Between Us

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There are many levels of wisdom in an annual calendar: for example the recognition of being part of a universe, on a planet orbiting a star in a regular pattern, and the recognition of seasons within particular earthly ecosystems, and the recognition that we can assess our lives and create new intentions. All of these movements affect how we live. At the very least, they help us remember that we are in constant motion, always being moved.

Within these continual cycles, we can consciously move ourselves toward what I’ll call spiritual maturity. This movement is a combination of continual action and reflection – a process of continual learning. Learning to be less fearful and more courageous, less judgmental and more respectful, less self-centered and more aware of others, less reactive and more curious. These movements require intention and dedication. 

A new year, according to whichever calendar is used, is always a chance to reflect, learn, and begin again. To see ourselves in new ways within the much larger patterns and cycles we are made of – as part of the universe, part of the seasons, part of a species, part of a community – inextricably related to all that is. We can learn to tell bigger stories about who we are – stories that are deeper, both older and newer, more detailed, and more true in terms of our relatedness and how we have been shaped. What new stories are unfolding within us and around us this year? What will we learn, and how will we grow? Perhaps we can begin with this, from Sr. Mary Goergen, OSF:  “We are called to live with the knowledge and awareness that we are part of all that is and that our decisions have an effect on the quality of life for all beings. We are called to live this connectedness that exists between all members of creation… We are called to remember loveliness for one another until each of us can remember, believe and live in love.”

Once again we are blessed by the possibilities of new beginnings. May we help each other move forward.

Winter Earth and A New Year Coming, 12/31/2023

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Seasons  make a difference in how we live, even if only a little. Winter has its gifts and challenges, and its particular Pacific Northwest offerings. It’s good to appreciate each season in its turn. And since our calendar changes at this time of year, we’ll consider what may be in store for us in the coming year. All ages are welcome at this service which will conclude with multi-generational activities.

with Rev. Jill McAllister

Plant Based Potluck

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recurring; 4th Sundays

Join a potluck exploring and learning how to eat more Whole Foods Plant Based meals. It’s new! It’s confusing! It’s good for our health and our planet. No experience needed – whether you are a long time plant based eater, or have never heard of this before, you are welcome here. Let’s eat, laugh, and learn together. Children welcome.

Bring a dish to share, in which all ingredients are plants.

Plants: Grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts & seeds, herbs & spices.

Not Plants: Animal flesh, fluids, and unborn young.

Need ideas for recipes? https://www.forksoverknives.com/recipes/

Hosted by Ann Marchant.

This is a Connect Up Event, with the purpose of building community within the UUFC congregation. Would you like to host a Connect Up event? Learn more about it here: https://uucorvallis.org/connect-up/

Camp Blue Boat Save the Date

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Mark your calendars because Camp Blue Boat is back for middle and high school youth!

Save the Date: June 30 – July 5, 2024

Location: Camp N-Sid-Sen in Harrison, ID*

Campers experience community, spirituality, justice & equality with UU youth from throughout the region and have TONS OF FUN on the shores of gorgeous Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Camper registration will open in February!! We will share the registration link here when it becomes available.

From the Board

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This month our board meeting was held on Tuesday, 12/19. Highlights of this meeting:

  • The board reviewed  proposed additions to the bylaws to include the Committee on Ministry. This committee has been active at the Fellowship for 10 years: a bylaw change will clarify its role as central to the priorities of the Board and congregation.  
  • Approved an increase in hours for the RE Director to better reflect the needs of a growing RE program, thanks to the excellent work of our DRE Skyla King-Christisen. 
  • Formed a subcommittee to design a review process for several ongoing priority commitments of the Board and congregation, including anti-racism work, responses to the climate crisis, and being an official Welcoming Congregation.
  • Made minor changes to the UUFC Board Policies to clarify outdated language.
  • Heard a proposal from the Grounds Stewards Team to relocate and replace the garden shed as a step in transforming the area between the Ampinefu (social hall) patio and the north lawn from “back of business”, haphazard storage to beautiful sacred space.

CATweek 12/23/23

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Corvallis Carbon Offset Fund: At the end of service on Sun 17 Dec, Brian Lee talked to us about local carbon offsets available through the Corvallis Carbon Offset Fund (CCOF). We’ll share the video of Brian’s talk once it’s posted, but in the meantime, we invite and encourage you to estimate your/your family’s carbon footprint and reduce that footprint via donation to the CCOF or other appropriate climate action/climate justice group.

Towards Net Zero: For those ready to make reducing and taking responsibility for their carbon emissions an ongoing commitment, we invite and encourage you to sign up for UUFC Climate Action Team’s Towards Net Zero project. 

Tree Planting: We still need volunteers to help plant eight trees in the islands in the Crystal Lake/Willamette Park parking lot, 10:00 AM to Noon, Sat 20 Jan. This is our third year of collaborative tree planting with the City’s Urban Forestry Program. To volunteer, email michael.a.hughes1951@gmail.com with Subject Tree Planting.

