The world’s problems are local as much as global. Members of our Secure Housing and Food For All team work locally on issues of food, shelter and housing, right here and right now. They’ll help us welcome our speaker — Fellowship member Andrea Myhre who is the Executive Director of Corvallis Housing First. Andrea has helped change the landscape in Corvallis around with regard to homelessness, and she has much to share with us.
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Imagine Peace — What might peace look like in 2050? 7/24
July 24th at 4:30 in the Social Hall
Can you think of a perplexing issue for you in 2024 — social, political, cultural, religious? For all our issues, we will work together to figure out what changes they might undergo from now to 2050 and how we could contribute to changes toward a better world.
UUFC Men’s Retreat, 10/25-27
The 20th Annual UUFC Men’s Retreat will be held this year from Friday, October 25 (5 PM) through Sunday, October 27 (1 PM). Details and registration will be available soon. The Men’s Retreat is an opportunity for those who identify as men to get to know other men at UUFC, give yourself a respite from the daily routines, and enjoy time for personal reflection. We’ll be at the Menucha Retreat Center overlooking the Columbia Gorge in Corbett (https://menucha.org). Through large and small groups, singing, time in nature, and play time in the evening, we’ll connect with one another in deep and meaningful ways.
Our theme this year is: Building Authentic Connections
Releasing shame and self-criticism.
Being more emotionally present with others.
Exercises in integrity and relationship.
Enjoying one another and being courageously playful.
Mark your calendar now. Registration will be open soon! Questions? Contact Alan Kirk (alan.r.kirk@gmail.com), Nick Houtman (houtman58@gmail.com), Jeff Martin (jeff.labrador@comcast.net), JF Benoist (jfb@jfbenoist.com).
Between Us , 7/21/24
I’m thinking about brave persons throughout history – people who have risked everything, including their lives, for their commitments to freedom and reason, to democracy and human rights, to peace and justice. The excesses of empires and the fall of empires are not new in human history. I remind myself of this when I find myself gob-smacked, once again, to be witnessing such unbelievable events as those in our country in the past week. It feels like another world. If we are indeed seekers of truth, as we say we are, then this is no time to turn away, even if it feels like there’s nowhere to turn. There is more to learn – there always is.
I’ve been thinking and talking with others about what it might look like to “prepare” ourselves for the election season and its aftermath. I’m making no predictions – whatever the results, I think we’ll be in for challenges. In August, I’m hoping to begin discussions with as many of you as are interested about what we can do to prepare – at least to help each other.
Also in August we’ll begin a process of planning for the Fellowship — a visioning and prioritizing process, beginning with our grounds and buildings. Conversations around climate change, trees, energy use, the sustainability of the Fellowship as a community resource and more have led to a need for such a process, which will aim to help us prepare a 3-5 year comprehensive plan. If you are interested in this project – focusing first on our buildings and grounds – please plan now to join in one of two gatherings to share ideas – on either August 24, 9 – 11 AM or on September 14, 9-11 AM.
“Living In End Times” 7/28/24
Rev. Jen Youngsun Ryu Minister, UU Church in Eugene From Christian fundamentalist to climate scientists, people around the world believe that we are living in the end times. But isn’t the world always ending? Don’t we live between the end of one thing and the beginning of another?
Pulpit exchanges between ministers and congregations are a long-time tradition in UUism. This week we welcome Rev. Jennifer Youngsun Ryu, minister of the UU Church in Eugene, OR, to the Fellowship, while Rev. Jill McAllister will be traveling to the Eugene congregation. Rev. Jen was born in Seoul, grew up in Toledo, became a UU in Baltimore, and went to seminary in Berkeley. She has served congregations in Virginia and Oregon and is a also a certified hospital chaplain.
South Corvallis Food Bank Needs Summer Help
South Corvallis Food Bank Needs Volunteers Would you like to give back to your community? The South Corvallis Food Bank is having its usual summer shortage of volunteers Need is four sessions each week where volunteers host clients, explain the limits and help them select their food as they shop.
These shifts are:
Monday/Wednesday at 12:15 PM to 3:15 PM
Thursday 4:15 PM to 7:15 PM
Saturday 9:15 AM to 12:15 PM
When you sign up for a shift, please treat it as a commitment. We need to be sure we have enough people present each time.
You can sign up for July shifts at Stone Soup website. Please sign up as host, check-in requires more experience. A brief training at the beginning of each shift for the tasks required for that shift. In practice often means a brief explanation followed by the new volunteer shadowing an experienced volunteer.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, it’s too easy to drop a can on your toes while working.
UUFC Family Camping, 9/5 to 9/8
Come and join in fun and fellowship while camping at Cascadia State Park. Group Site ‘B’ has been reserved with a limit of 25 campers. Plans include group meals on Friday and Saturday evening, time for hiking, exploring, building community, and much more. Bring your own tent, personal gear, and food. Parking is very limited (6 cars and 2 RVs – no hook-ups) so carpools are encouraged. Come out for all or part of the event.
The registration fee will be determined by the number of participants and as such will be determined closer to the event. Efforts are being made to keep the fee under $25 per person* (for the whole weekend!) and a family with children rate will apply.
Mini Film Festival, 7/21
“Making the Invisible Visible.” What are the challenges and gifts that often go unnoticed for those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or divergence? You are invited to come and see for yourself. You’ll be glad you did! We hope you’ll grab your favorite beverage from the social hall and join us Sunday July 21, in the Sanctuary for 3 short, outstanding “Sprout” documentaries. You’ll laugh, cry, and be inspired by stories filled with courage, humor, love, romance, and compassion.
Brought to you by a collaboration of The Arc of Benton County and UUFC justice teams: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), Climate Action (CAT), and Secure Food and Housing for All (SF&H). Questions? Contact elonameyer@icloud.com
DEMOCRACY ACTION TEAM – Let’s Meet and Chat, 7/14
CASUAL GATHERING! – 7/14 after Sunday Service Come join us in the Sanctuary Gallery at 11:45 to:
• meet Democracy Action Team coordinators and anyone interested in our work
• hear what we’re doing in the run-up to the 2024 election in November
• join us to write letters and put stamps on them
• and just to chat about what we can do to strengthen our Democracy.
Thanks to all of you who have contributed to the UUFC Stamp Fund. You have donated enough to pay for 15,000 stamps!!! You have enabled people to be free to write without worry about postage. We wrote over 20,000 letters to prospective voters in swing states in both 2020 and 2022 and we’ve been writing since March for 2024.
Tuna Roast & Picnic, 9/2
Looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend Labor Day? Join us for our annual tuna roast and picnic in the park! Plan to bring along your own plate, utensils, and drink ware, and a dish to share with others. Seating is limited so camping chairs are also encouraged. Marinated, grilled, fresh tuna and corn on the cob will be provided. Volunteers will be needed to help and a link to sign up will be provided soon. Contact Rich Brainerd with questions.