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WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sunday Service

  • This Week:

    September 7, 2025 – Gathering the Waters and Beginning a New Congregational Year

    Bring water to pour into the common bowl as you name the qualities and commitments you bring for the year ahead. We will commission the board and Interim Minister. We will offer blessings to the guides who will work with children and youth this year and the sermon will reflect on the urgency of helping the world by raising the next generation with UU values.

    The choir will be back, and Rev. Alex will preach.

Services This Month

  • September 7: Gathering the Waters and Beginning a New Congregational Year

    Bring water to pour into the common bowl as you name the qualities and commitments you bring for the year ahead.  We will commission the board and Interim Minister.  We will offer blessings to the guides who will work with children and youth this year and the sermon will reflect on the urgency of helping the world by raising the next generation with UU values.  

    Choir will be back, and Rev. Alex will preach.

    September 14:  What’s Wrong and Is It Me? 

    This sermon will be an exploration of times in life we are trying to fix something…but the best change will come from looking at a bigger picture.  Special reflections on the exciting new Mosaic curriculum this year.  

    Rev. Alex preaching.  

    September 21:  This service will be full of love and creativity, and the topic and speaker are still being arranged.

    September 28:  Balance and Loving Embrace of Imbalance.

    As the days and nights are nearly equal in length this week, we have a chance to reflect on the many meanings of balance.

    Rev. Alex preaching and the band will play.

From the Minister

  • August 31, 2025

    Hi Fellowship!

    Look at this photo of my office door in the fresh new Religious Exploration wing of the building!  How wonderful that all the effort for renovations and fix-up have borne fruit and are ready to welcome youth on September 7.  I am grateful to the crew who worked on signage so I have a bulletin board outside the door of the office I use.  Perhaps in the photo you can see it is Room 1 – right inside the doors of the RE wing, which are to the right of the parking lot door.

    Most important, this photo shows that on my door I have taped a copy of the congregational covenant.  Can you see that green piece of paper? The Fellowship covenanted to this in May 2023, and it reminds us of love, respect, listening, celebrating differences, clarifying misunderstandings, and returning to covenant.  I have it on the door of my office to remind myself and all who enter here of how we agree to relate together. 

    One of the reasons I am attracted to Interim Ministry is because it is journeying with people during times of change.  And change has so many aspects:  excitement, uncertainty, grief, creativity, exhaustion and many more feelings.  In fact, there are as many feelings as there are people reading this message.  My goal is to honor all those truths, offer compassion for the discomfort, and help you stay true to your deepest values as you navigate this time.  Please offer yourself and others spacious compassion and curiosity as this new chapter in the life of the Fellowship is unfolding. 

    In peace,

    Rev. Alex

This Week at UUFC

Announcements

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R.E. COUNCIL NEWS

Current Events

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Faith Formation Toolkit

Maybe you’ve got an awesome minister (If you’re at UUFC, you do! ☑️), and a caring Religious Exploration team (Lucky you! You’ve got that too!☑️), and excellent friends and family support (I sure hope you do! ?). Did you know that even with all that, parents and grandparents are still a child’s first and most influential spiritual guides? Yes, YOU! You’re the biggest factor in your child’s spiritual growth and development. How cool (and maybe scary) is that?

In an effort to support families as they raise faithful and spiritually grounded children, we offer you the Family Faith Formation Toolkit with you! On the 4th Sunday of each month, I’ll be adding a new tool to our toolkit below. Each tool will come with resources and practical ideas for how to explore matters of the spirit with your family, and grow in confidence as a spiritual leader. As always, if you have immediate needs relating to your family’s faith formation, I’m available to chat. Just reach out to dre@uucorvallis.org to set up a time.

  1. Discussing the G-word (answering questions about God when you’re not sure yourself)
  2. Prayer as a Family Practice
  3. Meditation with the Kiddos
  4. Service with the Family
  5. Gratitude with the Kiddos
  6. Building a Family Lectionary
  7. A Family Sabbath Plan
  8. UP NEXT: Retreat

From the DRE

  • RE Summer Newsletter

    Greetings, Families!

