The feeling that is most with me in the midst of these holidays/holy days is to be careful. To be full of care. This is most certainly not a time to be frivolous, yet it is a time to nurture joy. How can we do both? By being full of care as we consider what is most important and what is not. Care for the earth, care for people everywhere, care for all the other living things. Care reflected in what we buy, what we waste, what we kill or destroy in the process, what we consume at the expense of others. What gifts can we give, when so many are in need of the basics – beginning with safety and shelter? Maybe this year, in this season we might begin to understand that joy is related to what we are willing and able to take care of, to give care to. In the beautiful darkness of these solstice days, with Christmas coming, may we give attention to what we care for and why, and move ourselves toward a loving carefulness.
david
Classroom Wing Renovation Project: MOVING OUT! 1/4
The big moving out has begun! We are unloading the classroom wing of (just about) EVERYTHING. Help is needed on Saturday Jan. 4th (2 hour shifts from 9-3) and Saturday Jan. 11 (10-12, 1-3). In those sessions we’ll be moving boxes and furniture to the parking lot, to transport to commercial storage and private homes, and unload at those locations.
Building prep, including some demolition, will start on Friday 12/27. Both skilled and non-skilled workers will be needed.
Sign-up sheets are in the foyer on Sundays. Please add your name!
Connect Up Hike, 12/28
Meet Saturday, Dec. 28 at 9:45 am at the Peavy Arboretum parking lot (upon entering the Arboretum, follow the signs for “Arboretum Parking,” staying to the left, then turning right, going past the lodge and on to the large parking lot). We’ll start hiking at 10:00 am. This will be a loop trail with different ability options. Join us for all or part of the journey. We’ll be taking the Forest Discovery Trail, then the connector to Cronemiller Lake, then FR 540 to the Calloway Creek trail and Intensive Management trail back to the parking lot. This is an easy to moderate hike of about 4 miles with about 300 ft. elevation gain. Dress for the weather, bring water, shoes with traction, poles if you like, but NO DOGS PLEASE.
Death with Dignity & Advanced Directives, 1/15
Death with Dignity (“Medical Aid in Dying”) discussion with Dr. David Grube: components of the law, the process, barriers to access, medical ethics, and other issues faced by terminally ill adult patients interested in ending their suffering. Presented by the UUFC Aging Successfully in Community team in partnership with Lumina Hospice and Palliative Care.
“Stories of Christmas” 12/22/24
From the first story – the birth story – have come millennia of stories about the origins of Christmas, the meanings of Christmas, the challenges and questions and problems with Christmas. Of Christmases past and remembered, of Christmases better forgotten.
To be human is to tell stories. What are the stories we can tell about Christmas today? In this service we’ll also welcome new members to the Fellowship, and share in the dedication of children.
With Rev. Jill McAllister
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, Tuesday, 12/24/24
5:30 PM, Family-Centered Service – A re-telling of the birth story, with songs and candles.
9 PM, A quiet service of readings, carols, anthems and candles.
UUA President Holiday Greetings and Good Wishes
A note of gratitude and good wishes from UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt.
Watch here, and look for some Fellowship folks in the photos!
Fellowship Job Posting: Communication Coordinator
We’re looking for a point-person for Fellowship communication, at 10/hours per week. The job includes editing Weekly Announcements and Monthly Journals, coordinating website content updates and event publicity, and interfacing with members’ and friends’ communication questions and needs. Skills needed include proficiency with Canva, Excel, and Breeze, Google docs and forms, strong writing and editing skills, strong interpersonal skills.
For more information and how to apply contact Rev. Jill McAllister, minister@uucorvallis.org.
Winter Solstice Service, 12/20
7 PM in the Sanctuary, 12/20
Join us for an evening service of readings, music, candles and silence, in observation of the Winter Solstice.
Join on Zoom with the usual service link.
Help Plant Trees, 1/18
On Sat 18 Jan, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon, in the fourth year of our collaboration with the Corvallis Urban Forestry Program, we will plant eight trees along Avery Park Drive, and we need your help.
Thank you. Questions: treasurer@uucorvallis.org
LEGATO, 2nd Wednesday of Each Month
LEGATO: a monthly potluck where foods harmonize in a smooth and flowing manner to create a satisfying dinner.
Come join members of the choir and band at 5:00 on the 2nd Wednesday of each month and let’s enjoy a meal of laughter, goodwill, and perhaps song! Bring a dish to share (please identify all ingredients) and note the event ends at 6:30 as rehearsal begins at 7:00.
This is a Connect Up Event with the purpose of building community within the UUFC congregation.