david

From the Minister

by

On any given day, in the middle of a usual week, especially when we’re frustrated or afraid, or sad or bored, or just tired, it’s easy to think “why bother?” Why take the time and make the space for practice – to pause, to pray, to be present, to give thanks? From ancient times this has been a human dilemma, this tendency to ignore, give up, by-pass or simply lose the needed motivation and discipline. The mind can justify almost anything.

And, every now and then, if we are lucky or paying attention (sometimes both are needed), an opening arises in our lives which offers new ways of seeing and understanding ourselves and the world. Every now and then, we are called by truth to come a little further on our way. Practice is not a guarantee, but there’s no question that it makes opening and insight possible. ‘Who Am I in relation to myself, others and the world?’ is mostly empty rhetoric and speculation without practice.

Wherever you are, pause to breathe in – gently and deep. Exhale as much tension as you can. Exhale sadness. Breathe into your frustration, and tiredness– let them know that you recognize them – exhale gently without judgement. Breathe in to your worries and help them ease as you exhale. For all that is present in you and with you, with your hands together over your heart, offer the prayer of compassion: “May you be free from fear, may you be safe, may you be happy. May you be healthy and whole, may you be at ease and know peace.” Then offer the prayer for others as well.

Amidst everything – the beautiful and the heart-wrenching – breathe the breath of life and give thanks for the journey. Give thanks for your practice and another day given, and begin again, in love.

Sending love to you all – Jill

“Small Acts of Democracy” 9/13/24

by

Our religious tradition set out on a unique path several hundred years ago by beginning to incorporate democratic principles. If, as according to a description of UUism from several generations ago, “our method is our message,” then what do those democratic principles look like and mean for us now, especially in these times of danger? To begin with, this is far more than merely voting. Rev. Jill McAllister

Don’t forget Roy Zimmerman in concert, 7 PM tonight at the Fellowship — songs of encouragement and hope! $25 online or at the door. Come at 6:30 for refreshments and libations before the concert.

“One Night, Just Write”, 10/1 and 10/15

by

Want an easy way to get involved with election activism? We have the snacks, paper, pens, envelopes, stamps, and names and addresses of swing state voters who don’t always get to the polls. All that’s needed from you is writing your non-partisan answer to the prompt, “I vote because…”

Tuesday, October 1st and 15th at 6:30 in room 6

Daily Practice – A Weekly Reminder

by

One of my teachers says, in many different ways, that spiritual growth, or becoming wise, is a process of discovering, at your core, a story that can hold all the other stories. A foundation that makes room for everything that comes your way, for everything that is. In that place, that story, vulnerability and courage are the same thing. Courage is not simply the energy or power to defend our expectations or habits or “knowledge.” Courage is the ability to keep the doors of our minds and hearts open, to change direction, to leave things behind and keep moving, even – or especially – if we are mourning as we go.

“What would it be like to wake into our bodies, our relationships and our work as if seeing them for the first time?”, the teacher asks. Yesterday there was sorrow and joy; today there is sorrow and joy – but today we are not the same as we were yesterday. Nothing is the same.

This is a good daily practice – to find ways and time to open ourselves and our stories to the way things truly are. To be willing to be lived by pain and sorrow and fear in all the ways we are willing to be lived by happiness and love and joy. To move as life moves, in us and around us.

Phasing Out Zoom for Small Group Meetings at the Fellowship, 12/1

by

Beginning December 1st, the UUFC Zoom account will no longer be used for most online Fellowship meetings. We will continue to use it for Sunday services and a few other meetings,  while groups that hold remote meetings will be asked to switch to Google Meets or some other platform, or use personal Zoom accounts. This decision was made for a variety of reasons:

1. It will save us money

2. We can run multiple online meetings at once, which wasn’t possible with our Zoom account.

3. Google Meet has end-to-end encryption for meetings, making it even more secure than Zoom.

4. Groups can schedule and manage their own meetings at a time that works for them without going through the calendar process.

Did you know you can also create your own free Google Meet meetings using your personal Gmail account?

Women’s Retreat, 10/18 and 10/19

by

SAVE THE DATE! UUFC Women’s Retreat October 17-18 at the UUFC. Theme: Right Here, Right Now: Peace through Practice. We’ll gather to strengthen our center, strengthen our connections, strengthen our community. Volunteers, suggestions, and questions are welcome at womensretreat@uucorvallis.org. Team facilitators are Heather Thomas, Kimi Mayo, and Priscilla Galasso

Roy Zimmerman Concert, 10/13

by

Join us on SUNDAY EVENING, Oct. 13, 7 PM at the UUFC to welcome singer /songwriter Roy Zimmerman back to Corvallis and the Fellowship. Especially in these pre-election weeks, we need his wit and wisdom to strengthen and encourage us.

Buy Tickets Now

 
~Roy Zimmerman writes funny, socially conscious songs. He’s sung these songs on stages, screens and airwaves for over thirty years, bringing laughter and encouragement to progressive-minded people across the nation.
~Roy’s songs, at turns heartfelt and hilarious, turn our hearts, minds and ears toward the social justice battles yet to be won. His motto: “Sing. Laugh. Defend Democracy.”
~He’s putting the finishing touches on a new album – his 11th as a solo artist. ROADMAP is a collection of classic social justice songs re-imagined for this fraught moment in our history.
~“He simultaneously inspires me and makes me laugh my ass off,” said Paul Krassner.
~”Roy’s lyrics move beyond poetry and achieve perfection,” said Joni Mitchell.

UUFC Holiday Fair, 12/7

by

Get ready for a wonderful time at our annual UUFC HOLIDAY FAIR! Tell all your friends and neighbors. You don’t want to miss this. On Saturday, December 7 from 9:00 to 3:00, you’ll be able to buy:

* Beautiful handmade arts and crafts for yourself or as presents for others

* Tasty baked goods donated by UUFC bakers

* Lovely greenery swags and table centerpieces

* And, until they sell out, coffee, tea, snacks, and a light lunch