The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis
We gather once more before the summer break to tend to our grief. The grief you hold may be for personal losses, transitions, or the sorrows of the world – all are equally welcome and worthy of attention.
Our time together will include gentle movement, poetry, writing, sharing and a simple ritual. Please join us.
Facilitators Anna Coffman and Susan Sanford
For information, contact Anna, email: anna.cupoftea@gmail.com, phone/text: 979-760-0910
This Saturday we’re having a special Dance Planet at the Fellowship. From 7:30 to about 8:45 we’ll move, each in our own way, to a rhythmic flow of music from around the world and across the decades. But starting at 7 cellist Sabina Monn and percussionist George B. will create an auditory space for movement, stretching, or just listening.
Admission to this family-friendly event is a suggested donation of $5—15. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to local environmental organizations.
Just let any Board member or Rev. Jill know.
The UUA’s General Assembly will be held June 20-23 this year. The GA features worship, workshops, speakers, business sessions, and more. Delegates will take the final vote on the proposed new Article II of the UUA Bylaws.
This year’s GA will be all-virtual for the first time, saving you travel time, expense, and fossil fuel consumption.
UUFC is eligible for a number of delegates. There is a policy to help the Board select delegates from those who express interest.
Read the UUFC policy (2.8.1) on delegates.
You may also register to view many of the events.
Visit the General Assembly page on the UUA website.
*Sung to the tune of So You Wanna Be a Rock and Roll Star.
Big hugs of gratitude to all those at Corvallis UU Fellowship who joined together to “adopt a home” at Hub City Village in Albany! We were able to collect everything needed for a home interior plus several extra things to add to the next home! Yay UU!!!!
The process of building this empowering community continues, so feel free to contact UUFC Member Joyce Marvel-Benoist at marvelbenoist@gmail.com if you’d like to participate in other ways. And if you’d like to see photos and information, check out creatinghousing.org. Big thanks for the support of the Secure Housing and Food Team at UU and dozens of members and friends!
Hub City Village is 27 long-term homes serving those without secure housing.
It includes collaborative community co-op, residential center, organic gardens, solar power, and ongoing support and education. Homes are close to finished, the peer support specialist is running interviews for applicants, and homes will be ready for occupancy by July! All types of volunteers will continue to be invited to support this beautiful model. The plan is to continue duplicating this model throughout the region.
This is love and justice in action!
The turning of the earth, of the year, of the seasons, of the heart. Turning inward, turning outward, turning away, turning toward. “To turn” is a fruitful way to describe and understand the religious life. As the old Shaker song says, it’s by ‘turning, turning that we come round right.’ In these days turning often feels frantic, as in which way to turn? Is there anywhere safe to turn? Turning can become spinning, and dizziness, and falling. What can we learn that will help us in all this turning?
Rev. Jill McAllister
May is the month for our Fellowship Annual Meeting (May 19). Planning for the meeting, and the participation of many of us which even this small democracy requires, has been underway for several months. Not everyone quite gets this juxtaposition between the religious life of the congregation (and our own religious lives) and the necessity of participation in sustaining it. I suppose it is an acquired taste, and at the very least it takes practice. All of the team, council and board meetings about the budget, the bylaws, the goals and plans, evaluation of current work, all of the challenges and struggles and learning about new ways to communicate and interact – ALL of this is how we sustain this local and unique democracy. It may seem quite boring to some, even passe, yet in these days there is nothing more important.
The extent to which our national democracy is in danger and to which all of our highest values are at stake (even more than in 2016) cannot be overstated.
It is nearly unbelievable how precarious the system is right now. It could very well be that the collective mindset of those who believe that something different is needed – authoritarianism at the very least – is so deep and wide that it is like a tsunami wave building. Certainly there is a wave. Anything and everything we do, here and in the wider circles of community, to practice and sustain democratic structures, makes a difference.
Many of you know more than I do, and have much more articulate political opinions. I am no political pundit. Nevertheless I am convinced that given the possibilities we need to begin now to plan for how we will organize our congregational life to take care of each other, and others who will be at even more risk, should the worst-case scenario come to pass. If this is something you can help with, please let me know. And for all you are already doing to help sustain democratic ideals – thank-you!
Our Director of Religious Exploration was recently awarded the status of Credentialed Advanced Religious Educator by the UUA. This credential required many months of study and learning, plus oral exams. Congratulations Skyla! All are invited to help celebrate Skyla and this achievement following the service, in the Social Hall.
Sunday, May 19th in the UUFC Social Hall
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
This month, we’ll have a casual potluck and some icebreaker games, hosted by Ginny and Linda! Come and get to know your queer community and make new friends! Bringing food is optional, but welcome! Join us! Allies are always welcome/you don’t have to identify as LGBTQ to attend.
Join LGBTQ+ folx and allies for social gatherings centered on queer issues and themes. We understand the importance of queer community, and our goal is to provide a safe space where people can find that sense of belonging right here in Corvallis. We meet monthly on the 3rd Sunday in the afternoon. All are welcome! Questions: connect@dreuucorvallis-org
QUEERLY BELOVED is an affinity group of UUFC. uucorvallis.org/queerly-beloved