Justice Theatre presents: 12 Angry Jurors, 3/27 & 28

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Justice Theatre presents: 12 Angry Jurors—Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 at 7:30pm at the Fellowship.

Once per year, the Justice Theatre Team transforms the Sanctuary into a theatre for two exciting days! This year’s show explores our country’s troubled relationship with its justice system. Twelve strangers on a jury are tasked with the burden of determining a young man’s guilt when the death penalty is on the line. Eleven of them take the testimonies and evidence at face value; one, however, does not. This dissenting opinion sets off a fierce and hotly debated standoff, which raises some terribly timely questions: why do we believe in what we are told? Can we truly trust the justice system when we allow our own biases, doubts, and fears to influence our judgment? What is the value of one human life compared to any other? All proceeds from this pay-what-you-can production will go to support legal aid through The Lawyers Campaign for Equal Justice. You can reserve tickets and donate online at buytickets.at/uufc or just come to a show and donate at the door! We hope to see you there!

Childcare is available!

Free childcare can usually be arranged for any Fellowship event by using this link 1-2 weeks prior to the event.

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April 5, 2026 – Easter: The Story of an Ancient Teacher through Our Current Values

Easter comes from the Christian tradition, which is part of the UU heritage. The story of the famous teacher, Jesus, contains all the elements of our shared JETPIG values, if we know where to look. This All Ages service, designed by our Director of Religious Exploration, will engage us in surprising ways. Easter Egg hunt after the Service!

Led by DRE Skyla King-Christison and others

April 12, 2026 – Restorative Justice and the Prison Complex

What does Universalism–the notion that we are all saved by being reconciled with a love greater than our sins–mean in the 21st century? How do we live this part of our faith heritage? The national association of UUs has committed to studying how prisons cause harm, and what possibilities there are for hope.

Rev. Alex McGee will preach

April 19, 2026 – TBD

April 26, 2026 – What’s Your Agenda

Having a personal or professional agenda is often considered a negative thing in Unitarian Universalism. Yet, not having purpose can cause anguish. We begin wonder what we are doing here. Today we unwrap our agendas in a life well lived.

Rev. Mitra Rahnema will preach

March 22, 2026 – Justice and Songs

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What is your earliest memory of singing in a group? When was a time when you felt more power and peace because of singing with others? Today’s service will explore justice songs from our UU hymnal, and we will learn two songs chosen by local Corvallis churches to learn together for those attending the March 28 march.

Led by Robin Lancaster (member lay leader) and David Servias (Music Director)

POSTPONED: UUFC History Town Hall

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The UUFC History Presentation by the Transitions Team, originally scheduled for March 29 after the service, is being rescheduled to a later date.  We look forward to bringing you the meaningful story of the founders, commitment, idealism, and hard work that makes the UUFC what it is today.  If you were planning to come on March 29 after the service, please cancel that on your calendar.

Women’s Retreat 2025 Recap

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The theme for the 2025 Women’s Retreat was Right Here, Right Now; Peace through Practice.

Priscilla Galasso wrote this retrospective. It was originally published in the November 2025 edition of the UUFC Journal.

“If ever there were a time for a candle in the darkness,
this would be it.
Using a spark of hope,
kindle the flame of love,
ignite the light of peace,
and feed the flame of justice.”

Melanie Davis

The Women’s Retreat Team lit the Chalice in the Social Hall before 40 UUFC women crossed over the threshold into the Sanctuary, a sacred and safe space for creating connection and practicing peace. Two wheelchairs slid through the portal, a teenager, several octogenarians, a mother and daughter who had only just moved to Corvallis and gone to one Sunday service, the weary, the hopeful, the angry, the lonely, the wise. We gathered to share strategies for creating peace in our center, peace in our connections, and peace in our community. 

The Friday night program centered on the Byron Katie model called “The Work”, presented by Susan Grace Beekman and Nancy Sowdon. On Saturday morning, we dove into best practices in relationships, outlined by the Gottman Institute, with Heather Thomas and Linda Marten (or was that Miss Stern?). Through interactive small and large group discussions, we connected deeply to the material and to each other. Workshop presenters offered sessions on yoga, art, laughter, gardening, and self-discovery. We enjoyed a delicious catered lunch from Forks & Corks. And then we balanced peace with PROTEST!

The planning team had no way of knowing that the No Kings II protest would fall on our retreat weekend, and we quickly adapted the schedule so that those who wanted to participate could do so. One key advantage to having an onsite retreat is that it allows for greater flexibility and inclusion. We made it a priority to have low barriers, providing scholarships and “drop in” registration to fit lives that are often full of care-taking and serving others. Our “choose your own adventure” schedule was not constrained by an outside venue operation, and our campus is in the heart of our own Corvallis community, making travel and transportation easiest. 

