFC for planting on Sundays 11 Jan. and 18 Jan. Help will be available to load trees for pick up and unload for return.
Apologies for the continued difficulty with the new heat pump heating system. Rooms 9 and 10 are still shut down until repair on October 15. Rooms 7 and 8 work, with variable response to the handheld remote. Please report any problems to Wolfgang Dengler via Breeze.
There will be changes coming soon regarding keyed and key-less entry into the building as we continue to improve the safety and security of our building.
We plan to mount hooks for hanging jackets and bags in the restrooms.
A giant THANK YOU to everyone involved in the Classroom Wing remodel project for ALL your help in the last 10 months. We did it together, our community in Action. The Classroom Wing is now safely protected against earthquake and fire, and has become a warm inviting space for congregants and visitors. Let’s Go UUFC!
The parking lot painting has been cancelled due to expected rainy weather. The painting still needs to happen, so we’re holding out for the next span of dry weather.
Queerly Beloved is next meeting on Sunday, October 12 from 4 – 6 PM in the Social Hall. Queerly Beloved is a LGBTQIA+ connection group. Come share, listen, connect, and create community. Allies, family members, and children are welcome.
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.
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.