    We made it through another fabulous Fellowship year! 🙌 With some of your favorite RE activities on summer hiatus, you might be wondering what other opportunities are coming for children, youth, and families. Well, wonder no more!

    Grab your calendars and get ready for summer goodness you won’t want to miss!

    SUMMER EVENTS for FAMILIES

    6/8 Family Hike at Lewisburg Saddle, 1-2PM, register here

    6/23-27 Play to Your Values summer camp, 8:30 to 11:30 on the Fellowship Lawn

    6/29 Corvallis Knights Game, 5-8ish at Goss Stadium, register here

    7/6 Sunday Morning Kids’ Lemonade Stand, during and after the service

    7/13 Family Hike at Fitton Green, 1-2PM, register here

    8/3 Sunday Morning Sidewalk Chalk Values, during the service for kids Canceled

    8/10 Family Hike and Splash at Mary’s River Natural Area, 1-3PM register here

    8/16 Outdoor movie night and camping on the lawn, 9PM register here

    8/24 Ice Cream Social, 7PM on Fellowship Lawn, register here

    SUMMER EVENT for YOUTH

    8/24 Youth kickoff river float, noon to whenever, register here

    More information about our events can be found below, and info for all events  can be found at uucorvallis.org by clicking “News” in the menu bar and then selecting “RE Council” from the drop down menu.

    The second Sunday of each month, June through August, we’ll be hosting a family hike. We ask that families preregister so that we know who to wait for at the trailhead, and hikes with fewer than 2 registered families will be canceled via text.

    We’ll be starting with Lewisburg Saddle and a little visit to the spot my family calls Salamander Heaven because there are tons of salamanders to see. Then we’ll hit Fitton Green in July. We’ll wrap up the summer with a short walk followed by a splash in a bend in the river that has shallows for little humans and a deeper pool for our confident swimmers on the back side of Mary’s River Natural Area. 

    Exciting news! The youth will have a dedicated youth room in September and they’ve chosen a wild accent wall to paint themselves. We will begin painting this Sunday and continue on Sundays until the job is done. Please have youth arrive in clothes that can get paint on them.

    On the first Sunday of each month, we will have a multiage activity for the kids. In July, we’ll prepare a lemonade stand again to raise money for the charitable organization that the children vote to give to. In August, we’ll spend some time on the playground talking about our shared values and what they mean to us, and then sidewalk chalk the heck out of firwood entrance with 6 word statements about our values.

    If you’re nervous about having the kids in the sanctuary again, know that you’ll have relief on the first Sunday of each month!

    In addition to hikes and during-service activities, we have a couple of night time activities that are open to the entire congregation, and geared specifically toward families.

    On June 29th, we’ll have a ballpark night with the Knights. Buy a ticket and join us in section 2 so we can sing and cheer and eat junk together. Register for that event HERE.

    And on August 16th, we’re going to show the classic My Girl on an outdoor movie screen and you’re invited to camp on the lawn and show up to the service in your jammies the next day. Registration for the movie night with camping is HERE. You do not have to camp to come enjoy the movie!

    It’s been so much fun getting to know your children over the course of this last year. They are delightful in all the ways and it’s the biggest honor to get to spend time with them week after week and get to know their quirks and gifts. 

    Thank you for raising such amazing humans and for being committed to doing it in community!


    Before you go, some parents have requested to be contacted about RE happenings via text. Our church management software allows for that, but only once you’ve opted in. If you are interested in receiving things like this newsletter via text, please use this form to opt into that service. And please communicate with me about how it’s going if you opt in. Breeze can be a bit fussy, so this will be a new experiment. I’ll be counting on your feedback!
     
    And as always, if you’d like to stop receiving updates about Fellowship RE activities, email me and let me know.
     
