Faith Based Climate Action 7/22/23

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hand holding a sign reading Climate Action Now at a protest

Good News

Climate Action Opportunities

Of Note, This Week

Save the Date

Good News

Weekly Serving of Good News, July 22, 2023

Good news is a powerful motivator for action, & there‘s lots of good news about climate mitigation, adaptation/resilience, and justice.
Here are a few recent examples, refreshed weekly on Saturdays.

Biden making $20 billion available from ‘green bank’ for clean energy projects

European Union Approves Ambitious Nature Restoration Law

Renewable deployment surge puts world on track for net zero pathway

Decarbonization Is Happening Faster Than You May Think 

Cambridge University solar farm to boost net zero target 

Old electric vehicle batteries now store solar power

Oil Field Company Leads Innovation To Power Homes With Geothermal Energy In Oklahoma

‘Breakthrough’ geothermal tech produces 3.5 megawatts of carbon-free power

Western governors push for geothermal energy to be another boom in renewables 

Scientists Are Growing Sustainable Buildings From Fungi Now 

Regenerative agriculture offers sustainability, climate resilience to local ranchers 

How A Swedish Tech Company Is Making Renewable Energy From Abandoned Mines 

Genetically edited wood could make paper more sustainable

Harnessing Bacteria and Sunlight: A Revolutionary Path to Sustainable Energy

VW’s US Innovation Hub just revealed 4 EV breakthroughs

Compiled stories

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Faith-based Climate Action Opportunities

To help assess the engagement of UUFC members and friends in faith-based climate action and to encourage such action, please anonymously  <Share> the number of the actions below you take this week. Optionally, you may  anonymously also share other recent climate action. 

The organizations whose calls to action we amplify, and the number from each organization, are listed <here>.

Ban toxic seeds that kill birds and bees. Just one small seed has deadly consequences for birds and bees. Millions of seeds are treated with neonicotinoid pesticides, contaminating the entire plant as it grows. Plus, most of the pesticides on the seeds don’t stay there — 95% gets rubbed off or washed away, contaminating the surrounding environment. That turns a cornfield into a toxic minefield for a tiny bee or a hungry bird. Tell Gov. Kotek to ban toxic seeds that kill birds and bees.

Environment Oregon 

Environment Oregon 

Save our oldest forests. Logging and other threats are encroaching on what little mature and old-growth forests we have left. Our oldest forests support a vast network of plants, animals and insects, sheltering the diversity of nature. And trees grow even faster the older they get, storing more carbon from the atmosphere and acting as a natural climate solution. Protecting our old-growth and mature forests is one of the best things we can do to help tackle climate change, save wildlife habitat, and keep our country beautiful. Tell the Biden administration: Save our oldest forests

Nature Conservancy

The climate emergency demands an emergency-level response. The devastating effects of the intertwined crises of climate change and rapid biodiversity loss are here and affecting everyday life in stunning and undeniable ways. The United States must meet this moment and lead with unprecedented urgency to collectively steer the fate of life on Earth back to safety. We cannot meet the essential climate targets unless we leverage the power of nature to restore and protect lands and waters. Send your message to Congress

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Of Note This Week

Of Note This Week is a source for current climate-change information at the local, state, and national levels.  It is refreshed weekly on Saturday.

Friends of the Earth

Article: Gulf and Environmental Groups Call on Interior Department to End Routine Fast-Tracking of Offshore Oil Drilling Projects

Inside Climate News

Article: ‘Giant Methane Factories’: Hydropower Has Long Been Touted as Clean Energy. But Is It?

The Colorado Sun

Editorial: Scientists have given the ultimate warning on climate change. Will we finally listen?

UU Service Committee

Indigenous Lives and The Climate Crisis: A Photo Essay Series

Part 1,   Part 2,   Part 3

Vtdigger

Article: Vermont’s flooding this week is historic. What role did climate change play?

