Weekly Announcements (Printable)
Sunday Services
This Week:
April 12, 2026 – 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.
Services This Month:
April 19, 2026 – 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 26, 2026 – 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.
From the Minister
Between Us (December 2023)
December arrives, with its unique forms of busy-ness and expectations, and I invite you to give yourself time to contemplate this season from as many perspectives as you can. To contemplate means to observe deeply, with focused attention. Perhaps what I’m suggesting is something different – not merely to think about in order to categorize, but to feel – to know by feeling. Maybe ponder is a better word than contemplate. What is this season, for you? What makes a difference? Winter, darkness, lights, Christmas, Solstice, rain or snow, fog, solitude, celebrations, rest?
It is a season of holidays / holy days – each with particular insights to offer – Hannukah, Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Divali, and others. It is a season on this particular part of the earth – of rain and fog, sometimes of cold and ice, of geese and owls, of bare trees and mud, of creeks full and running fast. It is sadly, still, a season of struggle and strife, here and in so many other places. Of all these insights and occurrences, what nurtures you? What is hard for you? What helps you remember what you are part of?
There’s lots of talk about giving, of course – especially from those who depend on this season to make as much money as they can. “Give our things” they say, and we too easily believe that consumerism is a source of happiness. We know the limits of that habit. What if we could make this a season of generosity more than just of “giving”?
Events and Activities
News and Announcements
Evacuation Drill this Sunday November 8
Be prepared! At the end of this Sunday’s worship service (November 8), the alarm will sound and everyone will evacuate the building to the upper parking lot. Volunteers wearing emergency vests with radios will assist.
At the end of the drill, the classroom wing manager will sweep that area and contact the Evacuation Manager, who then does a final sweep and exits the main building.
We will announce when the drill ends, at which point everyone may re-enter the building.The drill will proceed unless we announce a cancellation due to rain.
While people are gathered in the parking lot, no one may leave the evacuation meeting area in their private vehicle, unless they have a medical emergency, in which case please notify the nearest evacuation manager. During a real evacuation, everyone will need to wait at the Fellowship for guidance from Emergency Medical Services.
UUFC SAFETY TEAM
Settled Minister Search: Focus Groups – Accessibility, 11/9
The ministerial search committee is interested in hearing about, and sharing with ministerial candidates, the experience of congregants, as well as their visions for the future. At this time, we are hoping to hear from members and friends with disabilities, including those that can be seen and those that can’t be seen.
There will be two opportunities to be part of this focus group: Monday, Nov. 9 at 2pm in Room 7 and at 6pm via Zoom. In order to participate via Zoom, you must complete this RSVP form so that we can send you a link. Focus groups last one hour.
Contact Gary Barnes or Molly Curry at search@uucorvallis.org for further information.
Office Hours During Thanksgiving
The Fellowship’s usual open office hours are cancelled on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 in observance of Thanksgiving. Other events may still occur at the Fellowship, but the office will not be open. Normal office hours will resume on Tuesday, December 1.
Member Directory Photo Day, 11/15
Immediately after Sunday service on November 15, Kris Egan will be in the Sanctuary taking photos of interested congregants for use in their Breeze member directory profiles. Anyone wishing to update their photo or add a new one to the Directory is encouraged to stay after the service. If you’ve ever tried to find someone in our directory but couldn’t because they don’t have a photo, encourage them to come get it taken!
Special Congregational Meeting, 11/22
Congregational Meeting: Sunday, November 22 • 1:00-3:00 p.m. • UUFC Sanctuary
All are invited to attend a congregational meeting called by petition of UUFC members to discuss recent resignations from our music program. We will share information about these changes, the concerns and ideas we heard in the Listening Circles, findings from an independent assessment of the staff work environment, and our plans for supporting the music program during this transition.
There will also be time for questions, concerns, and suggestions as we consider together how to move forward in a positive and healthy way. As always, we will be guided by our Covenant of Right Relations.
