Past Services

SUNDAY SERVICE VIDEOS

We have saved videos from most of the services from the past several years. Occasionally a service video doesn’t get recorded, or saved.

YouTube Playlists:

Service Videos (January 2020 – March 2023): The link opens a pdf of an older method of storing links to service videos, before we started uploading them to YouTube.

PAST SERMONS

Starting in the Fall of 2023 we began posting the Weekly Announcements on the website, which included summaries of the sermons. If you are looking for sermons from before what we have here, you might check the Weekly Announcements Archives.

September 6, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: Into the Clearing

In difficult times when it feels like there’s no way forward, what does it take to open up possibility again? It’s the work of community to help each other come into the clearing.

with Rev. Alex McGee and Rev. Monica Jacobson-Tennessen

August 30, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: What Wondrous Love is This

Join us for our weekly worship service, this Sunday at 10 AM. There will be singing, listening, and being. If the topic of the sermon is known in advance, it will be advertised in this space.

You can attend worship in person, or online through Zoom by clicking the blue button at the top of the web page that says “Watch our Sunday Worship Service on Zoom”. The Zoom stream starts shortly before 10 AM on Sunday.

August 23, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: Can an Atheist have Faith?

Join us for our weekly worship service, this Sunday at 10 AM. There will be singing, listening, and being. If the topic of the sermon is known in advance, it will be advertised in this space.

You can attend worship in person, or online through Zoom by clicking the blue button at the top of the web page that says “Watch our Sunday Worship Service on Zoom”. The Zoom stream starts shortly before 10 AM on Sunday.

August 16, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: The Fellowship Movement

As Unitarian Universalism moved west, it began to take on a different form. Instead of meetinghouses in the center of New England towns, small groups of people began gathering in living rooms, school buildings, and borrowed spaces, building communities rooted in shared commitment, care, and imagination. This is the history of the Fellowship Movement—and the life it continues to have in places like Corvallis, where that work of community-building remains steady and ongoing.

Guest Minister: Reverend Karishma Neva Gottfried is a newly ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, serving the Community Church of New York as Minister for Youth & Young Adults. But long before that, she was a baby dedicated, a child coming of age, and youth bridging in the UU Fellowship of Corvallis. Rev. Karishma returns to us for her first service after ordination (where Rev. Jill McAllister gave the charge to “begin again in love”) to share a little of what she’s learned from her time studying Unitarian Universalism and UU congregations as UUFC prepares to call a new minister.

August 9, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: Accidental Violence by Peacemakers

As we work to preserve democracy, is it possible that some of our efforts have unintended consequences? How can we raise awareness to fine tune our process?

August 2, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: Climate Effectiveness by Reducing Food Waste

Jeanette Hardison moved here in 1982, and has built a career of teaching recycling and waste prevention, spanning the last 33 years! She created the popular “Corvallis-Area ReUse Directory”, and she founded and directs the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition’s “No Food Left Behind” program.

It takes a staggering amount of resources to get food from farm to fork… from seed to plate… and preventing wasted food is the #1 way individuals can reduce their carbon footprints. Jeanette will share how important and easy it is to prevent wasted food at home, and save thousands per year in food costs. She will be available in the Social Hall afterwards for additional conversations.

July 26, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: Peace and Justice Philosophies in Star Trek

Guest speaker Joseph Orosco serves as a Professor of Philosophy at Oregon State University. He is active as a labor leader there. He has published books on immigration and social change movements. Today we will hear how his exploration of utopian/dystopian fiction can offer insights into how to live a good life.

July 19, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: A Release Service

Summer in our society can be a time of transitions: such as graduations and preparing for new schools, or moving for new jobs. It’s been a year since Rev. Jill’s last service on July 13, 2025. Perhaps doors have opened or closed in your life. Such milestones are a good time to have a ritual of release, and we will experiment with dissolving paper to acknowledge and let go of things that are past, celebrating blessings and releasing burdens. Rev. Alex will lead.