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Save the Date

Thu 27 July 7:00 – 8:00 PM Zoom
Share and Discuss: The Climate Action Team invites UUFC members and friends to share and discuss actions we are taking to reduce our personal carbon emissions and to influence local, state, and nation policy and legislation. Questions: michael.a.hughes1951@gmail.com

Mon 31 Jul, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Franklin Square Park
(Between 15th and 16th Streets, and Polk and Taylor Avenues)

Home Energy Fair – Funding & Support for Everyone: This festive event is a great opportunity for both homeowners and renters who want to save money by lowering their monthly utility bills. Fair
exhibitors will help attendees find out about state and federal money that’s available now to make homes more energy efficient. Cool off with your friends and neighbors at one of our community’s loveliest parks to enjoy snacks and conversations with nonprofits and businesses who will be there to support you. Sponsors: Jobs Addition Neighborhood Association (JANA) and Corvallis Sustainability Coalition Energy Action Team.
Contact: greenstevens@gmail.com

Mon 7 Aug, 6:30 – 7:30 PM, In person, UUFC social hall, or Zoom

Home Retrofit Clinic: The Climate Action Team invites UUFC members and friends to participate in a Home Retrofit Clinic, presented by Nancy Everson, that will focus on the benefits, logistics, and incentives available for switching from fossil (aka natural) gas to electricity for heating, cooling, cooking, and water heating.
Questions: michael.a.hughes1951@gmail.com

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Faith-based Climate Action 7/15/23

by
hand holding a sign reading Climate Action Now at a protest

Good News

Climate Solutions Happenings 

Climate-action Opportunities

Of Note

Save the Date

Good News

Weekly Serving of Good News July 15, 2023

Good news is a powerful motivator for action, &  there‘s lots of  good news  about climate mitigation, adaptation/resilience, and justice. Here’s a sample…

The Oregon legislature delivered big for the environment in 2023

Oregon State scientists find better way to capture carbon from industrial emissions 

A Big Step Forward: New Breakthrough Could Lead to Cleaner Hydrogen Energy

Utah’s FORGE geothermal site proves it’s more than just wishing wells 

New Iceland Tech Shakes Up Global Geothermal Energy

France boosts tidal sector with €65m and revenue support for FloWatt

Amazon has 5,000+ Rivian EV delivery vans on the road 

‘Revolutionary’ solar power cell innovations break key energy threshold

TURBINES IN SSJID CANALS COULD GENERATE POWER

US approves construction for Orsted offshore wind project off New Jersey coast 

Sustainability: New catalyst makes chemical processes more efficient and less harmful to the environment

Norway’s new phosphate deposits are so massive they could guarantee solar power and electric cars keep running for the next 50 years

This Shell station removed all of its gas pumps

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July Climate Solutions Happening

The Oregon Climate Resilience Package! Deborah Clark

 The bipartisan Climate Resilience Package, which was recently passed by the 2023 Oregon legislature, is chock-full of climate solutions that will make life better for all Oregonians! Heat pumps powered by renewable energy will be more accessible. Homes and buildings will be safer and more energy efficient. Electric trucks & buses will replace diesel ones on our roads. Solar and storage will be more affordable for homes and businesses. Resilience hubs will be created by and for frontline communities. Farmers, ranchers, and forest owners will be able to adopt more sustainable practices. Our air will be cleaner. Jobs in the clean energy economy will flourish across the state.

The Climate Resilience Package incorporated climate solutions from about 20 climate bills.  The package included prioritization of Oregonians most vulnerable to climate change: people of color, low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and residents in rural areas.  By investing approximately $100 million, the Climate Resilience Package will enable the state to leverage at least 10 times that amount in federal funding.

This legislative success reflects the hard work of countless advocates such as you, volunteers, and of course, legislative champions.   Together we make a difference!

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Faith-based Climate Action Opportunities

To help assess the engagement of UUFC members and friends in faith-based climate action and to encourage such action, please anonymously  <Share> the number of the actions below you take this week. Optionally, you may  anonymously also share other recent climate action. 

The organizations whose calls to action we amplify, and the number from each organization, are listed <here>.

Sat 15 Jul

Citizens’ Climate Lobby  The PROVE IT Act

The bipartisan PROVE IT Act requires the Department of Energy to study the carbon emissions of certain goods produced in the U.S. compared to other nations.  You can think of this bill as step one in getting a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) in the U.S. We need to show a huge wave of support now to bring CBAMs across the finish line later so they can drive down emissions around the globe. Send a short, customized message to your House Representative and Senators asking them to cosponsor it. 