    Happy June, Y’all! 

More from the DRE

JUSTICE COUNCIL NEWS

  • Shuttle to the “Workers Over Billionaires” Rally, 9/1

    Consider attending the “Workers Over Billionaires” protest rally on 4th street, taking place from noon to 3 PM on September 1. Just before our Tuna Roast! Traveling to and from the protest (and parking nearby)… full post

    Shuttle to the “Workers Over Billionaires” Rally, 9/1

  • Watch Party: One Million Rising Trainings, 8/13

    During the justice renewal earlier this year and the Democracy Action team meeting in June, many voices were raised in support of more opportunities for training. Created by the organizers of the “No Kings” protests,… full post

    Watch Party: One Million Rising Trainings, 8/13

  • Update on Needs in our Community – Secure Housing and Food For All Justice Team

    The passage of the Big Beautiful Bill has had a profound—and deeply challenging—impact on local Corvallis shelters. With funding significantly reduced, these vital organizations are struggling to meet the basic needs of those they serve.… full post

    Update on Needs in our Community – Secure Housing and Food For All Justice Team

  • Tie-dye T-Shirts for Democracy, 8/3 & 8/10

    Handmade tie-dye t-shirts made by Elaine Kahn will be available to purchase in the parking lot on August 3rd and 10th to raise funds for the Democracy Action Team’s work of letter and postcard writing… full post

    Tie-dye T-Shirts for Democracy, 8/3 & 8/10

  • Movie night: “Milk”, the story of Harvey Milk, 7/13

    Queerly Beloved July meet upSunday July 13, 2025 4:00-7:30 PM, UUFC Join the Sexuality and Gender Diversity Team for a viewing of the inspiring movie “Milk” starring Sean Penn, telling the story of gay rights… full post

    Movie night: “Milk”, the story of Harvey Milk, 7/13

  • Know Your Rights Trainings, 4/28 and 5/6

    More than ever it’s important to know what your rights are and how to keep yourself, your friends, family and neighbors safe. Join us at Westminster House, 101 NW 23rd St, on April 28 and… full post

    Know Your Rights Trainings, 4/28 and 5/6

  • Sign-Making Party, 3/30

    Sign-Making Party!Sunday, March 30, 1:30-3:00 PMWestminster House, McLean Room, 101 NW 23rd St, Corvallis. To make signs for the Hands Off Rally on April 5. We’ll make signs for the rally and for your yards… full post

    Sign-Making Party, 3/30

  • Hands Off Rally, 4/5

    Hands Off RallySaturday, April 5, at noonBenton County Courthouse120 NW 4th St., Corvallis We want our government to govern democratically so let’s make our voices heard again and again. Our message: Defy Autocracy! Defend the… full post

    Hands Off Rally, 4/5

  • Health Care Delays, Denials, & Costs – Action Not Anger, 2/26

    Come listen to a panel hosted by Mid-Valley Health Care Advocates on Wednesday, February 26, 7-8:30 PM at the Corvallis-Benton public library or online by Zoom at bit.ly/3DY0x22. Find out how we can ensure high… full post

    Health Care Delays, Denials, & Costs – Action Not Anger, 2/26

  • Queerly Beloved 5/19/24

    Sunday, May 19th in the UUFC Social Hall 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm This month, we’ll have a casual potluck and some icebreaker games, hosted by Ginny and Linda! Come and get to know your… full post

    Queerly Beloved 5/19/24

  • Film: Where Can We Live in Peace?, 5/18

    Saturday, May 18, 3:00 – 4:30 pm in the UUFC Social Hall Award-winning Canadian film maker Judy Jackson brings the moving story of the ABBA House migrant shelter in Celaya, Mexico. Founded by Pastor Ignacio… full post

