In August we’ll begin a process of planning for the Fellowship — a visioning and prioritizing process, beginning with our grounds and buildings. Conversations around climate change, trees, energy use, building expansion and upkeep, the sustainability of the Fellowship as a community resource and more have led to a need for such a process, which will aim to help us prepare a 3-5 year comprehensive plan. If you are interested in this project – focusing first on our buildings and grounds – please plan now to join in one of two gatherings to share ideas – on either August 24, 9 – 11 AM or on September 14, 9-11 AM.
weekly announcements
Between Us, 7/28/24
Are you interested in stories about the Fellowship? About who first gathered, who built our buildings, how RE and justice work and music have been part of this congregation’s life? Do you ever try to imagine folks who came here before you – what brought them, what commitments they made, how they were supported in times of challenge and change? Do you know some of these stories because you are in them? Because the Fellowship has been part of your life, and you part of its life, for many years? I’m looking for a few people who’d like to help with a UUFC history project in the coming year. We have many stories to tell and to save, to pass on for those who come after us. We are making stories now, for the future.
The project may include recording oral histories, interviewing folks, writing down memories, creating a journal, and more.
Our theme for the coming year will be about past, present and future – ancestors, descendants and us. It will give us a chance to know more about our connectedness – what holds us together, what nurtures and strengthens us.
In the midst of the stories of our lives, being created every day, it may inspire us to know more about where we come from and where we aim to be going. I look forward to talking with you.
Ice Cream Social, 8/25
All ages are invited to join us for a cold treat on the Fellowship lawn on August 25th at 7 PM.
Find out what’s coming up in RE for adults, families, children, and youth in the year ahead. Meet members of the RE Council and special teams. Catch up with old friends and maybe even meet your new Fellowship bestie over a cold treat!
We’ll have gluten-free and vegan options available, as well as board games to share.
While registration at this link is not mandatory, it would be super helpful as we made purchasing decisions for this gathering!
See you there!
August Youth Event, 8/25
All Fellowship 7th-12th graders and their friends are invited to the annual youth river reunion, to collaborate as a team and connect deeply over some wild water fun. This event is the perfect time for our new youth to get to know their group and advisors for the year ahead, so we hope to see you there!
More details can be found on the event registration page. Please register by August 11th.
“Living In End Times” 7/28/24
Rev. Jen Youngsun Ryu Minister, UU Church in Eugene From Christian fundamentalist to climate scientists, people around the world believe that we are living in the end times. But isn’t the world always ending? Don’t we live between the end of one thing and the beginning of another?
Pulpit exchanges between ministers and congregations are a long-time tradition in UUism. This week we welcome Rev. Jennifer Youngsun Ryu, minister of the UU Church in Eugene, OR, to the Fellowship, while Rev. Jill McAllister will be traveling to the Eugene congregation. Rev. Jen was born in Seoul, grew up in Toledo, became a UU in Baltimore, and went to seminary in Berkeley. She has served congregations in Virginia and Oregon and is a also a certified hospital chaplain.
Beautiful Bouquet Sale, 7/28
7/28, 8/4, and 8/11
UUFC Parking Lot
Proceeds to benefit the Perla family from El Salvador. Brought to you by the Immigrant and Refugee Support Team. Sundays July 28, August 4 and 11 after the service in the parking lot.
Condolences
With sadness we share the news of the death of Fellowhip member Beany Kunis on Wednesday, July 17. We send good wishes to Melodie and the rest of Beany’s family.
And our condolences also go to Tricia Bowlby and her family on the recent death of her father, in Maryland.
UUFC Men’s Retreat, 10/25-27
The 20th Annual UUFC Men’s Retreat will be held this year from Friday, October 25 (5 PM) through Sunday, October 27 (1 PM). Details and registration will be available soon. The Men’s Retreat is an opportunity for those who identify as men to get to know other men at UUFC, give yourself a respite from the daily routines, and enjoy time for personal reflection. We’ll be at the Menucha Retreat Center overlooking the Columbia Gorge in Corbett (https://menucha.org). Through large and small groups, singing, time in nature, and play time in the evening, we’ll connect with one another in deep and meaningful ways.
Our theme this year is: Building Authentic Connections
Releasing shame and self-criticism.
Being more emotionally present with others.
Exercises in integrity and relationship.
Enjoying one another and being courageously playful.
Mark your calendar now. Registration will be open soon!
Questions? Contact Alan Kirk, Nick Houtman, Jeff Martin, or JF Benoist
Imagine Peace — What might peace look like in 2050? 7/24
July 24th at 4:30 in the Social Hall
Can you think of a perplexing issue for you in 2024 — social, political, cultural, religious? For all our issues, we will work together to figure out what changes they might undergo from now to 2050 and how we could contribute to changes toward a better world.
“Housing, Shelter, and Deservedness” 7/21/24
The world’s problems are local as much as global. Members of our Secure Housing and Food For All team work locally on issues of food, shelter and housing, right here and right now. They’ll help us welcome our speaker — Fellowship member Andrea Myhre who is the Executive Director of Corvallis Housing First. Andrea has helped change the landscape in Corvallis around with regard to homelessness, and she has much to share with us.