weekly announcements

Shared living situation in Corvallis for single elder man with leadership experience in men’s work and interests in cooking, swimming at Timberhill, inner-listening piano, Jewish Renewal, and applied Aikido practices for centered presence under pressure. Call Izzy at (707) 494-6993, email Jerry@GreenerMediations.net or visit www.GreenerMediations.net

This is a time-sensitive request. Willing to accept temporary housing offer while looking for a more permanent residence.

Saturday, February 10, 9:30 – 10:30 AM

(optional Evacuation Drill and hands-on fire-extinguisher training starting ~ 10:30 AM )

The UUFC has improved and expanded its Disaster Response Plan for Evacuation and other emergencies. Our goal is to train all leaders in the basics of the Emergency Response system so they can become one of the three volunteers needed to safely manage an evacuation from the building anytime. All leaders will receive a copy of the most current 2024 Evacuation Plan. Leaders – please plan to attend the Disaster Response Training Session.

This training is strongly recommended for all House Managers, Sunday Worship Production Team members, Lobby and Kitchen managers, UUFC staff, and Board of Directors.

All other interested persons are invited and encouraged to attend! Questions? wolfdengler1@gmail.com . 541 740-7664

After serving in the UUFC’s Religious Exploration department for seven years, RE Associate Rachel Kohler is simultaneously thrilled and devastated to have been offered a full-time job at the Majestic Theatre as their new Recreation Coordinator of Cultural Arts and Community Engagement. Although she will gradually begin to transition away from her staff duties at the Fellowship in January,  she’s not actually leaving; the UUFC community is much too dear to her to not continue to be involved in some capacity. She is, however, deeply grateful to have had the privilege of serving such a wonderful community of people for so many years in her role as a staff member.

This month our board meeting was held on Tuesday, 12/19. Highlights of this meeting:

• The board reviewed  proposed additions to the bylaws to include the Committee on Ministry. This committee has been active at the Fellowship for 10 years: a bylaw change will clarify its role as central to the priorities of the Board and congregation.  
• Approved an increase in hours for the RE Director to better reflect the needs of a growing RE program, thanks to the excellent work of our DRE Skyla King-Christisen. 
• Formed a subcommittee to design a review process for several ongoing priority commitments of the Board and congregation, including anti-racism work, responses to the climate crisis, and being an official Welcoming Congregation.
• Made minor changes to the UUFC Board Policies to clarify outdated language.
• Heard a proposal from the Grounds Stewards Team to relocate and replace the garden shed as a step in transforming the area between the Ampinefu (social hall) patio and the north lawn from “back of business”, haphazard storage to beautiful sacred space.

You are invited to join Antiracism Learning Circles this winter and spring. It’s on zoom, so you can join from anywhere!  First Unitarian in Portland, OR is the organizer, and we are eager to include participation from all faiths and allies everywhere.  We hope you can join us and that you’ll help spread the word.

Full descriptions, schedules & registration information are HERE.

This winter & spring 2024 we are offering:

• Seeing White –  the real history of the US, the one none of us were taught in school. This is where to start your journey! (podcast series) 
• The Land That Has Never Been Yet – an examination of whether we have ever had a real democracy (podcast series)
• The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story – edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones – a profoundly reveling vision of American past and present
• Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication – by Oren J. Sofer
• The Conspiracy to End America: Five Ways My Old Party is Driving Our Democracy to Autocracy – by Stuart Stevens
• My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Mending of our Bodies and Hearts – by Resmaa Menakem
• The Sum Of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together – by Heather MaGhee
• Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law – by Leah Rothstein & Richard Rothstein
• Shielded: How The Police Became Untouchable – by Joanna Schwartz
• (Additional offerings will be added to the link above as they become availalbe.)

LEARNING CIRCLES are small discussion cohorts based on a book or podcast that provide:

• Important learning about white supremacy, racism, and our national history
• The opportunity to build trust and go deep in small group discussions over time
• A safe place to have difficult discussions and deal with discomfort
• An opportunity to create and strengthen relationships with others
• Connection, focus and purpose in a virtual setting

How Do LEARNING CIRCLES Work?

• Each cohort (typically 4-12) gathers for a series (from 4-10 sessions) of facilitated Zoom discussions.
• Register for a particular Learning Circle.  Meeting dates & times vary.
• Each individual is given the opportunity to share reactions, then discuss as a group
• We ask that you plan to attend all sessions so we can build bonds of trust and insight

For questions contact Jody Feldman @ feldmanjody@gmail.com