Between Us

Thank-you to the many of you who have reached out with such kind and supportive words in response to the announcement of my coming retirement this summer. Now, in addition to the so many changes happening in the country and world, we also enter into a ministerial transition for the Fellowship. I hope this timing will in some ways be helpful for us all – we’ll need to focus on the strengths of our relationships and our shared commitments at a time when those are what’s most needed for us to face the world as well.

With the Board and the Committee on Ministry, I plan to be part of as many conversations as possible, with all who want to join in. While we figure out how to be present to the coming changes in our country and community, we’ll also be figuring out how to keep the Fellowship strong and capable and effective. That means keeping ourselves strong and capable and effective, because the Fellowship is only us – the people, who gather. And to be all those things we need to help and care for each other, and be helped and cared for.

Meanwhile, this week, the day of national change arrives. There are opportunities to gather – on Sunday night Jan. 19 at 7 PM to sing with Mark Weiss, Audrey Perkins and Cliff and Chere Pereira, and on Tuesday evening Jan. 21, at 6:30 PM on zoom to reflect together. How shall we live now? One day at a time, and in the service of our highest ideals. Let’s keep going.

Connect Up Hike, 1/25

We will meet at the Finley Wildlife Refuge office/Nature Store parking lot @ 9:45 AM and start hiking @10:00 AM. (26208 Finley Refuge Road, Corvallis.)

This hike features two loops: the Woodpecker Loop Trail AND the Mill Hill Loop Trail at Finley Wildlife Refuge, with the Tie Trail connecting them. As always, you can choose your own adventure and do what works for you. The Woodpecker Loop Trail is ADA accessible. Total hiking distance is approx. 5 miles. Total elevation gain is approx. 500 feet.

Directions: From Corvallis, drive south on 99W and turn right onto Finley Road. Go 3.8 miles to the Office/Nature Store parking lot. Or go south on Bellfountain Road to the west entrance of Finley Road, turn left and follow the signs to the Office/Nature Store.

NO DOGS allowed at the Refuge.
CARPOOLING IS ENCOURAGED.
BRING WATER.

(Priscilla Galasso will be at the UUFC parking lot at 9:00)

Building Renovation Project Update

As of January 17, building permits had not been issued by the city. Demolition and asbestos abatement can proceed without permits, so the first step began last week with asbestos abatement of some flooring and drywall.

Demolition is expected to begin as early as January 22. Specific parts of floors, walls, and ceilings will be removed to install brackets, metal strapping and plywood panels. New concrete footings will be installed in one part of the foundation. Structural improvements for earthquake safety will proceed once permits have been issued. In addition, a fire safety water line will be installed, to supply a ceiling mounted sprinkler system, which will eventually be extended throughout our facilities. We will also have the two gas furnaces in that wing replaced with heat pumps. The gas water heater, which began leaking in early January, will be replaced as well. The project is expected to take 27 weeks followed by painting and moving furniture and other supplies back into the building by UUFC volunteers.

“The Most Dangerous Man In America” 1/19/25

The list of current choices for this label is long – where do we begin? Sadly, it was used for a person who was dedicated to freedom, equity, and love, who helped shine more light on the immoral foundations of so much of our society not so long ago. Those foundations remain strong, and seem to be being fortified as we speak. In those dangerous times he said: “There is an invisible book of life that faithfully records our vigilance or our neglect…. We still have a choice today.” We do still have choices today. How shall we live now? We’ll revisit some of the legacies and present wisdom of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Following the service, all who are interested are invited to join in a first conversation about entering into a ministerial transition, with Jill and members of the Board and Committee on Ministry.

Return Holiday Trees

To return your holiday tree for us to plant, please do so as soon as possible, and definitely by Sun 18 Jan. Please leave your tree at the “bus stop” covered bench in the UUFC parking lot.

Become a Greeter

Do you feel compelled to do something helpful at the UUFC? Greeters are an integral part of Fellowship life as we help set the stage for this welcoming community.

If you would like to bring your authentic self onto this Team, please either speak to the staff at the Greeters Desk on Sunday or contact the Team lead via this announcement. Get on the volunteer list!

Man holding a clipboard, talking to a snowman says "You're doing great, but I don't see you on the greeter volunteer list."

Just Hire Some Help! How? 2/5

Aging Successfully in community

Join us for the this program presented by the Aging Successfully Together in Community team, on Feb. 5. Two die-hard DIY seniors will share their journey of recognizing their need for home, yard and personal assistance, with results of their research into what it takes to hire help legally and ethically. Four approaches will be discussed: government programs, licensed firms, becoming an “accidental employer”, or paying cash and accepting risks.

Dance Planet, 1/18

7 to 8:30PM
Dance Planet is a monthly opportunity to dance/move/listen together. This month’s Dance Planet will start with a special live-singing set by Johanna Beekman, flow into DJ’ed music from around the world and across the decades by DJ Geo, and end with more songs by Johanna. Admission to this family-friendly event is a suggested $5–$15 donation, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds. Proceeds go to local Earth-friendly causes.