Celebration of Life for Owen Bentley, 3/23

We send love and good wishes to the family of Owen Bentley, a long-time Fellowship member, who died on March 5 in Portland. A Celebration of Life for Owen will be held at the Fellowship on Saturday March 23. And we send love and good wishes to the Spain family, on the death of Joyce Spain on February 28. A gathering in honor and memory of Joyce will take place later in the Spring or Summer.

To help with the reception following Owen Bentley’s Celebration of Life on March 23, please contact Sandy Piper. Needed are volunteers to bring finger foods and to set-up and or clean up.

Stewardship Town Halls in April – Please Join Us!

April will be Stewardship Season at the Fellowship. “Stewardship” is a word for the shared effort of nurturing and sustaining this amazing and needed UU congregation. It’s the time of year when we review our commitments and make new pledges of support – in terms of time, talent and treasure – for the next year. It’s a time for conversation, for sharing what the Fellowship means in our lives, for working together to improve the ways we work together!

Several Town Halls are planned, with refreshments or supper and childcare provided. Note – these dates are slightly different from those published last week – this is the updated schedule:
Monday April 1 (for newest members) 7 PM – with wine, cheese and charcuterie
Tuesday April 2 – Zoom Town Hall (bring your own treats?)
Thursday April 4 – 6 PM – with Indian Buffet supper
Sunday April 7, after the Sunday service – with light lunch TBD

Please plan now to attend at least one of these gatherings. Sign up forms will be available soon. The Pledge Drive will begin with a special Sunday service on April 7. The town halls will also include discussions of proposed bylaw changes (from the Board) at the Annual Meeting on May 19. All Fellowship members are responsible for helping to make those changes.

Sunday March 10, 2024 “Who Killed Caesar?” Jacob King

Our world is increasingly becoming despotic. War, violence, and oppression is rampant; and the human condition continues to justify denying others agency. It is fitting then during the ‘Ides of March’ to analyze how people of faith can respond during times of such ‘Caesarism.’ As Shakespearean wisdom states: “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.”

Jacob King (He/Him) is a UU Candidate for Ministry and longtime friend of the UUFC. He started his ministry journey five years ago after witnessing UU’s engaging in Social Justice activities. Jacob identifies as neurodivergent and bisexual. Jacob is married to his partner Karmen and lives in Albany NY with her, three cats, and a dog.

*A note on readings from last Sunday: folks have asked for information about the article mentioned in the sermon last week, a conversation between Rabbi Nathan DeGroot and Philospher/Theologian Bayo Akomlafe. Here is a link to the article: An Invitation to Shapeshift: A Talmudo-Poetic Conversation on Post-Activism with Báyò Akómoláfé 

EDI Read and Discuss Event, 4/8

EDI, The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Team invites you to join us as we explore Evicted, by Matt Desmond. This compelling book examines the impact of eviction and poverty in general. Book Discussion 7-8:30 PM, Monday, April 8th. Contact Elona Meyer for more information and the Zoom link.

The Sprout Film Festival, 3/29

The Sprout Film Festival is a do-not-miss opportunity. The festival focuses on films that “celebrate the diverse lives and creativity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” It “strives to challenge assumptions and break down stereotypes”—something we all hope to support whenever we can. The festival is Friday, March 29th, with a choice to two times, 3 PM or 7 PM. If you are interested in joining us for a “Watch and Discuss” event, please contact Elona Meyer for more details.

UUFC Lawn Mowing Team Members Needed

Your UUFC lawn mowing team needs several new team members. We have a state-of-the-art set of electric lawn mowers and associated lawn trimmers and blowers. While mowing takes time (1-2 hours; once per month on your own schedule), it is a pleasant workout experience (1.5 to 2 mi of walking). The UUFC lawns are divided into front and back sections. We are in need of back section mowers.

If you have interest, please email Russ Karow and we can arrange to talk further about this opportunity to be a member of the UUFC’s volunteer corp. Thanks for your consideration!

UUFC Invests in OSU Beth Ray Center Solar Project

In late February, 2024 your Finance Oversight Council (FOC) Investment Team partnered with Oregon Clean Power Cooperative to invest in the OSU Beth Ray Center project.

We invested $18,000 in a 2 year loan for this project, which is structured similar to an earlier investment that we made with OCPC for the Shakespeare Festival.

The Investment Team encourages solicitations from Councils and Teams with proposals for financially prudent investments. Please reach out to treasurer@uucorvallis.org to start a dialogue.

Action Lunch 3/10

Delicious teriyaki lunch, salmon and tofu options available. After the service on March 10. Takeout is also available. $10 donation, proceeds support our asylum seeking families from El Salvador. Brought to you by the Immigrant and Refugee Support Team.

Contact Nancy Kyle

ConnectUp Hike, 3/30

We will do a 4 mile hike including part of Section 36 Loop Trail in MacDonald Forest. This trail section often has very early wild flowers. The full walk involves about 400′ of climb and descent and is about 2/3 on gravel road.

Contact Jim Wagner for more information.