Faith-based climate action this week

Good News

Climate-action Opportunities

Of Note

Save the Date

Cheers, Michael

To sign up for CATweek, the once-per-week, Saturday, email, email Michael Hughes and use the subject “CATweek sign up.”

The one thing we need more than hope is action. Once we start to act, hope is everywhere.

Greta Thunberg

Antiracism Learning Circles offered by First Unitarian in Portland

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You are invited to join Antiracism Learning Circles this winter and spring. It’s on zoom, so you can join from anywhere!  First Unitarian in Portland, OR is the organizer, and we are eager to include participation from all faiths and allies everywhere.  We hope you can join us and that you’ll help spread the word.

Full descriptions, schedules & registration information are HERE.

This winter & spring 2024 we are offering:

  • Seeing White –  the real history of the US, the one none of us were taught in school. This is where to start your journey! (podcast series) 
  • The Land That Has Never Been Yet – an examination of whether we have ever had a real democracy (podcast series)
  • The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story – edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones – a profoundly reveling vision of American past and present
  • Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication – by Oren J. Sofer
  • The Conspiracy to End America: Five Ways My Old Party is Driving Our Democracy to Autocracy – by Stuart Stevens
  • My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Mending of our Bodies and Hearts – by Resmaa Menakem
  • The Sum Of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together – by Heather MaGhee
  • Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law – by Leah Rothstein & Richard Rothstein
  • Shielded: How The Police Became Untouchable – by Joanna Schwartz
  • (Additional offerings will be added to the link above as they become availalbe.)

LEARNING CIRCLES are small discussion cohorts based on a book or podcast that provide:

  • Important learning about white supremacy, racism, and our national history
  • The opportunity to build trust and go deep in small group discussions over time
  • A safe place to have difficult discussions and deal with discomfort
  • An opportunity to create and strengthen relationships with others
  • Connection, focus and purpose in a virtual setting

How Do LEARNING CIRCLES Work?

  • Each cohort (typically 4-12) gathers for a series (from 4-10 sessions) of facilitated Zoom discussions.
  • Register for a particular Learning Circle.  Meeting dates & times vary.
  • Each individual is given the opportunity to share reactions, then discuss as a group
  • We ask that you plan to attend all sessions so we can build bonds of trust and insight

For questions contact Jody Feldman @ feldmanjody@gmail.com 

Inquirer’s Series – Every Sunday

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Question Mark

This week: Membership 101 with Bobbi Bailey. Inquirer’s Series is a series of 9 hour-long sessions designed especially for newcomers seeking more information about UUism and the Fellowship AND open to all others who are interested. Sessions take place every Sunday at 11:45 AM Room 8.

Upcoming session dates:

2023

Dec 31 Roots with Skyla King-Christison

2024

Jan 7 Principles & Sources* with Skyla King-Christison

Jan 14 Minister’s Q&A* with Jill McAllister

Jan 21 Building & Grounds with John Bailey

Jan 28 Lifespan Faith Development with Dawn Dirks

Feb 4Worship & Liturgical Year with Jill McAllister

Feb 11 Social Justice, Community Action & Connect Up with Karen Josephson

Feb 18 Care and Support & Chalice Circles with Sandy Piper

Feb 25 Membership 101* with Bobbi Bailey

Mar 3 Roots with Skyla King-Christison

Daily Practice: A Weekly Reminder 12/24

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It’s a beautiful Willamette Valley winter day – a mixture of rain and sun, dark clouds and blue sky, herons, rainbows, full and rushing rivers. The orbit of the earth shifted last night – the longest night – and we have entered into the time of lengthening days, tiny bit by tiny bit. It’s the height of the Christmas season – hustle and bustle sounds too calm to describe the traffic and crowds (and nothing can quite describe the amounts of “stuff” piled flowing out of stores into homes.) The old familiar story of Christmas is waiting to be told in just a few days.  As with all old familiar stories, there is much more to it than we assume. It is a gateway, a window into human needs and fears, triumphs and shortcomings still accurate after all these millenia.  

This year seems especially hard for allowing ourselves to enjoy holidays; to be joyful can feel like denying the truths of suffering and hardship which are so present in this world in danger from greed, power, and war, among other things. The danger is real, of course, and cannot be denied. And yet, and yet. The beauty of the turning earth cannot be denied either. The possibilities for love, for understanding and compassion, for letting go of entitlement, for reaching out to others, for being peacemakers and lovers and helpers and friends are always present – always present within us and between us. They are never far away. Even today, with all its complications, everywhere I go people are giving good wishes to others.  “Happy Holidays.” “Merry Christmas.” “Best wishes.”

The calendar of days will come to an end soon, and then we’ll begin again, as we always do. May we pause to give thanks for all the gifts of life as we are carried through the universe on this spinning earth. May we give good wishes, and have goodwill, for all we meet, including ourselves! May we renew our determination to be peacemakers, friends, companions and helpers, so to make this season of peace and goodwill real.  

For each and every one of you – may the days of this season be beautiful. I’m sending love to you all –    Jill

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