weekly announcements

Free Book for Families

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With the return of the Our Whole Lives program (OWL) for middle school, conversations are bubbling up all around the Fellowship about how we were taught (or not taught) about relationships and our bodies. Most often they center on how we want to do better for the next generation than was done for us. While we do not have the volunteer power, at this time, to offer OWL for younger ages, parents of elementary aged children are not without resources.

I am pleased to share that beginning in January, we will have several offerings for parents as they navigate questions about changing bodies, relationships, and identities.

  • Free copies of It’s Perfectly Normal are available to any Fellowship family that requests one.
  • A limited supply of smaller resources like the Askable Parent pamphlet will be available in the library.
  • Beyond reading materials, now you are able to check out a set of anatomically correct dolls that are complete with pubic hair, working wombs, and other surprising details.

We want our parents to feel well supported, not just with peer groups and pastoral care, but with concrete resources that you can access as the need arises. To receive a copy of It’s Perfectly Normal, ask questions about the check out process, or share ideas about other supportive resources we should add to our library, email me at dre@uucorvallis.org or find me on a Sunday morning so we can chat.

Classroom Wing Moveout is Underway, 1/4 and 1/11

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Classrooms have been cleaned out and packed up and boxes are ready for moving. A stalwart crew has already moved furniture out of most rooms and removed doors from many rooms. The preschool’s furniture and supplies have been moved into the Social Hall and Kitchen, which we will share with them for the duration of the renovation project. Classrooms are no longer in use for meetings. The renovation project is underway!

And, what amazing timing! Last week the water heater on the mezzanine sprung a leak and had to be drained – replacing it will be worked into the project. And one of the heaters in the classroom wing broke. It seems to be time to work on everything!

Help is still needed and welcome, especially for Jan. 4 and Jan. 11, the two days on which we’ll be transferring boxes and furniture to home storage and commercial storage. If you can help, please sign up this Sunday.

Help Create a Household Lending Library

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When we lived on Bainbridge Island we were part of a HOUSEHOLD LENDING LIBRARY. For example, I currently have 24 stemless wine glasses if anyone needs to borrow them for an event. If you have any things similar such as lots of plates, cloth napkins, air mattress, Rototiller, portable crib, luggage, etc. please email me and I’ll make a spreadsheet. I will also put an announcement on our UUFC facebook page. Let’s share!

Contact Catherine W.

Book Release Party, 1/4

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Albany author and UUFC member JF Benoist, who is known for his bestseller Addicted to the Monkey Mind, is releasing the long awaited Avive la Vie; An Adventure in Belonging January 4.

The author’s release event is scheduled for 2pm at The Majestic Theater on Saturday.

Books will be autographed upon request, and JF will speak at 2:45 in the upstairs Community Room.

Benoist will show photos and share about the already expanding Avive la Vie work that focuses on creating a culture of authentic acceptance and belonging.

Refreshments, music and Benoist’s 60th birthday celebration to follow until 5pm. There will be no alcohol served or allowed at this event. Our UU family are invited to come and party!

Classroom Wing Renovation Project: MOVING OUT! 1/4

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The big moving out has begun! We are unloading the classroom wing of (just about) EVERYTHING. Help is needed on Saturday Jan. 4th (2 hour shifts from 9-3) and Saturday Jan. 11 (10-12, 1-3). In those sessions we’ll be moving boxes and furniture to the parking lot, to transport to commercial storage and private homes, and unload at those locations.

Building prep, including some demolition, will start on Friday 12/27. Both skilled and non-skilled workers will be needed.

Sign-up sheets are in the foyer on Sundays. Please add your name!

Connect Up Hike, 12/28

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Meet Saturday, Dec. 28 at 9:45 am at the Peavy Arboretum parking lot (upon entering the Arboretum, follow the signs for “Arboretum Parking,” staying to the left, then turning right, going past the lodge and on to the large parking lot). We’ll start hiking at 10:00 am. This will be a loop trail with different ability options. Join us for all or part of the journey. We’ll be taking the Forest Discovery Trail, then the connector to Cronemiller Lake, then FR 540 to the Calloway Creek trail and Intensive Management trail back to the parking lot. This is an easy to moderate hike of about 4 miles with about 300 ft. elevation gain. Dress for the weather, bring water, shoes with traction, poles if you like, but NO DOGS PLEASE.

Death with Dignity & Advanced Directives, 1/15

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3:00 – 4:30 in the Sanctuary

Death with Dignity (“Medical Aid in Dying”) discussion with Dr. David Grube: components of the law, the process, barriers to access, medical ethics, and other issues faced by terminally ill adult patients interested in ending their suffering. Presented by the UUFC Aging Successfully in Community team in partnership with Lumina Hospice and Palliative Care.

“Stories of Christmas” 12/22/24

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From the first story – the birth story – have come millennia of stories about the origins of Christmas, the meanings of Christmas, the challenges and questions and problems with Christmas. Of Christmases past and remembered, of Christmases better forgotten.
To be human is to tell stories. What are the stories we can tell about Christmas today? In this service we’ll also welcome new members to the Fellowship, and share in the dedication of children.
With Rev. Jill McAllister

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, Tuesday, 12/24/24

5:30 PM, Family-Centered Service – A re-telling of the birth story, with songs and candles.
9 PM, A quiet service of readings, carols, anthems and candles.

Fellowship Job Posting: Communication Coordinator

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We’re looking for a point-person for Fellowship communication, at 10/hours per week. The job includes editing Weekly Announcements and Monthly Journals, coordinating website content updates and event publicity, and interfacing with members’ and friends’ communication questions and needs. Skills needed include proficiency with Canva, Excel, and Breeze, Google docs and forms, strong writing and editing skills, strong interpersonal skills.

For more information and how to apply contact Rev. Jill McAllister, minister@uucorvallis.org.