weekly announcements

Chalice Circle Sampler Pop-up this Fall

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Want to experience what a Chalice Circle session is like? We’re trying a different format this year that will hopefully lower the barrier to make it easier for YOU to check out if joining a Chalice Circle is for you.

Chalice Circles are an opportunity to deepen your ties to others in this community. We do this by meeting on a regular basis with the same small group of people to share how we each navigate the journey of being human. This is done via thoughtfully designed “topics” that offer ideas and questions for reflection. Through authentic sharing and listening, we learn how to voice what deeply matters to us.

Never been in a chalice group? “Test the waters” by signing up for a Chalice Circle Pop-up Session offered this Fall. If you want to continue, we’ll help set up new groups that will continue through the upcoming liturgical year (through June). You’re also welcome to sign up if you’ve been in a group in the past or even if you’re already in a group! Come see what’s changed or just experience chalice with a different group of people.

Three sessions will be offered (2 hours each), and you can choose to attend 1, 2 or all 3 (different topic, different people but same format). Sign-ups are online via this Google Form (https://bit.ly/fall25chalice). The dates of each session are specified in the form.

Have more questions about chalice circles? Attend the next Inquirer Series featuring them on October 5, or read our FAQ at: https://uucorvallis.org/connection/#chalice_circle_groups.

Questions? Email: chalicecircles@uucorvallis.org

Shuttle to the “Workers Over Billionaires” Rally, 9/1

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Consider attending the “Workers Over Billionaires” protest rally on 4th street, taking place from noon to 3 PM on September 1. Just before our Tuna Roast!

Traveling to and from the protest (and parking nearby) is an obstacle for many people. To alleviate that problem some kind people at the Fellowship are offering a shuttle service to the protest. Those who would like to use this service should show up at the UUFC parking lot to get rides to and from the front of the Corvallis Library. We will be available, as needed, to pick up at half-hour intervals, leaving UUFC at 12:00, 12:30, 1:00, 1:30, and 2:00; and doing return trips from the Library at 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, and 3:00.

Another good option is to take advantage of the CTS buses if one of their routes runs close to your home. All routes start and stop from the Downtown Transit Center, which is just a block from 4th Street. Check their routes and schedules at: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cts/page/bus-routes, or plan your personal route at: https://apps.corvallisoregon.gov/cts/tripplanner.html.

For any who are interested in using the shuttle service, please contact Jack Elder by email, phone, or text, and give him your name and the times you would like get rides in both directions.

We could also use a few more volunteer drivers. With more drivers, each individual will need to drive fewer trips, and can spend more time at the protest!

Kirtan with Eugene’s Sitaram Das, 9/5

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Through chanting Sanskrit mantra, music, teachings, Q&A, and storytelling, this kirtan intends to awaken the Heart of Love. Sitaram Dass will be joined by Jeannette Kangas (tabla) and Clark Stacer (bass). Friday, September 5 at 7 PM in Room 7.

Sitaram Dass (he/him) spent several years serving his beloved teacher Ram Dass on Maui, where he was shown the path of Bhakti, the yoga of service and devotion to God. He is an author, teacher, kirtan singer, spiritual therapist, and lover of God. As the director of the Sacred Community Project, he works to lower the barriers of access to contemplative and devotional practices.

Inquirers Series Change

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The Chalice Circle session of the Inquirers Series will be offered on 8/24/2025 instead of the regularly scheduled Membership 101 session.

We encourage all Inquirers Series participants who wish to attend each session to check the Fellowship calendar for updates. Our facilitators occasionally experience calendar conflicts and swap dates with another session. These updates will always show in the primary Fellowship calendar, under the “programs and events” calendar. Thank you for your understanding!

New Foot-Operated Doorstops

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There are new doorstops on the entry doors. Use your foot to lower the doorstop in position. To release it, step on the metal tab and the doorstop pops back into the open position. No more bending to unlock the hook latch!

There are also new window blinds in the classroom wing rooms which are operated by lifting up slowly from the bottom with two hands. This stacks the blind as you open it (no cords to pull). To close these blinds, pull down gently/firmly/evenly. A plastic rod on the left can be rotated to tilt the blinds into varying degrees of light entering.

Sign Up Now! – Men’s Retreat, 10/3-5

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Time to register for the annual Men’s Retreat, this year at Camp Harlow near Eugene (only an hour’s drive from Corvallis). The retreat will be held from 5 PM Friday October 3 to 2 PM Sunday October 5. For those who identify as men, this is an opportunity to get to know each other and build connections with other men at UUFC. Our theme this year is “Sharing the Story of Your Life Journey.” Check out the flyer with details at this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f6YJIxzCbjXZdWaI45a5bDxtDZsJoCsv/view?usp=sharing

Register ONLINE at https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/mensretreatregistration2025.

More information: contact Alan Kirk.

Greeters are Lemonaders!

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Looking to increase your resilience during trying times?

OSU research suggests that cultivating a sense of openness and fun even though things may be challenging (lemonading) helps. There is no greater place to create a moment of joy than serving on the Greeter Team.

Don’t wait! Join the Greeter Team and experience the joy of providing valuable human connection to those seeking reassurance (especially newcomers).

Speak with anyone at the Greeter desk or contact the Team lead via this form for more information. Cheers!

Volunteers needed to hang art

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The art hanging team needs some additional hands for our next art installation.  The artist and his wife will also be on hand with Isabel Prusinski to hang their art on Friday, August 29 at 1 pm.  One volunteer is needed.  Ability to climb up and down a ladder is a must. This is a great opportunity to get a sneak peak at the art which will enhance our space AND talk with the presenting artist. Please contact Isabel Prusinski if you are interested.

Connect Up Hike, 8/30

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We will hike the Takena Landing lollipop trail in Albany. Meet at the UUFC parking lot at 8:30 a.m. if you would like to carpool. We’ll gather at the trailhead under the bridge at 8:45 and begin hiking at 9:00. This 3.6 mile riverside hike in North Albany has little elevation gain. There are opportunities for wading and for agate hunting and blackberry picking.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM CORVALLIS: Take Highway 20 to North Albany. When you come to the stoplight/intersection with NW North Albany Rd, turn RIGHT into Takena Landing and proceed to the parking lot under the bridge.

RSVP here