weekly announcements

The interim minister search team– Rachel Houtman, Michael Molk, Laurie Reed and Sheryl Stuart– kicked off efforts on February 24, 2025. The team is excited to assemble the materials needed to inform potential candidates for interim ministry of our history, mission, current justice and outreach efforts, challenges, and what we can offer. Our goal is to submit this information through the UUA’s interim search portal on April 10, to give those in search plenty of opportunity to consider joining our shared ministry.

Here are the key dates for the interim minister search:

April 10: UUFC information complete and submitted to the transitional search portal
April 10-May 4: Applicants review our information and decide if they would like to join us
May 4: The UUFC search team receives 2-6 candidate names and begins reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, and ranking them–while the candidates do the same for us.
May 20: Candidate selection announced to the Fellowship
May 20: Contract finalized
August 1: Interim Minister begins work

If for some reason the first try goes awry, a 2nd round is available–but we are being optimistic!

The Fellowship is seeking a new Director of Finance and Operations. This is the major administrative staff position, with responsibilities for much of the day-to-day financial management, plus supervision of administrative staff, contractors and volunteers. It is a ¾ time position with benefits. If you are interested in learning more, contact Rev. Jill McAllister, minister@uucorvallis.org.

We are organizing a new support group for caregivers who are caring for people living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other types of memory impairment. No matter whether you’re caring for a spouse, family member, or other loved one, our goal is to provide a safe, confidential space to support each other. This group is only for caregivers, not care receivers.
If you would like to join a group please sign up at our table in the foyer on Sunday. Dates & times will be determined when we know how many people will join us.

For more information, contact the organizers through the Breeze form at https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/uufc_cgs.

Over the next few weeks we will be gathering feedback on the website for an update planned at the end of May. Start thinking about your experience using our website. What do you like, and what changes can you imagine? Every suggestion is valuable information. If you are new to the Fellowship, we would especially love to hear from you.

A survey will come out in the next couple of weeks, so please start gathering your thoughts!

Ticket reservations are open for this year’s Justice Theatre staged reading of George Bernard Shaw’s Major Barbara on Friday and Saturday, March 28-29, at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary. This Victorian-era play is as witty as it is timely, and it will make you laugh and wince by turns. Come out and enjoy some theatre that will make you think while supporting a good cause—this year’s proceeds will go to support the work of local nonprofit Vina Moses Center.

Tickets available. Pay what you can.

We are ready – every Sunday – on a rotating basis to be at our best, to show up on the Side of Love and to meet people where they are. Come out of your shell and join this team of uplifting and welcoming people.

Speak to anyone at the Greeters’ desk for more information.

The UUFC Partner Church team promotes international understanding, social justice, global ethics, and liberal religion through partner church relationships. To find out more and to join our growing team, please contact Heather E. via this email link. “In 1995, I bought a bumper sticker for my new car that said, “Visualize Whirled Peas.” It hit a chord with me on many levels – it was funny, I am a home economist, and it aligned with a more profound meaning.
It usually takes an event to spur one into action, to want to try to help this troubled world. I want to finally do something to help others and be a positive influence in the world – even if my efforts seem small.

This is how it begins, doesn’t it? By my being willing to send a message out into the universe? Will there ever be a moment when YOU will step forward and join others who want to help make our world a better place – or will you just visualize a blender of whirled peas?” – Heather E.

Come buy beautiful spring bulbs to brighten your days! All proceeds to benefit the Perla family as they await their asylum hearing in 2027. Suggested price $10-$20. The sale is happening in the parking lot and on the back deck after the service on March 16th. Contact Nancy Kyle of the Immigration and Refugee Support Team with questions.