weekly announcements

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• Made minor changes to the UUFC Board Policies to clarify outdated language.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 

“Love you all! Light some candles for me at Christmas eve.”

A series of 9 hour-long sessions designed especially for newcomers seeking more information about UUism and the Fellowship AND open to all others who are interested. Sessions take place every Sunday at 11:45 AM Room 8. Care and Support with Sandy Piper

‘Tis the season when people plan for the upcoming holidays, look back at the year that has passed, and ponder how they can make our world a better place in the year(s) to come. And yes, also begin thinking about the upcoming tax season. If in your pondering you are thinking about making year-end gifts to the organizations you appreciate/love and the UUFC is among those, thank you!

Year-end gifts to the UUFC can be made in many ways:

• Send a check to UUFC, 2945 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis OR 97330.
• Donate online using a debit, credit or ACH bank transfer. Go to the middle of the donation page and select yearend 2023 in the first drop down menu.
• If you have appreciated stock that is burning a hole in your holiday stocking, transfer stock to the UUFC Schwab account (82873024) using DTC # 0164 Code 40 (you can use these numbers in an online transfer or your broker will know what these are used for).
• If you are of an age where you need to make required minimum distributions from your retirement accounts, you can have a check written to the UUFC or send a message to office@uucorvallis.org and ask for the flyer on how to make such transfers. If you make these distributions directly to the UUFC, they won’t count as income for tax purposes.
• Unlike NPR, OPB or an assortment of other non-profits, we have not yet accepted vehicle donations, but if this is of interest to you, send an email to office@uucorvallis.org and your inquisitive finance team will see if we can figure out how to make this happen.

We thank you for your efforts to make our world a better place for all. May you and yours have a joyous holiday season.

Your UUFC Finance Council

Sunday, December 10th, 11:45 AM in Room 9 at UUFC

Connect with other UU men, forge deeper relationships and share what’s currently moving in your life. Open to all folks who self-identify as men at UUFC. Discuss a meaningful topic in a small group.

Contact Jerry Buthman for more information.

A series of 9 hour-long sessions designed especially for newcomers seeking more information about UUism and the Fellowship AND open to all others who are interested. Sessions take place every Sunday at 11:45 AM Room 8. This week: Social Justice, Community Action & Connect Up with Karen Josephson.