July 12, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: Deep Listening

Humans can have profound transformation when another person offers focused, non-judgmental listening. Thea Hart and Alex McGee will explore what groups in UU life can offer this experience, and how we integrate it into other parts of our lives.

July 5, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: The Meaning of Freedom?

What does Freedom mean to you, especially as you ponder the July 4 holiday? Rev. Alex will explore the many meanings of freedom.

June 28, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: The Dance of History
Human history shows us again and again the wisdom of learning from our past.  Today, come dwell together in those truths.  Plan to stay after the service for a slideshow about UUFC history.
Service led by Rev. Alex McGee, with presentation after service by Transitions Team.
June 21, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: General Assembly Worship
“I get energy for the long haul each year when I watch the General Assembly Sunday Worship.” 
-Rev. Alex McGee
We are part of a greater whole — UU congregations across the country will be gathering on Zoom for several days in late June to learn together, vote on business, and worship together, in a gathering called General Assembly.  On Sunday morning, General Assembly culminates in a Sunday Service designed for UUs around the globe to enjoy together!  So, in our UUFC sanctuary, we will sing our opening and closing song together, worship with others beyond our walls through video, and take our offering as usual.  I am so excited for you to be nourished and inspired by our larger UU movement.  As an added bonus, the minister chosen for this year’s national sermon is from Eugene!  Learn more here:  https://www.uua.org/ga/off-site/2026/sunday-worship.
June 14, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: Pride Sunday and Juneteenth Awareness
When we look at injustice, we feel sorrow, and when we celebrate liberation, we feel joy.  Both are alive in Pride Month, and in Juneteenth Remembrance.  Come together for courage and strength.  Plan to attend the Pride party after the service!
Service led by Rev. Alex McGee with help from Molly Curry.
Party after service led by Queerly Beloved.
June 7, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: River of Life
Today, we pause on the riverbank to witness those who are entering into a new stage of development – spiritual and social. Children growing into youth. Young adults declaring that they’re here and ready to take up space in our community. Elders who are entering a new era of adulthood and asking for tenderness as they figure out what that will look like. They do not go alone. We get to attend to them with our blessing, and our attention.
Led by Skyla King-Christison, Director of Religious Exploration
May 31, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: Flower Communion
“The Flowers in the Fence Outside the Detention Center”
Flower Communion is part of our Unitarian heritage and honors finding beauty in times of political pain.  Alex will tell a story from this past year, when the Flower Communion was done outside an ICE detention center in Chicago.  A special guest will share kirtan music.  All ages will be together in this service.
Bring a blossom to share if you can.  We will also have extra flowers to share.
May 24, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: Rabbi Phil Bressler, guest speaker

Unitarian Universalism honors wisdom from many world traditions, and today we are honored to welcome Rabbi Phil Bressler, from Beit Am Mid-Willamette Valley Jewish Community. He grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he was active in the Reform Jewish community and spent his summers at URJ (Union of Reform Judaism) summer camp. Phil’s path to the rabbinate began at Washington University in St. Louis, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jewish, Islamic, and Near-Eastern Studies in 2006. Music has been an important part of Phil’s life from an early age, and he has made it an integral part of his rabbinic work. Phil is dedicated in his work to helping others connect with the part of Judaism that speaks to them and making Jewish tradition accessible and understandable to anyone seeking it out.

May 17, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: Choir Sunday

Music touches the soul in a special way. Come be together as we bask in the ministry of the UUFC choir, uplifting our shared values through song.

Join the UUFC Choir as they explore W. H. Auden’s Refugee Blues through repertoire spanning from the 13th century to contemporary works. It is the hope of the choir that you’ll join them in music making and sonic contemplation before our annual meeting.

The UUFC choir will be presenting works from Gene Glickman, Nancy Grundahl, Karl Jenkins, Gabriel Kahane, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Dr.Bernice Johnson Reagon, Brian Tate, and Dr. André J. Thomas.

After the service there will be refreshments and our Annual Meeting, where you can hear about the UUFC’s accomplishments in the past year and dreams for the coming years. Members will vote on significant financial and ministerial matters. Read more about our Annual Meeting by clicking this link.