EarthJustice  Electric Grid

As we move towards a 100% clean energy future, we need to urgently build more power lines to move clean energy across the country. Thousands of solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal projects in various stages of development are waiting years for approval to connect to the U.S. electric grid. More than 2,000 gigawatts of solar, wind and battery storage projects are languishing in the queue, according to the Department of Energy. That’s more power than the U.S. currently generates. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has a critical role to play in accelerating the transmission infrastructure we need to meet U.S. climate commitments. Call on FERC to act. 

Interfaith Power & Light  2023 Farm Bill

Urge Congress to prioritize the needs of communities and the climate, not corporate profit margins. These include:

  • Expand access to SNAP and other nutrition assistance programs 
  • Fund small-scale farmers, regenerative agriculture, and climate-friendly practices, from planting to packaging to delivery;
  • Eliminate food waste and invest in urban agricultural projects that allow all people access to locally-grown, sustainable fresh food; and,
  • Protect the dignity, health, and safety of those responsible for working the land.
  • Fund international programs that train farmers to adapt to climate change and provide emergency and developmental support to more than 4 billion people around the world.

This is our chance to improve this crucial legislation. It’s time for Congress to invest in long-term solutions that address hunger, food access, and climate resilience.  Petition Congress

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Of Note This Week, Sat 7/15/23

US DOE

Website Investments in American-Made Energy

UUA

Article UUA Board Statement, Post-General Assembly 2023, Regarding Divestment Reparations

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Save the Date

Sun 16 Jul, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Avery Park (exact location TBD)

Whole Food Plant-based Picnic Potluck & Lawn Games: We are vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores attempting to eat and/or learn more about the health benefits of a whole food plant-based diet.  First time attendees do not need to bring a dish.  Bring your favorite lawn game. RSVP for more details about this monthly potluck; usually the 3rd Sun. 

Contact: 541-908-0864 or wfpbcorvallis@gmail.com

Sponsor: Corvallis Whole Food Plant-Based Support

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Energy Upgrades for Homes

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Energy Upgrades for Homes with Fossil (Natural) Gas. Nancy Evenson, a retired architect who offers Home Retrofit Clinics through the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition, will speak from personal experience to both the:

  • Technological advances that make heat pump and induction
    technology incredibly clean and efficient.
  • Homeowner experience in navigating the switch from fossil
    gas to electricity.

Monday 7 August, 6:30 – 7:30 PM in the UU Social Hall, also available by Zoom, Contact michael.a.hughes1951@gmail.com

Hosted by the Faith Based Climate Action Team

Banned Book Reading Club

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A reading club to discuss banned books and share insight as to why they have been banned. For a list of titles, please email Susie. Hosted by Susie Smyth. This is a Connect Up Event: connect@uucorvallis.org

Meets 2nd Wednesdays at 2:00 pm in the UU Library. August 9th and September 13th, 2023.

REMOVAL OF INCENSE CEDAR TREES

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Affected areas marked in red.

Sadly, many of the tall cedar trees along the east boundary of UUFC’s property will have to be removed this summer, probably in August. After 4 years of discussion, consulting, and much review the Board of Trustees has approved the removal of 30 trees from our east property line for safety reasons. The removal will start sometime in August, 2023. No oaks or other hardwoods will be removed. This is reduced from the proposed removal of 47 trees that was recommended by Corvallis Arborist LLC in 2022.

Because of the danger of the tall Incense Cedar trees falling on our or our neighbors’ buildings we have had to make the hard decision to remove them. We hired Corvallis Arborist LLC (JonPywell) to evaluate all of the trees on our property and he produced a detailed report in November of 2022.  The bottom line is that he recommended that we remove 47 trees because they are a threat to buildings. The threat is that as the trees get bigger, they are more likely to be blown over by strong winds.  Many are already leaning. The UUFC Board of Directors has reviewed this recommendation and had discussions with many of you and settled on a plan to remove 30 trees that appear to be the most threatening.  This is not something they have done casually.  These trees were planted in 1952 by two of our beloved congregants and have been a valued part of our campus for over 70 years.

We have contracted with a very experienced tree removal contractor, Mid-Valley Woodsmen (Josh Cantrell), who will have to climb each tree and cut small portions from the top and lower them down with ropes.  Josh is very aware of our desire to have as little impact on the remaining trees and vegetation as he can.

Because these trees have to be cut into small segments to get them down safely, we will not be able to sell the wood as sawlogs.  Most of the wood will be chipped and sold to a paper mill or used for landscaping.