During Saturday afternoon’s session, we worked with representatives from organizations who strive to create peace and build community through Religious Exploration, the Arts, and Education. Skyla King-Christison, Anya Ballinger, Thea Hart, and Laura Blackwell (of the Majestic Theater and Corvallis Parks & Recreation) gave us great insight into the philosophy of peace-making among cultures and great examples of Corvallis programs available to us all. 

During our final meal together, the bright Fall day became a quiet, dark evening. Our table conversations included shared stories of protest thoughts, workshop discoveries, and determination to carry on as instruments of peace in this troubled and beautiful world.  

Thank you to all the Team members: Heather Thomas, Ann Marchant, Linda Marten, Sandy Piper, and Kimi Mayo. Thank you to all the Workshop leaders: Kris Egan, Diana Titus, Joyce Standing, Joyce Marvel-Benoist, Joyce Federiuk, Heather Thomas, Linda Marten, Gwen Ellen, and Kayla Garcia. Thank you Ginny Gibson and all the others who volunteered their time making our gathering nourishing and comfortable. 

Thank you to those who have signed up to make next year’s Retreat a reality! 

Dona nobis pacem. Go now, women, in Peace.

March 15, 2026 – Stewardship

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All of our efforts, time, and money blend together to make the UUFC community what it is and what it can be. Let us reflect on what it means to steward the gifts of the earth, to live in a capitalist economy with a household budget, and to thoughtfully discern a pledge for the coming year. 

Rev. Alex McGee will preach

Please plan to stay after worship for a one hour Town Hall on the pledge drive.  Learn about how you are part of our financial planning and get your questions answered.  Abundant snacks provided!  All are welcome whether you sign up or not, but if you fill out this form, you can request childcare and we can better plan for food.

Inquirers Series New Offering: Interim and Search!

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Beginning this Sunday, March 8th, the 3rd session of the Inquirers Series, formerly the Liturgical Year session, will be a session focused on interim ministry and our upcoming search for a settled minister. Sheryl Stuart and Robin Lancaster, members of our transitions team, will be on hand to share some of the basics and answer your questions about this unique time congregational life. If you have already taken session three, you are still most welcome to come and have your questions answered. These sessions are open to all interested participants!

Our fellow spiritual communities in Corvallis are inviting us to join them …

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Rev. Alex is grateful to pass along this invitation from Rev. Gordon at the First Christian Church here in Corvallis. Getting together with our neighbors in such a time as this strengthens us as neighbors for the future. Rev. Alex looks forward to seeing you there at 11 AM on Saturday, March 28 to share in Fellowship.

No Kings: Faith Communities Gather the Day Before Palm Sunday

On the day before Palm Sunday, Corvallis faith communities are walking together to make the network of beloved community strong — connected, rooted, and unafraid. Join us for the No Kings rally as we march as one ecumenical body to the courthouse.

Signs & Songs Prep — Sunday, March 22, 2:00–3:00 PM
Join us at the First Christian Church dining room to make signs and learn the songs we’ll carry together on the march. All sign-making supplies will be provided.

The March — Saturday, March 28
11:00 AM — Gather at First Christian Church for music practice and sign-making. Coffee and light refreshments provided.
11:50 AM — Walk together as an ecumenical group to the Courthouse. Gathering spot: in front of the Arts Center.

First Christian Church will be open from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM as a rest station with coffee refills and restrooms available.

Our Songs
“Everybody Ought To Know” — Listen & Learn
“It’s okay to change your mind / And you can join us / Join us here anytime.” — Listen & Learn

We walk because we belong to each other. Come add your voice.

UUFC Auction Donations Needed

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Our annual Services and Silent Auction is coming up and the theme this year is a garden party. Please join in our largest fundraiser by offering a fun service, event, or item. Do you have access to a getaway at the beach, in the mountains, or other vacation spot? These prized offerings always earn lots for our Fellowship.

Services are a wonderful and fun way to meet other UUFC members and build community. Do you have a skill, interest, or hobby that you would like to share with others? Some possibilities: bird watching; dance lessons; singing lessons; music performances; guitar or ukulele lessons; drawing or painting opportunities; clay crafting; knitting lessons; rafting on the river; dinner for 4-12; computer help; house or window cleaning; clutter reduction; woodlands hike; homemade dinners delivered; homemade artisan breads or preserves; custom scarf or journal; gift basket; wine tasting on your patio; camping; yard work; cooking classes; gardening help; trip to the beach; anything you love. 

Did you downsize or maybe clean out your closets this year and have some special items that you no longer want or need, such as jewelry, furniture, or artwork that you would be willing to donate?  Bonus points if your donation coordinates with this year’s theme!

The Services and Silent Auction is a fun party. You’ll definitely want to attend. Everything you donate and everything that’s purchased goes to help support the UUFC. Submit information about your donation(s) here, and the Fundraising Team will reach out.  Paper copies of the donation form will be available at the Fellowship after worship on Sundays. Thank you!

If you have questions about donations, email servicesauction@uucorvallis.org.