May 10, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: Mothers Day and the Feminine Divine

Mothers Day has unique tender meanings for each of us. Gather in sanctuary as we consider the feminine aspects of the divine.

GUEST SPEAKER: Rev. Beth Crawford was born and raised in North Carolina but now considers Corvallis her home. Her interest in the divine feminine began in her Southern Baptist-infused childhood during which she mused that there must be an alternative to the patriarchal spirituality presented to her. She has continued to reflect on the divine feminine while serving in a variety of professional roles including congregational ministry, hospital chaplaincy, campus ministry, and as an attorney focusing on high-conflict family law. She has a deep love for travel, music, and the outdoors. Along with her husband, she is raising two remarkable children, aged 13 and 10. She is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

May 3, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: May Day’s Many Meanings

May Day has many meanings: as Beltane reminds us that we are halfway from the Spring Equinox to the longest day of Summer. Meanwhile, across the United States this year, organizers are naming this May 1st as crucial for honoring International Workers Day.

Rev. Alex McGee will preach

The May Pole activity after service that was previously advertised has been cancelled.

April 26, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: 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.

Guest speaker Rev. Mitra Rahnema is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry. She has offered ministry to congregations in Missouri, Michigan, and California. Mitra is editor of the 2017 book and UUA Common Read, “Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry.” She is dedicated to building vibrant and engaged anti-oppressive communities. Mitra lives in Portland, OR.

April 19, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: Caring for Moral Health

As people of conscience, how can we relate to the people who serve in our military, knowing the complex moral issues that they face? Guest speaker Logan Isaac brings his background as a veteran, theologian, and ethicist.

Logan Isaac will speak

April 12, 2026
Sunday Worship Service: When Our Ideals are Challenged

When we work hard to make this world more just, but seem to face betrayal and despair instead, what can we do?  Alex will bring lessons from Unitarian and Universalist forebears as well as current activist theologians.  Renewed inner spirituality, sharing our lessons, and resting may surprise us on our way.

Rev. Alexandra McGee will preach.  Special guest musician Nancy Snowden will play cello.

  • 2025-08-10 “Community Wealth Sharing has Positive Impact!”

    With the support of individuals, the City of Corvallis, the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis, Seeds for the Sol has helped over 450 households experiencing low income to reduce their power bills and upgrade the value of their homes. Learn about what you can do, in these times, to make your own home more efficient and to continue to help others in your community! Energy efficiency as a subversive act! We firmly believe that energy efficiency is an important path toward a livable planet.

    Julie Williams, Seeds for the Sol

  • 2025-08-03 “Lammas – A Ritual of Ripening and Release”

    Join us as we gather at the sacred threshold of Lammas, the festival of first harvest. In this season of fullness and change, we’ll pause to honor the fruits of our lives—what is ripening, what is ready to be shared, and what must be gently released.

    Through song, story, ritual, and reflection, we’ll weave together ancestral wisdom and our own lived experience—carrying the grain of our becoming into community and into the unknown future.

    Come celebrate the bread we are making with our lives.

    Bring a bit of garden abundance to share with others, or nonperishable food for the South Corvallis Food Bank. Let us meet this turning with open hearts and hands.

    We’ll also be introduced to our interim minister, Rev. Alex McGee, who started with us on August 1.

    Wheel of the Year Team

  • 2025-07-27 “Navigating These Waters”

    As we near the end of a year filled with threshold moments, cultural upheaval, and deep transformation, we gather to reflect on the journeys we’ve taken. Through brief stories offered by members of our community, we’ll explore what has challenged us, what has grounded us, and what has brought joy amid uncertainty. Together, we’ll honor the resilience, practices, and wisdom that have helped us navigate these shifting tides.

  • 2025-07-20 “Change Happens”

    The world has gotten smaller and we’re affected more strongly than we have been before. The truth is we have always been connected and change has been a constant. It seems so accelerated now. What can make it easier? Come and find out!