Links to documents

Arborist Report

Map of Trees to Cut

Contract

Quote

YOUTH EVENTS CALENDAR

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Mark your calendars for fun! Bring a friend! All registered youth in grades 6-12 are invited to join us for our monthly events.

Updates to the calendar will always be posted here. Registration links will be sent 2 weeks in advance of the activity. To receive email updates, please register for YRUU here.

Please contact the Director of Religious Exploration, Skyla King-Christison, for more information on this or any other UUFC program for children and youth.

Between Us (July 2023)

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My friends – all you who are members and friends of the UUFC – I’m thinking of you today. This is not a special day, not a holiday, but I’m thinking of you.  Because you, like me, are alive in this world, and there are so many challenges in this living.  There is beauty, and love and insight and compassion.  And there are so many challenges.

I’m reflecting on things I learned at the UUA General Assembly, and on the old understandings of the 4th of July which are outdated, and on the fact of how much danger some people are in from war, and politics, and other people.  And on the facts of climate change and the chaos and the realities of how the changes are affecting us all. 

In the summer months, I always try to spend more time in reflection – on the state of the world, on the state of the congregation, on the state of my energies, and on the needs among us that we call ministry.  I am greatly buoyed at the moment by the upwelling of new and needed relationships, ideas, and goals within the Fellowship.  I am heartened by movements within our UUA – toward more inclusiveness, and more acknowledgement of inequality.  I am inspired by visions of a future which build on the past, but keep us moving forward. 

In these summer months I invite you to reflect as well.  Reflect on how you are related to the Fellowship – to people and programs and visions.  Reflect on where you are uncomfortable – which may be just where you are ready to learn more.  Reflect on how you can add to the store of wisdom and compassion and strength among us.  And most of all – keep coming, keep connecting, keep meeting people, and keep learning.  This committed community which we share is a precious resource, which depends upon, and helps, all of us.   Jill

Women’s Retreat 2023: Save the Date (updated)

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The UUFC Women’s Retreat 2023 Planning Team asks that you Save The Date of October 13-14 for our upcoming Fall retreat at the UUFC building. Attendees need only identify as women in a way that’s significant to them. Our theme this year is “Mindful Compassion” and our keynote speaker is Jana Svoboda. We will share lunch and dinner on Saturday, and there will be three workshop hours for smaller interactive sessions. 

We look forward to being together again as a sisterhood!

Amy Ayers, Priscilla Galasso, Kris Egan, Ann Marchant, Joyce Marvel-Benoist, Kimi Mayo, Bonnie Morihara, Sharon Seabrook, and Heather Thomas. 

Email: womensretreat@uucorvallis.org

Faith-based Climate Action 7/8/23

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Good News

Climate-Action Opportunities

Of Note

Save the Date

Good News

Weekly Serving of Good News

Good news is a powerful motivator for action, &  there‘s lots of  good news  about climate mitigation, adaptation/resilience, and justice. Here’s a sample…

Sat 8 Jul

EPA Announces $278 Million Funding to Improve Drinking Water for Tribes

The Cascading Effects of Bringing Back Sea Otters

How solar and wind energy are saving Texans from a record heatwave

China on course to hit wind and solar power target five years ahead of time

USDA Investing Half-Billion to Increase Domestic Biofuel Availability

The Potential of Algae Biofuel in Transforming the Transportation Sector

From Waste to Wealth: Transforming Biomass into Biofuels through Biochemical Conversion

Waves of Change: How Tidal Power is Shaping Renewable Energy 

Net-zero emissions target for ocean shipping to be moved up to 2050

Volvo Switch To Renewable Fuels, Cuts Emissions 84%

Government of Ireland publishes Policy Statement on Geothermal for a Circular Economy

CEE and Goldbeck commission 154MW solar plant in Germany

Sun City Installs R16-Million Solar Plant To Reduce Grid Dependency

This vertical-axis floating wind turbine maker just got its first commercial order

N.J.’s first offshore wind farm gets final key federal approval

Compiled stories 

Top

Climate Action Opportunities

To help assess the engagement of UUFC members and friends in faith-based climate action and to encourage such action, please anonymously  <Share> the number of the actions below you take this week. Optionally, you may  anonymously also share other recent climate action. 

