In How We Live Our Lives

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To the question which is so present for us now – “What can we do?” – there will not be an easy answer.  There may not be an answer at all.  There will be, there is, the here and now, the every day.  What we do in each moment, at each juncture and opportunity, is what any answer will be made of.  There are answers, moment by moment, in how we treat people and animals and plants, in how we use energy and live on the earth, in how we rest and sing and love and dance. There are answers in the changes we may make – in what we think is important and what is not, in what we think we need or must have, in what we choose to let go of.   “Make your life a message”, said Eknath Easwaren ( a disciple of Gandhi.)  The answers will be in how we live our lives, now.  As always, that is the call of the religious life.

Black History Month is not over yet.  Have you learned something new? Has your perspective shifted?  If you are still looking for a way to learn more, I have a few suggestions.  Look for these writers on Substack:  Dante Stewart (An American Thread), Robert P. Jones (White Too Long), and Jacqui Lewis (Fierce Love – especially “Dear Nice Whyte People.)   If you have learned something this month I’d be glad to hear about it. 

Microshelters Film and Panel Discussion, 2/27

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February 27 at 6:30 Corvallis Library

The Secure Housing and Food For All team invites you to Corvallis Microshelters: Film Showing & Panel Discussion The evening will begin with “No Place to Grow Old”, a film produced by Michael Larson of humansforhousing.org, followed by a panel discussion featuring Rev. Jen Butler and Shawn Collins, Unity Shelter; Rev. David Marshall, Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan; and Pastor Heather Seman, Sara Power, and Corinne Butzin, First United Methodist Church. Their focus will be on how local churches are currently providing services to microshelter residents, and what other Corvallis faith congregations can do to support our community’s most vulnerable residents. Thursday, February 27 (6:30 – 8:00 pm) at Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis

Monthly Vegan Potluck, 2/23

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Social Hall, Kitchen: 5:30 pm Monthly Vegan Potluck – Everyone Welcome! Bring a dish to share with others who are learning to eat in a healthy, climate friendly way. Include Plants: grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs & spices. Exclude: flesh, fluids, and unborn young. Try it! You’ll like it!! Need more info? call Ann Marchant

Community Kirtan in the Sanctuary, 2/28

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Community Kirtan is an evening of chanting presented by members of our Friday Satsang. We are fortunate to have several members who can lead chants, and community participation by singing & and playing rhythm instruments creates a vibrant evening full of positive energy. We hope you’ll join us in the UUFC Sanctuary 7-8:30 PM on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month for this joyous celebration of community. For more information, please contact Kitzie Stern.

Classroom Wing Renovation Update

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In spite of the discovery of many structural deficiencies our contractor still plans to finish our project within the original time frame. We are waiting on city permits for the new sprinkler system water line, but still hope to start work on that part of the project in early March. That is when the parking lot will be impacted so we will give you as much advanced notice as possible. The big dumpster will be replaced by a small dumpster by the end of February, making a couple more of the handicap parking spaces available again.
Brian Egan

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

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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 quality care for all Oregonians regardless of income, racial identity, or job status. Learn how a state-wide simplified healthcare plan reduces financial, emotional, and physical hardship.

Printed flyer describing the event "Health Care Delays, Denials, & Costs - Action Not Anger"

Keep Singing! With Peter Mayer 2/23/25

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Unitarian Universalist Peter Mayer has been singing and songwriting full-time for 30 years, performing across the U.S. and beyond, including in many UU congregations and gatherings.  His songs are part of our hymnals and services, including the well-loved  “Blue Boat Home.”  In this time when art and beauty and singing together are essential to our well-being, we are thrilled to welcome Peter back to the Fellowship. There will be more music than speaking – the service will be primarily a concert, to feed our souls.  We are not selling tickets!  However, if you are interested, able and willing to support Pete’s art, and would like to contribute the price of a ticket, or more, you are welcome to do so, at uucorvallis.org, Donate, Gift to A Different Fund, Peter Mayer.

Porta Potties!

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With thanks to our building team and Gerding, we now have the use of two portable toilets on Sunday mornings, during the classroom wing reconstruction. They are located in the playground area on the west side of the building, behind the fence, accessible by going out the Firwood doors and turning left at the parking lot. Umbrellas are available for use when going to the toilets – find them under the name tag racks.

It’s our watch now.

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The writer Anne Applebaum calls what is happening in our country “regime change.”  That it has happened before in many times and places gives context but not comfort.  The question “what can we do?” feels both feeble and strong.  Like people before us, to the extent we can, we have to now figure out how to keep the flames of love and justice and compassion alive, within us and between us.

This week our justice teams will gather to talk with one another and all who are interested in the conversations.  What work is emerging in the areas we already work in  —  for example immigration and refugee support, equity/diversity/inclusion, and climate action?  What new areas will need our support now?   What do we need to learn?  I hope you’ll be part of the conversation.

Most of our shared values as Unitarian Universalists are at stake. We are the ones who have to carry the flame.  It is our watch now.  

Monthly “Transition Talks” Begin 3/2

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The Committee on Ministry invites all to a monthly series of “Transitions Talks” the first Sunday of the month beginning March 2. We’ll touch base on as many questions as come up, such as “How are you taking care of yourself in these challenging times? How are you feeling about this ministerial transition? What do you need to know or understand better? How do we say goodbye- both minister and congregation members – as well as we can? What will help us stay strong and vital in our ministries during the transition time?”

The first meeting will be on March 2, 2025 at 11:45 AM in the Sanctuary.