Free Book for Families

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With the return of the Our Whole Lives program (OWL) for middle school, conversations are bubbling up all around the Fellowship about how we were taught (or not taught) about relationships and our bodies. Most often they center on how we want to do better for the next generation than was done for us. While we do not have the volunteer power, at this time, to offer OWL for younger ages, parents of elementary aged children are not without resources.

I am pleased to share that beginning in January, we will have several offerings for parents as they navigate questions about changing bodies, relationships, and identities.

  • Free copies of It’s Perfectly Normal are available to any Fellowship family that requests one.
  • A limited supply of smaller resources like the Askable Parent pamphlet will be available in the library.
  • Beyond reading materials, now you are able to check out a set of anatomically correct dolls that are complete with pubic hair, working wombs, and other surprising details.

We want our parents to feel well supported, not just with peer groups and pastoral care, but with concrete resources that you can access as the need arises. To receive a copy of It’s Perfectly Normal, ask questions about the check out process, or share ideas about other supportive resources we should add to our library, email me at dre@uucorvallis.org or find me on a Sunday morning so we can chat.

Between Us

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This year as the calendar moves toward its end and new beginning, I’m feeling watchful, alert, and sometimes a little on edge. I don’t think I’m the only one feeling the edge. I’ve experienced more crankiness from other people, and outright meanness – mostly from people I don’t know – in the past few weeks than in any other holiday season I can remember. I’m not surprised; we live in such trying times. But a sadness has come close to me, so I’m trying to learn from it what I can.

There is plenty to worry about, and to fear. That has always been true – and always more true for some people than for others. We humans make it hard for each other, and for all the other living things. We always have. Wise teachers of all cultures say it is because we are lost, we have forgotten, or we cannot see what is most important and closest to us, so in fear we grab and push and destroy. And yet, and yet – even now, love is present: it is holding and helping and healing so much that is broken within us and between us. And this has always also been true.

So I am letting myself be watchful and alert and I am giving attention to the edge and the sadness, while at the same time I am constantly considering how love is holding me and how I can help it move in as many ways and directions as possible. More and more I come to understand and appreciate the feeling of “love at the center” as a way of describing congregational and covenantal life – the life of the Fellowship. For the beginning of a new year – this new year in particular – this is the center I am leaning into, and leaning on. And you are part of it, and for that I am grateful!

Classroom Wing Moveout is Underway, 1/4 and 1/11

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Classrooms have been cleaned out and packed up and boxes are ready for moving. A stalwart crew has already moved furniture out of most rooms and removed doors from many rooms. The preschool’s furniture and supplies have been moved into the Social Hall and Kitchen, which we will share with them for the duration of the renovation project. Classrooms are no longer in use for meetings. The renovation project is underway!

And, what amazing timing! Last week the water heater on the mezzanine sprung a leak and had to be drained – replacing it will be worked into the project. And one of the heaters in the classroom wing broke. It seems to be time to work on everything!

Help is still needed and welcome, especially for Jan. 4 and Jan. 11, the two days on which we’ll be transferring boxes and furniture to home storage and commercial storage. If you can help, please sign up this Sunday.

Holiday Brunch and Sharing 12/29/24

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We are between and amidst winter holidays – Christmas and Yule, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s. There is quiet observing, celebrating, gathering, resting and contemplation. We’ll gather on this last December Sunday for short worship service for all ages – affirming our connections and acknowledging the realities of the world, followed by sharing in a Holiday(s) Brunch and intergenerational activities. Please bring finger foods to share, such as holiday breads, muffins, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, fruits, veggies, nuts, etc.

Activities may include drawing / coloring, origami, singing together, discussion groups (be ready to share about something you’ve read this year that really made a difference, or some action you’ve taken this year that really made a difference.)

Help Create a Household Lending Library

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When we lived on Bainbridge Island we were part of a HOUSEHOLD LENDING LIBRARY. For example, I currently have 24 stemless wine glasses if anyone needs to borrow them for an event. If you have any things similar such as lots of plates, cloth napkins, air mattress, Rototiller, portable crib, luggage, etc. please email me and I’ll make a spreadsheet. I will also put an announcement on our UUFC facebook page. Let’s share!

Contact Catherine W.

Book Release Party, 1/4

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Albany author and UUFC member JF Benoist, who is known for his bestseller Addicted to the Monkey Mind, is releasing the long awaited Avive la Vie; An Adventure in Belonging January 4.

The author’s release event is scheduled for 2pm at The Majestic Theater on Saturday.

Books will be autographed upon request, and JF will speak at 2:45 in the upstairs Community Room.

Benoist will show photos and share about the already expanding Avive la Vie work that focuses on creating a culture of authentic acceptance and belonging.

Refreshments, music and Benoist’s 60th birthday celebration to follow until 5pm. There will be no alcohol served or allowed at this event. Our UU family are invited to come and party!

Between Us

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The feeling that is most with me in the midst of these holidays/holy days is to be careful. To be full of care. This is most certainly not a time to be frivolous, yet it is a time to nurture joy. How can we do both? By being full of care as we consider what is most important and what is not. Care for the earth, care for people everywhere, care for all the other living things. Care reflected in what we buy, what we waste, what we kill or destroy in the process, what we consume at the expense of others. What gifts can we give, when so many are in need of the basics – beginning with safety and shelter? Maybe this year, in this season we might begin to understand that joy is related to what we are willing and able to take care of, to give care to. In the beautiful darkness of these solstice days, with Christmas coming, may we give attention to what we care for and why, and move ourselves toward a loving carefulness.

Classroom Wing Renovation Project: MOVING OUT! 1/4

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The big moving out has begun! We are unloading the classroom wing of (just about) EVERYTHING. Help is needed on Saturday Jan. 4th (2 hour shifts from 9-3) and Saturday Jan. 11 (10-12, 1-3). In those sessions we’ll be moving boxes and furniture to the parking lot, to transport to commercial storage and private homes, and unload at those locations.

Building prep, including some demolition, will start on Friday 12/27. Both skilled and non-skilled workers will be needed.

Sign-up sheets are in the foyer on Sundays. Please add your name!

Connect Up Hike, 12/28

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Meet Saturday, Dec. 28 at 9:45 am at the Peavy Arboretum parking lot (upon entering the Arboretum, follow the signs for “Arboretum Parking,” staying to the left, then turning right, going past the lodge and on to the large parking lot). We’ll start hiking at 10:00 am. This will be a loop trail with different ability options. Join us for all or part of the journey. We’ll be taking the Forest Discovery Trail, then the connector to Cronemiller Lake, then FR 540 to the Calloway Creek trail and Intensive Management trail back to the parking lot. This is an easy to moderate hike of about 4 miles with about 300 ft. elevation gain. Dress for the weather, bring water, shoes with traction, poles if you like, but NO DOGS PLEASE.

Death with Dignity & Advanced Directives, 1/15

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3:00 – 4:30 in the Sanctuary

Death with Dignity (“Medical Aid in Dying”) discussion with Dr. David Grube: components of the law, the process, barriers to access, medical ethics, and other issues faced by terminally ill adult patients interested in ending their suffering. Presented by the UUFC Aging Successfully in Community team in partnership with Lumina Hospice and Palliative Care.