    Hosted by Rev. Leslie Chartier

  • 7/13/2025 A Celebration of Shared Ministry

    We come to the end of a chapter in the life of the Fellowship – a chapter covering twelve years of ministry shared between us. Twelve years of immense change in the world, twelve years of leaning into it all together.  I have so much gratitude – it would be impossible to thank you enough, but I will aim in that direction.  Now we move toward the future  – two new chapters: the ongoing life and health of the Fellowship, and my transition into retirement.  We will move in different directions, but the connections we’ve made and the love we’ve shared will remain.  Let’s share blessings for each other as we take these new steps.   

    With Rev. Jill McAllister

    After the service, stay to dance! Adriel Molk will lead several easy folk dances. Room TBD, depending on temperatures….

  • “Between Us” 7/6/2025

    In the end, all the elements of a religious and spiritual life – the practices and beliefs, the things we learn, the ways in which we change, what we yearn for and need, and more – lead into how we exist in relation to ourselves, others and Life.  What we do, think and feel, affect what occurs between us.   For thirteen years this has been my framework, shared in writing and preaching.  This morning let’s think about interdependence, and I’ll aim to summarize what I’ve learned with you and from you.    

    We’ll also take time to reflect on the huge project of renovation of our classroom wing, now almost finished.  We’ll extend our thanks and appreciation to the volunteers who made it possible, and invite all to have a tour of the renewed spaces after the service. 

    With Rev. Jill McAllister

  • “On Ministry” 6/29/25

    As we get closer to a ministerial transition – a major event in the life of the Fellowship – let’s consider what ministry is in the UU tradition, what roles a minister plays in congregational life, and what that means for the lives of members and friends of the Fellowship.   

     With Rev. Jill McAllister, and special music from Johanna Beekman

  • “Return To Love” 10 AM 6/22/25

    When we’re afraid, when we’re angry, when we are confused and wonder what to do, here’s a possibility.  Return to love.  Return to love again, and again and again.  The more we are willing to return to this starting point, the more we learn about it.  Love can mean courage.  It can mean kindness and concern.  It can mean justice and perseverance and compassion.   When I began (again) at the Fellowship in 2013, our first theme was Love.  Let’s start there again and consider what we’ve learned.  With Rev. Jill McAllister

  • “Trans Ancestors, Queer Descendants and a Liberating Present”   6/15/25

    UUFC’s Queerly Beloved group and Sexuality and Gender Diversity Justice Team host this Pride Month Sunday Service, and welcome guest preacher Rev. Lazarus Justice Jameson.  The service will include remembering some Fellowship history around LGBTQIA+ welcoming and justice work, and embodying our commitments to LBGTQIA+ welcoming and justice in these days of increased danger.  It will also include a blessing of chosen names and families.  Please join us!

  • “Who We Choose To Become” 6/8

    What kind of identity do we choose to embrace to meet the moments that life, events and circumstances throw at us?  It is not just to know who we are but to decide who we need to be and become.  A place where our chosen identity, fueled by our behaviour will lead to a world of our values.  Come reflect with Rev. Mwibutsa

  • “River of Life” 6/1/25

    The ‘regular’ church year – or the church year as it corresponds to the school year –  is drawing to a close.  Once again it is time to reflect on and celebrate the gifts and responsibilities of being this beautiful multi-generational congregation.

    We will honor and share blessings with children and youth who are moving into new areas of religious exploration.  We’ll honor and share blessing with our bridging high school senior on her way to becoming a young adult.  We’ll renew our commitments to support one another at every bend in the river of life.   Please join us! With Skyla King-Christison and all.

  • “Art Works: Reflections on the First Year of PRAx”     5/25

    Join us to welcome to the Fellowship Peter Betjemann, the Executive Director of PRAx at OSU. The new Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts aims to spotlight intersections between the arts and all other disciplines at the university.  It focuses on connections, both classical and innovative.  Patricia Reser herself understands it this way: “The arts invite us to see, to think, to listen, to feel, and to reflect. I can’t imagine a more urgent path for humans and for humanity.”  Peter Betjemann will reflect with us on this first year of PRAx and the vital role of the creative arts in these times in the world.