As Unitarian Universalists we are each free to believe what makes sense to us, and to keep learning and changing our minds as needed. Since folks aren’t attracted to this religious way for specific beliefs or creeds (though some come specifically for the lack of such), it follows that most folks, when asked, say that they come for “community.” But what do we mean when we say that? Does it come anywhere close to the poet Joy Harjo’s definition: “the songs, stories and poems which illuminate our experience and make possible healing, wholeness, goodness, and justice, over time and generations.” Could we grow into that kind of community? Given the state of the world, can we settle for anything less?
sermon summaries
“Small Acts of Democracy” 9/13/24
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.
“Rosh Hashanah, Entitlement, and Floods” 10/6/24
Each Sunday during the pandemic lock-down, when we worshipped together online, I began each service with a short reflection on “where are we this week?” more or less. Here at the beginning of October, a few days into the Jewish observance of Rosh Hashanah, I’m beginning in a similar way. What do we need to know, what can we know, how shall we live given the currents states of affairs – floods, elections, wars, and more.
Rev. Jill McAllister
Our Justice Outreach Offerings for October will support our Partner Church in Transylvania, except for this first Sunday of the month, Oct. 6. This week our offerings will support the UUA Disaster Relief Fund, which is raising funds for communities recently ravaged by flooding.
“My Unitarianism” 9/29/25
Our visiting Partner Church minister, Rev. Katalin Szasz-Cserey has served two village congregations in Transylvania – Bozod Korispatak and Firtosmartonos – for 23 years. She also teaches religion in a Unitarian High School in a nearby city. She’ll preach from her tradition on what it means to be a Transylvanian Unitarian. Following the service, all are invited to share in the ceremonial moving of our Memorial Garden. We’ll gather around the current garden, to remember those came before us, then we’ll move some of that soil around the building to the new Memorial Garden. Rev. Szazs-Cserey will help us dedicate the new garden and the Corvallis version of a traditional Transylvanian Szekely Gate we are building there, in honor of our long congregational partnership.
“Our Transylvanian Roots” 9/22/24
‘Transylvania’ generally conjures images of werewolves and campy movies, but it’s a real and beautiful place with an incredible history, especially for Unitarians around the world. For it was in Transylvania (now part of Romania) that the concept of religious freedom made a bold and courageous entry into European Christianity, and helped inform ideas about freedom that seem obvious to us today. We welcome our partner church minister, Rev. Katalin Szasz-Cserey to Corvallis, and begin her visit by learning more about our Transylvanian roots.
“Ancestors, Descendants, and Us” 9/15/24
“Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?” These words from the 19th century French artist Paul Gaugin provide the basis for our theme for this year – “Ancestors, Descendants and Us.” The theme is an invitation to consider the most basic religious question – How Shall We Live?- from new perspectives, both together and as individuals. Join us as we begin our exploration of this invitation.
RE “Spirit Play” Sessions for Children and Youth begin today; in the service we’ll send our children and their guides off to begin their new sessions with love and gratitude.
“Joining of the Waters” 9/8/24
As the summer moves toward autumn we begin a new church year with the ‘Joining of the Waters’ ceremony.
We look to the West, the direction of autumn and water, and remember these gifts of the turning earth. In this inter-generational service, each person is invited to bring a SMALL amount of water from a place important to you, whether from your home tap or a place you have visited and loved, to add to the bowl of many waters.
With Susan Sanford.
No Sunday Service, 9/1
There will be no Sunday morning service this week, September 1, 2024. We take this small pause between summer and autumn, a chance to rest before starting a new church year.
There are two other chances to join with Fellowship folks this weekend: the Pop-Up Parking Lot Rummage Sale on Saturday August 31, 10 am – 1 PM, and the annual Tuna Roast and Potluck Picnic at Lions Shelter in Avery Park, with gathering beginning at 4 PM, tuna and the big buffet starting a 5 PM. A few volunteers are still welcome. See you there!
“Can We Be Prepared?” 8/25/24
The unexpected is completely common, and we try to prepared for a variety of possible events – earthquakes, fires, ice storms, tsunamis, power outages, births and deaths, new love and break-ups, aging and related losses, political upheaval(?) and so much more. Statistics (what might happen) and logistics (possible responses) are something, but not everything and maybe not even the most important. What does it mean to be prepared?
“A Larger View” 8/18/24
Among the many things we know (and think we know) is that we are part of a Life which is much more than our individual selves. Understanding what this means is one of the fundamental religious questions. Understanding how to live with what this means is a foundation for spiritual practice. What is involved, for each of us?
with Rev. Jill McAllister