Between Us

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The expected shift has happened this week in our country, and it feels like a tidal wave is moving. Already the lives and safety of so many people are at stake and in danger. It is a time to let go of many of our wants and needs, and build more courage and more skills for showing up for the values freedom, justice, peace, compassion, inclusion, sustainability and so much more. It is a time to remove obstacles to our flexibility and equanimity. It is time to let go of many expectations and entitlements, and consider anew what is important and what is not.

There will be many opportunities to raise our voices and be present with and for others, to sign on and join in and show up. We are need of a Rapid Response team, folks who are able and willing to help prioritize the many opportunities, according to our mission and goals. If you are interested in serving as part of such a team, please let me know as soon as you can.

Meanwhile, we are navigating the many changes in Fellowship life due to the renovation work. Details and questions arise every day! Who to ask? For room use reservations, please contact Priscilla Galasso, secretary@uufc.org. For renovation project questions, contact Brian Egan at uurep@uucorvallis.org. For questions on sharing space (especially use of the Social Hall and/or Kitchen on evenings or weekends) please contact Ginny Gibson.

As always, for any and all other questions, I am happy to respond as best I can. (minister@uucorvallis.org)

Rapid Response – Beginning Now

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(This is the first of what will likely be many opportunities for Fellowship members and friends to raise voices and be present in the service of love and our highest values. A rapid response team is needed, for prioritizing the many opportunities. Contact Rev. Jill McAllister if you are interested in helping with this work.)

Recently the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde gave a beautiful sermon, asking the President to be kind to all people in America, including undocumented immigrants and trans people. Because of this she is under attack by the President and others. A postcard campaign is underway to offer support to Reverend Budde. See the sermon link below and the address for sending postcards .

Watch the Sermon

Send a Postcard

The RT Revd Mariann Edgar Budde
Episcopal Church House
Mount St. Alban
Washington D.C., 20016-5094 USA

Building Renovation Project Update – Week of 1/26

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Asbestos testing procedures were carried out and results showed asbestos in several rooms, so work will be done this week to remove the asbestos before other demolition work can begin.

The walls of the rooms at the south end of the building have been taken down to studs. A discovery – no insulation in those walls! Insulation will be added in the renovation. The necessary removal of our phone and internet hardware from a closet (the wall they are attached to will be removed) will require much new wiring to re-locate those hubs to a different part of the building.

We’ve been billed for the building permits – so it looks like we have a green light to keep going.

Cluster Overnight for Youth! RSVP by 2/5 for Event on 2/15

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WHO? All registered 6-12th graders

WHAT and WHERE? Youth overnight event at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Eugene

WHEN? REGISTER directly with Eugene and notify Skyla via email by 2/5 for event taking place on 2/15. Cars will depart from UUFC parking lot at 4PM on Saturday and return around 12:30 on Sunday afternoon.

DETAILS: Youth will share dinner and games, help set up and participate in the Sweetheart Aromantic Ball, have midnight worship, and attend services in Eugene before returning to UUFC on Sunday afternoon around 12:30. Don’t forget to email Skyla once you register so that we can plan for adequate transportation. The Fellowship will cover the requested fee for youth and advisors.

Person to person sharing about Monday’s Festival, 1/26

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Wow! If you attended the Festival of Resistance last Monday, you know it was “A Happening”. So much enthusiasm!
(UUFC is a member of the sponsor: Mid Valley Solidarity Coalition)
We will meet this Sunday after the sermon and finish our sharing.
We didn’t get to hear each other’s story.
January 26, 11:45 in the Sanctuary (we’re sharing the Sanctuary)
Open to everyone.

RE Volunteer Cafe 1/26

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All Volunteers who serve in RE in any capacity — whether you lead a Sunday morning class, facilitate one of our family gatherings, or attend the RE Council meetings — are invited to pop by the library on Sunday morning between 8:45 and 9:45 for a warm drink, connection with fellow volunteers, and a chance to tell Skyla anything you want her to know about how things are going in RE.

Cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and tea, as well some some baked goodies will be available during that time as long as supplies last. Volunteers with dietary restrictions are encouraged to contact Skyla in advance so that your needs can be provided for.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Between Us

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Thank-you to the many of you who have reached out with such kind and supportive words in response to the announcement of my coming retirement this summer. Now, in addition to the so many changes happening in the country and world, we also enter into a ministerial transition for the Fellowship. I hope this timing will in some ways be helpful for us all – we’ll need to focus on the strengths of our relationships and our shared commitments at a time when those are what’s most needed for us to face the world as well.

With the Board and the Committee on Ministry, I plan to be part of as many conversations as possible, with all who want to join in. While we figure out how to be present to the coming changes in our country and community, we’ll also be figuring out how to keep the Fellowship strong and capable and effective. That means keeping ourselves strong and capable and effective, because the Fellowship is only us – the people, who gather. And to be all those things we need to help and care for each other, and be helped and cared for.

Meanwhile, this week, the day of national change arrives. There are opportunities to gather – on Sunday night Jan. 19 at 7 PM to sing with Mark Weiss, Audrey Perkins and Cliff and Chere Pereira, and on Tuesday evening Jan. 21, at 6:30 PM on zoom to reflect together. How shall we live now? One day at a time, and in the service of our highest ideals. Let’s keep going.

Connect Up Hike, 1/25

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We will meet at the Finley Wildlife Refuge office/Nature Store parking lot @ 9:45 AM and start hiking @10:00 AM. (26208 Finley Refuge Road, Corvallis.)

This hike features two loops: the Woodpecker Loop Trail AND the Mill Hill Loop Trail at Finley Wildlife Refuge, with the Tie Trail connecting them. As always, you can choose your own adventure and do what works for you. The Woodpecker Loop Trail is ADA accessible. Total hiking distance is approx. 5 miles. Total elevation gain is approx. 500 feet.

Directions: From Corvallis, drive south on 99W and turn right onto Finley Road. Go 3.8 miles to the Office/Nature Store parking lot. Or go south on Bellfountain Road to the west entrance of Finley Road, turn left and follow the signs to the Office/Nature Store.

NO DOGS allowed at the Refuge.
CARPOOLING IS ENCOURAGED.
BRING WATER.

(Priscilla Galasso will be at the UUFC parking lot at 9:00)

Cold Weather Shelter in Corvallis on Nights Below 32 degrees!

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Local non-profit “Faith, Hope and Charity” will find evening sleeping rooms for unhoused singles, couples, and families in the local Corvallis area. Sign-up at 1st Christian Church (corner of Madison and 6th) between 4pm and 6pm for a warm place to sleep for the night.

Questions: Contact UUFC Secure Housing and Food for All team.