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.

  • “Be Not Afraid” 12/1/24

    We enter into the traditional “Christmas Season” in the Christian tradition, with the first Sunday in Advent, Dec. 1. Part of that story, of Mary the mother of Jesus, is a common teaching that is mostly overlooked – the encouragement to “be not afraid.” It’s an old encouragement, part of many other stories, archetypal in many ways, given how much we humans tend to be afraid, and what we tend to do with that fear. So let’s start there this season, and see what we can learn.

    With Rev. Jill McAllister Special music from Tim Hardin.

  • “Connection, Gratitude, and Responsibility” 11/24/2024

    The coming season is always a challenge, more and more each year. We find ourselves in-between in so many ways – between proclamations of peace and ongoing war, between holy days and (often mindless) accumulation, between stories of freedom and realities of oppression, between giving thanks and perpetuating pain. And this year, with heightened fear.

    How do we begin to enter in, to be part of nourishing and helping, of both gratitude and responsibility? There are no easy answers, but we can enter in nevertheless.

    With Rev. Jill McAllister

  • “Who Is My Neighbor?” 11/17/24

    One of the great teachings, of Jesus and others, is to try to love your neighbor as yourself. And as soon as it was taught, the questions began. Does that mean all my neighbors? Even the ones I think are strange? And the ones that scare me? And the ones I don’t like, don’t know, don’t want to know, don’t care about? Even the ones who are dangerous? The teaching remains, and so do all the questions. How might we approach them now? Especially from our aim to be a welcoming congregation?

    with Rev. Jill McAllister

  • “The Great Mystery” 11/10/24

    Let’s just say it has been an historic week. And we are still living. And we are wondering. And so much more. Many of us are devastated, are trying to make sense, are trying to find courage, are trying to find our footing.
    We can do this together – begin to balance ourselves in order to keep going in the service of Love.
    Join with us on Sunday to start anew, and to continue the journey.

    Following the service our Democracy Action Team invites all who are interested to meet together at 11:45 in the Sanctuary, to begin to strategize next steps.

  • Election Week Gatherings

    These are hard days for most of us, and yet we are still here, we are still connected. It is a time to center ourselves, to remember our sources of courage and strength, to  remember our ideals, and to rest in all the ways we can.  We will be able to keep going, even if the path feels unknowable right now. You are invited and welcome to join with others at the Fellowship in the coming days, for connection, for mutual support. 

    Here’s the schedule:

    Thursday, Nov. 7, 10 AM – 1 PM – Open House gathering in the Social Hall. 

    Bring snacks to share or your lunch, if you like.

    Thursday, Nov. 7, 7- 8:30 PM  – Open House gathering in Room 7.

    Friday, Nov. 8, 10AM – 1 PM – Open House gathering in the Social Hall.

    Bring snacks to share or your lunch, if you like.

    Friday, Nov. 8, 7 PM – Community Kirtan (chanting and singing)  Room 7

    Sunday, Nov. 10,  10 AM Sunday Service

  • “Shine Your Light” 11/3/24

    The future is a mystery, no matter how much we try to imagine it. How the week ahead will unfold is a mystery! It’s always good to help ourselves manage our fears and anxieties, to try limit the ways we pass them on to others and wear ourselves out in the process. We can support each other; we can practice together.

    with Rev. Jill McAllister

    Don’t forget: Daylight Savings Time ends early on Nov. 3 – which means an extra hour of sleep or relaxing before coming to the Fellowship.

  • Wheel of the Year: Samhain – From Generation to Generation 10/27/24

    The Wheel of the Year arrives at Samhain, which is closely related to Halloween. It is a time for honoring connections between the living and the dead, for telling stories which have lasted for generations. Who are our ancestors – related or not? What did they brave or endure or dream or build? How do their lives affect our own? All are invited to bring a photo or picture of a beloved ancestor – related or not – to help create an altar which honors both the season and those who came before us.
    All ages are welcome to come in costume, if Halloween nurtures you in that way.

    (The service is not totally intergenerational – children and youth will go to their RE sessions as usual).

    Following the service, all are invited to “trick or treat” at tables hosted by Fellowship Justice teams, and to think about which of those areas of Fellowship life you might want to join and work with for the coming year.

  • “When We Say ‘Community’” 9/20/24

    As Unitarian Universalists we are each free to believe what makes sense to us, and to keep learning and changing our minds as needed. Since folks aren’t attracted to this religious way for specific beliefs or creeds (though some come specifically for the lack of such), it follows that most folks, when asked, say that they come for “community.” But what do we mean when we say that? Does it come anywhere close to the poet Joy Harjo’s definition: “the songs, stories and poems which illuminate our experience and make possible healing, wholeness, goodness, and justice, over time and generations.” Could we grow into that kind of community? Given the state of the world, can we settle for anything less?

  • “Small Acts of Democracy” 9/13/24

    Our religious tradition set out on a unique path several hundred years ago by beginning to incorporate democratic principles. If, as according to a description of UUism from several generations ago, “our method is our message,” then what do those democratic principles look like and mean for us now, especially in these times of danger? To begin with, this is far more than merely voting. Rev. Jill McAllister

    Don’t forget Roy Zimmerman in concert, 7 PM tonight at the Fellowship — songs of encouragement and hope! $25 online or at the door. Come at 6:30 for refreshments and libations before the concert.

  • “Rosh Hashanah, Entitlement, and Floods” 10/6/24

    Each Sunday during the pandemic lock-down, when we worshipped together online, I began each service with a short reflection on “where are we this week?” more or less. Here at the beginning of October, a few days into the Jewish observance of Rosh Hashanah, I’m beginning in a similar way. What do we need to know, what can we know, how shall we live given the currents states of affairs – floods, elections, wars, and more.

    Rev. Jill McAllister

    Our Justice Outreach Offerings for October will support our Partner Church in Transylvania, except for this first Sunday of the month, Oct. 6. This week our offerings will support the UUA Disaster Relief Fund, which is raising funds for communities recently ravaged by flooding.

  • “My Unitarianism” 9/29/25

    Our visiting Partner Church minister, Rev. Katalin Szasz-Cserey has served two village congregations in Transylvania – Bozod Korispatak and Firtosmartonos – for 23 years. She also teaches religion in a Unitarian High School in a nearby city. She’ll preach from her tradition on what it means to be a Transylvanian Unitarian. Following the service, all are invited to share in the ceremonial moving of our Memorial Garden. We’ll gather around the current garden, to remember those came before us, then we’ll move some of that soil around the building to the new Memorial Garden. Rev. Szazs-Cserey will help us dedicate the new garden and the Corvallis version of a traditional Transylvanian Szekely Gate we are building there, in honor of our long congregational partnership.

  • “Our Transylvanian Roots” 9/22/24

    ‘Transylvania’ generally conjures images of werewolves and campy movies, but it’s a real and beautiful place with an incredible history, especially for Unitarians around the world. For it was in Transylvania (now part of Romania) that the concept of religious freedom made a bold and courageous entry into European Christianity, and helped inform ideas about freedom that seem obvious to us today. We welcome our partner church minister, Rev. Katalin Szasz-Cserey to Corvallis, and begin her visit by learning more about our Transylvanian roots.