The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis
Dear Congregation:
When the world is feeling unstable, it can be good to focus on what we are connected to as a whole. I am motivated by the many endeavors that our Fellowship contributes to on a national level through the Unitarian Universalist Association. Here is a “State of the Union” report.
https://www.uua.org/pressroom/ingoodfaith/state-association-key-themes
After you read or watch it, I will be curious to hear from you what moves and motivates you!
With care,
Alex
As you are likely aware, our 2026 Stewardship Drive is underway. As of Friday, April 10, 86 members and friends have made pledges totaling $191,000. These numbers are comparable to last year’s drive at this same time. The dollar amount is 38% of our anticipated pledge need of $500,000.
Sunday, April 12 will be the beginning of the third week of the drive. Sunday, April 19 will be the “soft close” to the drive. After April 19, your stewardship team will reach out on an individual basis to all members from whom we have not yet heard as well as friends who have contributed in the past but not made a commitment in this drive.
As stated before, our goal is to have all members and friends complete a stewardship form, even if they are unable to make a dollar or time commitment in the coming year.
Click here to go to the stewardship online form. Click here to learn more about the stewardship drive and to access a frequently asked questions (FAQ) website. Paper copies of the stewardship form are also available in the foyer outside our fellowship hall. An email to Stephanie Haines (our office/business manager) at businessmgr@uucorvallis.org that includes your name, dollar amount you would like to pledge, and your plan for method of payment can also get you into the system.
Please act now. Opportunities await. Open yourself to them!
Join us for Dance Planet on Saturday, April 18 at 7 PM. We’ll come together to celebrate Earth Week at the Fellowship.
At 7 PM sharp beloved pianist Lauren Servias returns to provide 30 minutes of gorgeous opening warmup music. When she’s played for us in the past we’ve had people come just to hear her heart-opening music. I’ll be providing some light percussion during part of her set before we transition into an hour of DJed global grooves (with an Earth Week flavor) for dancing, moving, or just listening. We’ll wind down to a peaceful closing at 8:30 PM.
Admission to this family-friendly event is a suggested donation of $5 – $20. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to local environmental organizations.
Please help us spread the word and bring your friends so we can move together and raise lots of funds for our planet.
Free childcare can usually be arranged for any Fellowship event by using this link 1-2 weeks prior to the event.
Please join in celebrating members and friends with April, May, and June birthdays after service this Sunday. There will be cake in the Social Hall.
If you’ve been thinking about becoming a member, now is the time.
Our Annual Meeting is coming up soon on May 17th, and signing the membership book allows you to vote on important decisions that shape the life of this congregation. There’s still time to complete the required Inquirers Series sessions:
We would love to welcome you into membership before the meeting. If that’s been on your heart, this is your moment.
Please contact Skyla King-Christison (dre@uucorvallis.org) for questions about the Inquirer Series and Joyce Standing (membership@uucorvallis.org) for questions about signing the Membership Book.
When we work hard to make this world more just, but seem to face betrayal and despair instead, what can we do? Alex will bring lessons from Unitarian and Universalist forebears as well as current activist theologians. Renewed inner spirituality, sharing our lessons, and resting may surprise us on our way.
Rev. Alexandra McGee will preach. Special guest musician Nancy Snowden will play cello.
How was the Community Music Circle last week? It was great!
We had about 25-30 people attending, several who brought instruments. We sang all of your favorite UU hymns–some that you haven’t heard in a while. You can read more about it in this month’s Monthly Journal.
The next Community Music Circle is scheduled for May the 4th. You are invited to bring a song from childhood to teach to the group! More details coming in the Weekly Announcements.
Open to all ages and all levels of musical ability! Bring voices and instruments if you have them.
Folk singer and songwriter David Roth will be offering a concert at the UU Congregation of Salem on April 15 at 7 PM. Rev. Monica has invited UUs from the region (like us!) to attend. Here’s the link to the announcement on the UU Salem website for a little more info and the option to purchase tickets: https://uusalem.org/2026/03/13/david-roth-at-uucs-april-15/.
Our April Justice Outreach offering will support the Community Services Consortium Weatherization Program. The program targets lower income housing for basic energy efficiency repairs and upgrades. These involve energy assessments, insulation, weather stripping, ducts, furnace safety, and more, in a planned, organized process by local workers. This is free for qualified residents of Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties. The program relies heavily on Federal funding which has become more difficult, while the waitlist for program services lengthens. Your donations will allow more local households to be served and help those with sub-marginal incomes to save on energy costs. For more information, visit https://communityservices.us/weatherization/.
Each month, the Fellowship gathers donations for a certain charitable cause. These are our Outreach Offerings. You can contribute to this month’s offering in a few ways:
The Kitchen team donates an assortment of sweet and savory refreshments, including gluten-free and vegan choices, for our enjoyment at the social hour following Sunday worship. These items are purchased and prepared by the team to encourage donations to the Outreach Offering. Collection baskets are always found at the ends of the refreshments table. The next time you’re eyeing something tasty on the table, consider putting a donation in the basket first to show how much you appreciate having that treat ready and waiting for you!