Rev. Alex McGee, serving in role of Interim Minister
The Universalist minister, author, and seminary president Gordon McKeeman used to remind those of us who knew him that we might as well learn to get along together now here on Earth, since we are going to be together in heaven.
I used to think he meant that metaphorically. But, the last time I saw him, when he was getting ready to move away to live with his adult kids in his elder years, he said to me: “I look forward to seeing you.” I replied with confusion and curiosity: “Oh, are you coming back to visit Charlottesville? I’ll be moving away, too.” He replied with a sparkle in his eye: “No, but I’ll be seeing you.” It took my breath away for a moment, and then I smiled quietly with him. And he smiled back.
Indeed, this life-long journey of learning to get along is a true human pilgrimage. What higher calling can there be? I think that you as a congregation have many rich opportunities in the coming year to grow together into what it means to live into conflict and repair together. So many of you have told me of the beloved community you find here and how you hope to be your best selves together. But what does that look like? I encourage you to ask a fellow member what it looks like to them.
At this moment in September, 2026, here at the UU Fellowship of Corvallis, I see so much richness: a brilliantly designed Religious Exploration program; an eager new membership team; a strong and responsive Facilities Council; organized and caring planning teams for the Mens and Womens Retreats; a smart, centered, and grounded Search Committee; a steady Sunday morning Kitchen Ministry, and so much more.
At the same time, I hear so much pain as people grieve the loss of David and Lauren Servias in the role of Music Director and Pianist. I hear confusion about what messaging has gone out through formal and informal channels. I hear questions about what can be known and not known. I apologized during the Sunday service on August 23 for my August 17 letter, in which I did not fully honor the deep sense of family that you all have experienced here and for the timing of the choir’s start. They announced their departure during worship on August 16, before I had responded to them about their resignation letters. I accepted their resignations for the date they gave on Sept 30, and I set their final work day for August 30, to align with the start of a new church year. Beyond this information, I am bound by respect and legality to not discuss details of personnel matters.
Looking ahead, Steven Evans-Renteria will be with us each Sunday morning — twice a month leading the choir, other Sundays engaging the congregation and sharing his vocal gifts in other ways. We will have guest pianists in the coming weeks, until an interim pianist is hired.
In times of uncertainty, human nature often grasps for things that are familiar. Yet, ancient wisdom tells us that a soft hold allows for new creativity. That is why I encouraged the congregation to try a “soft hands” meditation a few weeks ago. This is not a substitute for grief. Grief has its own place. Hence, the messy swirl of change involves looking back and looking forward at the same time.
But, how to stay centered in the midst of all of this? How to regulate one’s own emotions, so that one can access reason, and then move to resolving things? Last Sunday, Rev. Leslie read from the Tao Te Ching about the mind needing time to settle, like mud settling and clearing. In the Time for All Ages last week, I rang a bell for the kids and invited them to notice how long they could hear the sound — this calls a person to the present moment. In the sermon, I described the yogic tool of using 12 fingerpads to count 12 breaths. Peacemakers need a tool kit for cultivating calm — what is in yours? Peace and calm are not the absence of action, but a precursor to effective response.
I have had many meaningful conversations with individuals or small groups in the past few weeks in which we grappled with questions such as: Distinguishing between intent and impact. Distinguishing between asking for accountability or making accusations. Distinguishing between secrecy and confidentiality. Balancing a sense of family with the needs of an institution. These nuances are alive in many areas of the Fellowship and I encourage you to find wise moments to explore these with others.
You as a congregation need to give clear messages to the Search Committee about who you are and what you are growing toward, so that they can explain your identity clearly to candidates, so those candidates can make sound choices about whether they are a good fit. Please see the wonderful article in this Journal about the Search Committee’s service to you.
With care,
Rev. Alex McGee
Rev. Alex can be reached at rev.alex.mcgee@uucorvallis.org and you can learn more about her hours and contact info here.