    Film: Where Can We Live in Peace?, 5/18

  • Faith-based climate action this week, 3/3/2024

    Good News Climate-action Opportunities Of Note Save the Date Democracy Action Team:  > First week of March: Letters will be ready.  VoteFwd.org. > Letter Writing: Sun 10 Mar, 1:45 PM, (after the Action Lunch), UUFC… full post

    Faith-based climate action this week, 3/3/2024

  • Spring Luncheon 3/30 – Cancelled

    This event has been cancelled. The Secure Housing and Food For All team and Ernest Cardona invite you to join us for a Spring Celebration Luncheon on Saturday, March 30th , 2024 at 1:00 p.m.… full post

    Spring Luncheon 3/30 – Cancelled

  • Justice Outreach for February

    Our outreach offerings in February will support Unity Shelter, a local non-profit organization which provides emergency shelter and transitional housing, plus wrap around services for people who are without safe housing or shelter. Unity Shelter’s… full post

    Justice Outreach for February

  • Secure Housing and Food for All

    The Secure Housing and Food for All team appreciates and thanks everyone who contributed money to We Care last month. If you are interested in working with We Care, please take a look at their… full post

    Secure Housing and Food for All

  • Justice Theatre Auditions

    Justice Theatre auditions are this Monday and Tuesday, January 29th and 30th, at 7pm in the social hall. No acting experience necessary! LGBTQ+ performers are particularly invited to audition. full post

  • EDI Book Discussion 1-29

    Monday, January 29th, 7:00 pm on Zoom. With the current controversy around the need for reparations, the UUA common read, On Repentance and Repair, Making Amends in an Unapologetic World, by Danya Ruttenberg offers us… full post

    EDI Book Discussion 1-29

  • Secure Housing and Food For All Meeting, 1/21

    The Secure Housing and Food for All Justice Team is meeting this Sunday 1/21 at 11:30 in the Gallery of the sanctuary. (okay to bring in coffee). Information about the Warming Centers open the past… full post

  • Difficult Conversations: The University’s Role in Restoring Civic Dialogue with Drs. Robert George and Cornel West

    Jan 22nd, 7-8:30 PM, at LaSells EDI would like to invite you to an opportunity to attend a special event at LaSells, focusing on civil discourse and “difficult conversations” —an area of deep concern for… full post

  • Action Lunch is Back! 3/10

    An Action Lunch is a light lunch provided by volunteers, after a Sunday service, usually to support some aspect of our justice and outreach work.  We haven’t had one in a long time, until now!… full post

    Action Lunch is Back! 3/10

Justice Outreach Offering

  • Our Sunday Outreach offerings in August support Seeds for the Sol, a nonprofit, grassroots organization taking action now to remove the financial barriers to residential energy efficiency. Their neighbor-to-neighbor funding model mimics the natural cycles of planting, harvesting, and renewal, helping more households move toward net zero. This funding model addresses climate mitigation and adaptation, energy equity and outreach, and workforce development by making affordable housing more energy efficient.

Donations can be made in person on Sundays, or through the online collection basket.

WORSHIP COUNCIL NEWS

  • September 7, 2025 – Gathering the Waters and Beginning a New Congregational Year

    Bring water to pour into the common bowl as you name the qualities and commitments you bring for the year ahead. We will commission the board and Interim Minister. We will offer blessings to the… full post

  • No Service – August 31, 2025

    There is no worship service on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Instead, come join us at our annual Tuna Roast in Avery Park on Monday, September 1. full post

  • Kirtan with Eugene’s Sitaram Das, 9/5

    Through chanting Sanskrit mantra, music, teachings, Q&A, and storytelling, this kirtan intends to awaken the Heart of Love. Sitaram Dass will be joined by Jeannette Kangas (tabla) and Clark Stacer (bass). Friday, September 5 at… full post

    Kirtan with Eugene’s Sitaram Das, 9/5

  • September 7: Gathering the Waters and Beginning a New Congregational Year Bring water to pour into the common bowl as you name the qualities and commitments you bring for the year ahead.  We will commission… full post

  • Dignity of Work – August 24, 2025

    As we look ahead to Labor Day next week, let’s explore the many meanings of work and labor.  What do various spiritual traditions have to say?  What does our Unitarian Universalism have to do with… full post

  • Adjusting to the Moment, August 17, 2025

    Habits help a person get through life with ease, but sometimes those habits don’t serve us when we encounter new situations.  Many people are experiencing new situations in public safety, national economy, and also right… full post

  • 2025-08-10 “Community Wealth Sharing has Positive Impact!”