Sat 8 Jul

Sierra Club: Protect Old-Growth and Mature Forests

The US Forest Service (USFS) has just initiated a process to evaluate how we conserve our forests. This announcement kicks off a 60-day comment period for the public to provide input on how to shape a future federal regulation to make forests more resilient.  Tell USFS to protect mature & old-growth forests!

Sierra Club: Stop Salmon Extinction

The Sierra Club, together with nine other NGOs, are plaintiffs represented by Earthjustice and have challenged the inadequate, illegal, and failed salmon “recovery” plans developed by the federal agencies (Bonneville Power Administration, Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation). Other plaintiffs are the Nez Perce Tribe and the State of Oregon. The courts have ruled five times against the federal agencies, rejecting their status quo salmon plans. We again challenged the Trump administration salmon plan (Biological Opinion) that was issued in September 2020.  The plaintiffs reached agreement with the Biden Administration to pause the litigation and work to develop a comprehensive plan for the Columbia Basin, meet treaty rights for the Tribes and recover Snake River salmon.  Your comments are critically important during this timeframe. Submit an Official Public Comment Urging Federal Action to Stop Salmon Extinction.

UUs for Social Justice: End hunger, expand food access, and address climate resilience

The 2023 Farm Bill is a critical opportunity to improve food security and nutrition for people and promote climate resilience in the U.S. and across the world. As Congress begins working on this important legislation, we must urge them to prioritize the needs of our communities and the climate, not corporate profit margins. Petition Congress

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Of Note

Sat 8 Jul

Sierra Club

Article: Senators Wyden and Merkley Introduce Legislation Creating Wilderness in the Magnificent Owyhee Canyonlands

UUs for Social Justice

UUA Business Resolution For Divestment Fails. The proponents of the business resolution “Complete Divestment from the Fossil Fuel Industry and Subsequent Reparations” reminded UUs that the work of fossil fuel divestment has not yet been completed within our denomination. The resolution was a victory in raising the awareness that a young, queer, multiracial collective–reflecting an influx of younger and non-white members–feels called to see the UUA fully divest from fossil fuels.The resolution was voted down by roughly 68% of delegates after strong statements of opposition from the UUA (read the UUA position). After the vote, the UUA made pledges to work on the matter.

Corvallis Sustainability Coalition Energy Action Team

SHIFT TOGETHER: HOME RETROFIT CLINIC

SHIFT TOGETHER: HOME RETROFIT CLINIC

Mon, Wed, or Fri. 1:00 – 3:00 PM or 7:00 – 9:00 PM.  You choose!

Take action as part of the Sustainability Coalition’s newest initiative to rein in climate change – Shift Together!  Nancy Evenson, a retired architect, offers free home retrofit clinics to help you move along the path toward increased energy efficiency.  Nancy will analyze your home’s current use of energy and help you identify the most important upgrades and the financial incentives that help you get there. Gather 3 or 4 households together (yours and 2-3 others) to arrange a date and time to come to Nancy’s home for a 2-hour session.  Contact: retrofit@evensonarchitecture.com

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Save the Date

Sat 8 Jul

Sun 16 Jul, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Avery Park (exact location TBD)

Whole Food Plant-based Picnic Potluck & Lawn Games: We are vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores attempting to eat and/or learn more about the health benefits of a whole food plant-based diet.  First time attendees do not need to bring a dish.  Bring your favorite lawn game. RSVP for more details about this monthly potluck; usually the 3rd Sun. 

Contact: 541-908-0864 or wfpbcorvallis@gmail.com

Sponsor: Corvallis Whole Food Plant-Based Support

Thu 27 July 7:00 – 8:00 PM <Zoom>

Share and Discuss Climate Action Stories: The Climate Action Team invites UUFC members and friends to share and discuss actions we are taking to reduce our personal carbon emissions and to influence local, state, and nation policy and legislation. Questions: michael.a.hughes1951@gmail.com

Mon 31 Jul, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Franklin Square Park 

(Between 15th and 16th Streets, and Polk and Taylor Avenues)

Home Energy Fair – Funding & Support for Everyone: This festive event is a great opportunity for both homeowners and renters who want to save money by lowering their monthly utility bills. Fair exhibitors will help attendees find out about state and federal money that’s available now to make homes more energy efficient. Cool off with your friends and neighbors at one of our community’s loveliest parks to enjoy snacks and conversations with nonprofits and businesses who will be there to support you. Sponsors: Jobs Addition Neighborhood Association (JANA) and Corvallis Sustainability Coalition Energy Action Team. 