We hope you will join us.
– UUFC Board of DirectorsOutreach Offerings for November
Our November Justice Outreach Offering will support We Care. We Care is a local coalition of faith communities, businesses, foundations and other non-profit organizations which provides emergency assistance for Benton County residents. Each week, We Care helps people pay for rent, utilities, and other expenses to prevent evictions and homelessness or the shut-off of water or electricity. The Fellowship has long been a supporting partner.
To learn more about their work, visit the We Care website.
How to donate to the monthly Outreach Offering
Each month, the Fellowship gathers donations for a certain charitable cause. These are our Outreach Offerings. You can contribute to this month’s offering in a few ways:
- Give to the Sunday collection basket
- Donate online
- Donate to the refreshments during the social hour
The Kitchen team donates an assortment of sweet and savory refreshments, including gluten-free and vegan choices, for our enjoyment at the social hour following Sunday worship. These items are purchased and prepared by the team to encourage donations to the Outreach Offering. Collection baskets are always found at the ends of the refreshments table. The next time you’re eyeing something tasty on the table, consider putting a donation in the basket first to show how much you appreciate having that treat ready and waiting for you!
Ministerial Search Committee wants to hear from you!
The Ministerial Search Committee has held lots of cottage meetings and focus group meetings to ask about hopes and ideas around our next settled minister and what our congregation is and needs, but we want to make sure that everyone in the congregation has felt invited and included. If you have not been able to attend a group meeting for whatever reason, please reach out to the Search Committee individually. We can be reached at search@uucorvallis.org. Every member of the committee will receive that email. We will get back to you and arrange a way to listen deeply to your ideas and concerns. Thank you!
Fifth Annual City-Tree Planting, 1/9
Please save the date, Sat 9 Jan, likely about 9:30 AM – noon, to help plant a dozen trees in our fifth annual tree-planting collaboration with the City. We buy, through the Climate Action Team budget, and plant the trees, and the City maintains them. Details to follow. Please email treasurer@uucorvallis.org, subject City Trees, if you are a likely volunteer.
Oregon UU Voices for Justice 2026 Conference, 11/14
Raising Our Voices Together: How UUs Can Take Action In These Times
It is easy to despair when the social progress of the past 50 years is unilaterally rolled back. All hope is not lost; by acting collectively and peacefully we can do what we can’t do individually. Understanding what gives us hope and what we can do to address today’s social justice challenges will form the foundation of our actions.
Join us on Saturday, November 14th from 9:30 to 3 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, 5090 Center St. NE, Salem, OR, and online where we gather to Build Resilient Relationships Among People and Congregations
You can register here until 11:30 pm on Thursday, November 12th. Virtual attendees will be sent a Zoom link on Friday, November 13th.
What to expect:
- A warm welcome, begin the day with light food, coffee, and a chance to connect.
- A UU values-based program.
- A slideshow during breaks showing congregations’ social justice activities.
- Opportunities to reflect, share experiences, collaborate, and form meaningful connections.
- An opportunity to relax after the conference and enjoy each other’s company over light snacks and refreshing beverages.
Conference program
Finding our grounding
- What gives you hope?
- How are you coping with the changes coming at us?
- How do you apply UU values to shape your social justice work?
- What UU foundations strengthen your persistence and resilience?
How can we work together?
- What barriers do you experience personally/congregationally in your SJ work?
- How can Voices amplify your social justice actions?
What did we hear today; what can we do next?
Safety Week November 1 – 8
UUFC Safety Team presents our first ever Safety Week November 1 to 8, 2026, with an educational focus for the whole congregation. Our new Safety Pamphlet can be viewed/downloaded below and is available as a hard copy at the Welcome Desk. There will be hands-on demonstrations of safety equipment during social hour. We will hold our annual All-Fellowship evacuation drill at the end of worship service on November 8. Be safe, everyone!