weekly announcements

Interested in the Fall Men’s Retreat? Mark Your Calendar Now: October 3-5

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The annual UUFC Men’s Retreat is coming around again this fall, and two things are brand new – 1) it’s in a new location – Camp Harlow, just north of Eugene (barely an hour’s drive!); and 2) it’s earlier than in past years – October 3-5 (when the weather is often better than later in the fall). So mark your calendar now!

Our theme this year is “Sharing the Story of Your Life Journey.” We all share in the gift of life, and we each have our unique life journey. We have our story of where we were raised, the skills we developed, and the person we became. Yet we are much more than this. Our story shapes us through our challenges, successes, regrets, and lessons learned. It affects how we look at ourselves in the mirror, prepare for the day ahead, and engage in our community. Our story connects us with our deepest selves and with each other. At this year’s Men’s Retreat we will explore our stories, listen to one another, and consider what our stories teach us about ourselves, our life journey, and our connection to the wider community.

Registration information will be available in August. For more information, contact the Men’s Retreat Planning Team with this Breeze form.

Message from incoming Interim Minister Rev. Alex McGee

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Dear UUFC:

My name is Alex McGee and I am honored that the Search Team invited me to come serve as Interim Minister, starting in August. I know that this is a tender time as you say goodbye to Rev. Jill. When I arrive, I commit to journey compassionately with you as you stay true to yourselves as you look at your past, strengthen yourselves in the present, and plan for the future. I am excited about learning more about the Corvallis area. Some folks have asked me to share the website that the Search Team has seen, so I updated it a smidge, and here it is: https://www.revalexandramcgee.org/.

Peace and light,
Rev. Alex
(she/her)

UUA Common Read

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The UUFC became an official UUA Welcoming Congregation more than 3 decades ago. The Gender and Sexuality Justice Team is ready to lead UUFC in updating our status as a Welcoming Congregation that includes non-binary and transgender folks.

An important first step is for members of UUFC to read and discuss the UUA Common Read book for 2024-25 – Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and their Families. Please read the book and join a four-part discussion workshop led by Anya Ballinger and Jema Patterson. The meetings will take place from 6:30-8:00 PM in the UUFC Sanctuary on 7/15, 7/29, 8/12 and 8/26. Tell us you plan to participate by registering here: https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/a93a00

Authentic Selves, is a sweeping compilation of life stories and portraits of trans and nonbinary people, as well as their partners, parents, children, siblings, and chosen family members. This important new book was developed in collaboration with PFLAG National and Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund.

Kirtan with Shantala, 6/15

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Please join us for an evening of sacred music with Portland’s Shantala on Sunday, June 15 at 7:00 PM. Benjy and Heather Wertheimer have been leading kirtan (sacred chanting) worldwide since 2001 as the duo Shantala. They are known for their special gift of bringing the audience into a vast and loving experience through their unique blend of exquisite voices with instruments of India and the West. Together they create music with beauty, passion, and reverence. Shantala has performed and recorded internationally with such sacred music luminaries as Krishna Das, Deva Premal & Miten, and Jai Uttal. Heather and Benjy have released five beautiful and well-loved albums of sacred chant music since 2003, including Living Waters, Jaya, LIVE in love, Sri, and The Love Window. They will be joined in this tour by bansuri virtuoso Steve Gorn.

Democracy Action Team Gathering, 6/8

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The Democracy Action team is gathering in the Sanctuary on Sunday, June 8 at 11:45 AM – to re-acquaint ourselves, share what we have been doing, plan some fun gatherings this summer (which will include live music) and share positive news (yes it’s out there)! Join us if you’re interested in taking action to support democracy!

After the service, get your snacks and coffee and meet us in the Sanctuary.

Monthly Transition Talks, 6/1

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The Committee on Ministry invites all to the monthly “Transitions Talk” this Sunday. The time of ministerial transition is getting closer, and this gathering is a great place to share questions and feelings about that change. What do you need to know or understand better? How do we say goodbye – both minister and congregation members – as well as we can? What will help us stay strong and vital in our ministries during the transition time?”

June 1, 2025 at 11:45 AM in the Sanctuary.

Monthly Outreach Offerings for June

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Our June outreach offerings will once again support Flaming Chalice International, the non-profit organization founded by Rev. Fulgence Ndagijimana to support Unitarians in Burundi and Rwanda. This year our contributions will provide microloans for young entrepreneurs, supplies to make school attendance possible for young children, university scholarships, a community center for four villages, and more. The Fellowship has been part of this partnership for more than ten years. Our help makes a difference in lives of many Burundians and in the health and growth of global UUism.

Rescheduled: Gaza Today, 6/5

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At the 2024 UUA General Assembly delegates passed an Action of Immediate Witness encouraging all UU congregations to engage in witness, education, organizing and advocacy in solidarity with Palestinians. In that spirit we will host a presentation from Corvallis Palestine Solidarity on Thursday, June 5, 5:30-7:30 PM in the Sanctuary. Join us for this report and presentation from a recent volunteer solidarity trip to the West Bank. Local retired OSU Professor and community member Joe McGuire will share his experiences and journey – intellectual, emotional and physical – from Corvallis to Bethlehem, Palestine.

Deadline: Donate to UUFC Auction, 6/12

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Donate NOW for the UUFC Auction. The deadline for donations is June 12, 2025. Please donate your service, getaway, or item. We need it all to earn money for the Fellowship in our largest FUNdraiser of the year.

Click here to fill out the Donation Form

Our 2025 Auction will be in two parts. Plan to bid online and come to the live auction if you can.

Online Auction: June 16 – 23

Live In-Person Auction with Silent Auction Tables: June 28

RE Info Session 5/25

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Wondering what’s up in RE? Got some great ideas to share? Well, then you’re invited to a casual RE info session after the service on Sunday, May 25th!

If the weather holds, we’ll gather out back on the concrete benches while the kids frolic, and if its yucky… well, we’ll hang in the back corner of the social hall and speak loudly.

If you can’t make it, but you have questions or ideas, my inbox is always open or you can book an appointment with me here.

See you Sunday!

~ Skyla King-Christison, Director of Religious Exploration