    With the support of individuals, the City of Corvallis, the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis, Seeds for the Sol has helped over 450 households experiencing low income to reduce their… full post

  • August 3 –  “Lughnasadh, AKA: Lammas” – Diana Titus and the Wheel of the Year Team August 10 – “Community Wealth Sharing has Positive Impact!” – Julie Williams August 17 – “Adjusting to the Moment” – Rev. Alex McGee August 24 – “Dignity… full post

  • 2025-08-03 “Lammas – A Ritual of Ripening and Release”

    Join us as we gather at the sacred threshold of Lammas, the festival of first harvest. In this season of fullness and change, we’ll pause to honor the fruits of our lives—what is ripening, what… full post

  • 2025-07-27 “Navigating These Waters”

    As we near the end of a year filled with threshold moments, cultural upheaval, and deep transformation, we gather to reflect on the journeys we’ve taken. Through brief stories offered by members of our community,… full post

  • 2025-07-20 “Change Happens”

    The world has gotten smaller and we’re affected more strongly than we have been before. The truth is we have always been connected and change has been a constant. It seems so accelerated now. What… full post

  • 7/13/2025 A Celebration of Shared Ministry

    We come to the end of a chapter in the life of the Fellowship – a chapter covering twelve years of ministry shared between us. Twelve years of immense change in the world, twelve years… full post

  • July 6 –   “Between Us”  Rev. Jill McAllister July 13 – Celebration of Shared Ministry      Rev. Jill McAllister July 20 – “Change Happens”  Rev. Leslie Chartier July 27 – “Navigating These Waters”      Chaplain Jesse Ford, Susan Sanford and others full post

  • “Between Us” 7/6/2025

    In the end, all the elements of a religious and spiritual life – the practices and beliefs, the things we learn, the ways in which we change, what we yearn for and need, and more… full post

  • “On Ministry” 6/29/25

    As we get closer to a ministerial transition – a major event in the life of the Fellowship – let’s consider what ministry is in the UU tradition, what roles a minister plays in congregational… full post

  • “Return To Love” 10 AM 6/22/25

    When we’re afraid, when we’re angry, when we are confused and wonder what to do, here’s a possibility.  Return to love.  Return to love again, and again and again.  The more we are willing to return to this… full post

  • “Trans Ancestors, Queer Descendants and a Liberating Present”   6/15/25

    UUFC’s Queerly Beloved group and Sexuality and Gender Diversity Justice Team host this Pride Month Sunday Service, and welcome guest preacher Rev. Lazarus Justice Jameson.  The service will include remembering some Fellowship history around LGBTQIA+ welcoming… full post

  • “Who We Choose To Become” 6/8

    What kind of identity do we choose to embrace to meet the moments that life, events and circumstances throw at us?  It is not just to know who we are but to decide who we… full post

  • Jun 1  “River of Life”  Skyla King-Christison and all Jun 8  “Who We Choose To Become”   Rev. Mwibutsawineza F. Ndagijimanayburundi Jun 15  “Trans Ancestors, Queer Descendants and a Liberating Present”   Rev. Lazarus Justice Jameson Jun 22   “Return to Love”   Rev. Jill McAllister… full post

  • “River of Life” 6/1/25

    The ‘regular’ church year – or the church year as it corresponds to the school year –  is drawing to a close.  Once again it is time to reflect on and celebrate the gifts and responsibilities of… full post

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