Daily Practice – a Weekly Reminder

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We enter into February, a month dedicated to love and to Black History, both of which are beautiful opportunities for daily practice. We enter into this particular February, in which both love and Black History are in danger, and at stake.

For Black History month, I begin by choosing two or three books to read, and I receive a daily lesson in Black history from an online newsletter called Anti-Racism Daily. For a month dedicated to love, I begin with a framework provided by Cornel West – his phrase that “Justice is what love looks like in public,” and I review my justice –related commitments and activities, aiming to help myself be accountable to my ideals, by reviewing and renewing those commitments, or making changes. These activities are closely related. I ask myself whether or not, and how, what I learn helps me change the way I live.

The religious life is not merely an intellectual exercise, not limited to discussion of religious, theological or political ideas. It is not simply a way to be with other people in a shallow or pseudo community. It is a daily practice of turning ever-more closely to living in right relations, which requires learning more about the truths of our own minds and thoughts, more about the truths of our relatedness to all others, more about the truths of how we are part of Life. It begins again each and every day, with awareness of the gifts of life and breath. It begins again each and every day as we undertake to learn one more thing than we know, which could move us closer to peace, to compassion, to justice. It begins every morning, as sunlight unfolds and spreads. As each day is given may we choose to be present, intentional and committed to learning and growing, that our lives may be a blessing.

Book Discussion, 2/10

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EDI, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion justice team invites you! Love a good adventure story you just can’t put down? While engrossed in the events unfolding in “James,” by Percival Everett, you’ll explore the many risks facing James and Huck who somehow muster the courage to prevail in a perilous time of our shared history. It’s a compelling tale! Cozy up in comfort and join the conversation, 7 PM, Monday, February 10th when we’ll share our experiences and responses reading “James.”

Contact Elona for more details and the Zoom link.

Freedom Fund Banquet, 2/22

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PERSISTENCE IS POWER — Come to the 2025 NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet! NAACP is a local powerhouse continuing to do all they can for equity and inclusion in our community. The theme of this year’s Freedom Fund Banquet is “Persistence is Power.” Keynote Speaker: Winner of the National President’s Award, Sheley Seacrest, president of the King County NAACP in Seattle When: Feb. 22nd, No-host bar 5 PM/Appetizers; 6-9 PM Program with speakers and music Where: CH2M Hill Alumni Center, OSU Campus, Corvallis Details and registration: Freedom Fund Webpage; Linn Benton NAACP Branch #1118

Questions? Contact Elona Meyer

“Thorns to Blossoms “- Lecture at the Corvallis Museum, 2/28

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Mitzi Loftus is a Unitarian Universalist, a member of the UU Fellowship in Ashland, Oregon. She is coming to Corvallis to give a lecture on February 28 at 10:30 am. See link below: Mitsuko “Mitzi” Asai was not yet ten years old in the spring of 1942 when President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 sent 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry—about two-thirds of them US citizens—from their homes on the West Coast to inland prison camps. Mitzi and most of her family, who operated a fruit orchard in Hood River, Oregon, were incarcerated in California and Wyoming for most of World War II. Her talk about her family’s experience will illuminate the personal side of a dark chapter in US history. It’s the remarkable story of a transformation from thorns into blossoms, pain into healing.

This lecture will include American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. Tickets are $5.

Reserve a Ticket

Preparing to Downsize, 3/5

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Aging Successfully in community

Is it time to start clearing your clutter? Are you thinking about downsizing but don’t know where to start? Join us on March 5 to explore common obstacles, discuss practical steps to reducing clutter and thriving with less.

Presented by the Aging Successfully in Community Team and professional organizer Christine Arundell.

3/5/2025 at 3-4:30 pm

UUFC Member Looking For a Place to Rent

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From Fellowship member Mike Jager: I’m looking for a studio, one bedroom apartment, yurt, cabin, or cottage to rent, or lease on a long-term basis. If you have, or know anyone with a place that is available please reach out to Mike. Thanks

Outreach Offering for February – NAACP

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The Corvallis Albany Branch of the NAACP works to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination, with a focus on our local Benton and Linn county communities.

Find out more about the work of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion team, EDI and their collaboration with the NAACP in a display in the foyer this month. Find out more about all of our UUFC Justice Teams on the bulletin board on the north end of the social hall.

Sunday Services This Month

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Feb. 2 “Where I’m From: Reflections on Black History” Rev. Jill McAllister
Feb. 9 “What Do You Know?” Rev. Jill McAllister
Feb. 16 “When Comfort Zone Principles Don’t Apply” Blaise Ntakarutimana (Kevin Shimineza)
Feb. 23 Special Guest Peter Mayer – UU Singer / Songwriter

Building Renovation Project Update – Week of Feb. 2

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Permits have been approved! A second, final, round of asbestos abatement was finished. New discoveries continue as floors and walls are opened. With regard to securing the building to the foundation (presently the building simply sits on the foundation) in some places less work will need to be done, in other places the work plan needs to be reconfigured. The internet cable has been replaced by Xfinity after two days with no internet in the building– all is up and running now.

“Where I’m From: Reflections on Black History” 2/2/25

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For me, Black History Month is a time for intentionality, for reflection, for learning. I consider it to be a responsibility – not an option. I am dedicated to the creation and sustaining of an anti-racist multi-cultural society, even though I don’t always know what that means for me or what the next steps are. Like the song says – “One more step, we will take one more step….” I hope you’ll join me.
With Rev. Jill McAllister