Sharing Space at UUFC

by

As we navigate this season of doing more gathering in less space at the Fellowship, it is important that each of us takes seriously the reality that sensitive and vulnerable sharing happens when our small groups gather. If you happen across a closed gathering that you are not a part of, please honor the sacred nature of the work that happens here by not entering unless there is a genuine emergency. 

We understand that you may need time to set up or want to check on a detail of the space before your gathering, but that cannot reasonably happen during another group’s meeting. Additionally, it is no longer possible for teams to store supplies in a space for days or even hours prior to their scheduled room use. We kindly ask that all facilitators communicate with the members of their group and make sure we have a shared understanding of how to show care for one another during this time. 

“Deep Energies Of Life: Wisdom of Imbolc” 1/26/2025

by

Here at the mid-point between Solstice and Equinox, here at the frontier of new assaults on freedom and democracy, here in the stirring of the season of new life, we can find wisdom and inspiration for how to live now by considering the ancient traditions of Imbolc. The life force is moving and growing as always, in many unseen ways. It is the creative force in everything that is getting ready to be born, sprout, bud and grow. What practices and perspectives can help us as we aim and strive to help life, justice, and freedom emerge?

With the Wheel of the Year team and Rev. Jill McAllister

Between Us

by

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

by

(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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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.