Contact: greenstevens@gmail.com

Mon 7 Aug, 6:30 – 7:30 PM, In person, UUFC social hall, or <Zoom>

Home Retrofit Clinic: The Climate Action Team invites UUFC members and friends to participate in a Home Retrofit Clinic, presented by Nancy Everson, that will focus on the benefits, logistics, and incentives available for switching from fossil (aka natural) gas to electricity for heating, cooling, cooking, and water heating. 

Questions: michael.a.hughes1951@gmail.com

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Youth Programs (grades 6-12)

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YRUU will return September 15th! Go ahead and register HERE so you’re ready! In the meantime, we have set up a Soul Work shelf in the sanctuary with lots of quiet activities for all ages to engage with during the service. If you have questions, please contact Skyla (dre@uucorvallis.org).

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Our youth programs are designed to prioritize the immediate needs of the youth above the regularly scheduled programming, recognizing that these can be turbulent and fruitful years with a high degree of need for compassionate mentoring and social support.

Our formal programming aims to help participants notice their experiences with the sacred, clarify their own personal values while learning what it means to be Unitarian Universalist, and gain practice expressing their own religious convictions through action toward a better world.

It is our goal that these aims be accomplished through adult/youth partnerships rather than direct teaching, so as capacities develop in our youth for leadership, space is made for a greater portion of our time together to be directed by youth, while adults lean into a mentoring and advisory role.

Check our what to expect in YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists) below!

HOW TO REGISTER

Before the service, we ask that parents register their children for YRUU. You can do this by visiting the tree stump in the classroom wing and tapping on “YRUU Registration,” or by using this link. Registering helps us create the safest possible learning experience for your child!

While youth are permitted to check themselves in and out of YRUU, we ask that you and your children be aware that we do not permit teens to linger unsupervised in the classroom wing. This provides a layer of safety for both our children and adults, and helps us ensure that our youth are an integrated part of our larger congregational community. Thank you for your support in this area.

WHERE TO GO AND WHEN

Youth should obtain a nametag, just like their parents, either at the welcome desk or from the nametag racks, depending on how long you’ve been attending.

Youth begin with their families in the sanctuary for shared worship. It is important to us that our youth know that they are part of a larger community than just what takes place in the classroom wing. We want them to know and be known by all the members of the Fellowship, and understand their importance and place in our community.

After the time for all ages, the congregation will sing Go Now Children, and a Spirit Play guide with the sign you see to the left will lead the children to the classroom wing. Youth will follow in that general direction and split off to meet their advisors in room 7.

THE EXPERIENCE

When youth arrive in room 7, we will always start with a chalice lighting and brief check-in about how things are going in life, to help get centered in a spirit of community and worship. If appropriate, we move into the lesson for the day. After the session, we’ll have some closing words, extinguish the chalice, and youth are invited to join the wider congregation in the social hall. Light snacks are provided during the session, and donations for the cause of the month are accepted in the social hall after services.

For the 2024/25 Fellowship year, we will be using the Harvard Justice Course, an introduction to moral and political philosophy. It explores classical and contemporary theories of justice and applies these theories to contemporary legal and political controversies. We will be weaving in events and prominent figures in UU history, as well as thinkers and philosophers from a diversity of life experiences, examining our religious heritage with a critical eye toward justice.

SPECIAL EVENTS

In an effort to provide more space for young UUs to deepen their connections with one another and between communities, we provide a regular special events for youth. Often, neighboring communities are invited to join, or we travel to them to ensure that our teens are getting experiences beyond our local congregation. You can check out the most current YOUTH EVENTS CALENDAR HERE. Types of events that you can expect include the fall trip to the corn maze, the spring youth coast retreat, and a summer outdoor movie and camping on the lawn. All youth are welcome to join.

Annual Middle School Programming

Every year we offer special programming specifically for 6th through 8th graders. We alternate between our Coming of Age program and our OWL (Our Whole Lives, comprehensive sexuality education ) program. Both of the programs are central to our UU tradition and community building, and we encourage everyone to take them in the middle school years. These programs are also generally well attended by non-fellowship youth. Space is limited, with priority registration given to member families.

Please send any questions about our children’s and youth programs to the Director of Religious Exploration, Skyla King-Christison at dre@uucorvallis.org