Weekly Announcements (Printable)

Sunday Services

This Week:

Holiday Brunch and Sharing 12/29/24

We are between and amidst winter holidays – Christmas and Yule, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s. There is quiet observing, celebrating, gathering, resting and contemplation. We’ll gather on this last December Sunday for short worship service for all ages – affirming our connections and acknowledging the realities of the world, followed by sharing in a Holiday(s) Brunch and intergenerational activities. Please bring finger foods to share, such as holiday breads, muffins, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, fruits, veggies, nuts, etc.

Activities may include drawing / coloring, origami, singing together, discussion groups (be ready to share about something you’ve read this year that really made a difference, or some action you’ve taken this year that really made a difference.)

Services This Month:

Dec. 1 “Be Not Afraid” Rev. Jill McAllister
Dec. 8 “Yes, Joy” Committee on Ministry
Dec. 15 “Wintering” UUFC Choir and Readers
Dec. 16 Blue Holiday Vespers Susan Sanford and Rev. Leslie Chartier
Dec. 20 Winter Solstice Service Rev. Jill McAllister
Dec. 22 “Stories of Christmas” Rev. Jill McAllister
Dec. 24 Christmas Eve -two services Rev. Jill McAllister
Dec. 29 Holiday Brunch and Sharing Rev. Jill McAllister and all

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
- Envisioning the New Year with Dream Board Making
  
  Saturday, January 6, 2024
  
  9:00 am to 12:30 pm in the UUFC Fellowship Hall
  
  A fun, creative morning in a supportive environment!
  
  Led by Joyce Marvel-Benoist
  
  Dream Board Making Registration and Information
  
  If you have any extra magazines to donate, please drop them on the front bench by the parking lot double doors with Joyce’s name on them. Thanks!
- Inquirer’s Series – Every Sunday
  
  This week: Roots with Skyla King-Christison. 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:
  
  2024
  
  Jan 7 Principles & Sources* with Skyla King-Christison
  
  Jan 14 Building & Grounds with John Bailey
  
  Jan 21 Minister’s Q&A* with Jill McAllister
  
  Jan 28 Lifespan Faith Development with Dawn Dirks
  
  Feb 4 Worship & 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
- Free Mental Health Film Screening 1/18 @6:30
  
  The Religious Exploration Staff is aware that our children, youth, and young adults are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis and we acknowledge the lack of mental health resources available to families in our community. As such, we are elevating our commitment to educating ourselves and expanding our program’s capacity to hold space for children, parents, and caregivers to connect with one another in mutual support.
  
  One of the first offerings we present in this a screening of What I Wish My Parents Knew, a film by Tell My Story, designed as a mental wellness tool to help parents better understand how to support the mental health of their children.
  
  The event will be a two-part, 90-minute experience with a group viewing followed by a discussion facilitated by a licensed mental health professional. Pre-registration is requested.
  
  This film is not available for general public streaming, but this event is open to the public. We ask that viewers be over 18. On-site childcare will be provided free of charge by a team of experienced and background-checked adults.
  
  If you plan to attend, we recommend watching this talk by the creator of the film to prepare. PLEASE NOTE: themes of self-harm and suicide are present in both the talk and the film.
  
  Direct questions to DRE@dreuucorvallis-org
- Monthly Hikes
  
  Last Saturdays of the month, meet with Jim Wagner and other Unitarian friends for a casual hike in the Corvallis area. These are suitable for all ages. The intensity and difficulty of the hike will vary depending on interest. Meeting time will vary. Contact us to sign up and join the group! Connect@uucorvallis.org
  
  March 2024 Hike Info:
  
  March Connect Up will be the northern leg of Section 36 Loop in McDonald Forest. This is mature forest along the upper part of Calloway Creek. Early spring wild flowers can often be seen along this trail. Walk is about 4 miles and gains about 600′. About 1/4 of the distance is on trail and the rest on forest road. So, keep Saturday, March 30 (day before Easter) open! More info will be sent to the email list.
- Brilliant Minds Workshop 1/20
  
  The Brilliant Minds Workshop on January 20th, will invite participants to explore and share their personal experiences with neurodivergence and psydivergence. Please consider taking this very brief survey to assist the planning team in their efforts to meet the most immediate needs of our community.
  
  B rilliant Minds Workshop Registration
News and Announcements
- Help Create a Household Lending Library
  
  When we lived on Bainbridge Island we were part of a HOUSEHOLD LENDING LIBRARY. For example, I currently have 24 stemless wine glasses if anyone needs to borrow them for an event. If you have any things similar such as lots of plates, cloth napkins, air mattress, Rototiller, portable crib, luggage, etc. please email me and I’ll make a spreadsheet. I will also put an announcement on our UUFC facebook page. Let’s share!
  
  Contact Catherine W.
- Book Release Party, 1/4
  
  Albany author and UUFC member JF Benoist, who is known for his bestseller Addicted to the Monkey Mind, is releasing the long awaited Avive la Vie; An Adventure in Belonging January 4.
  
  The author’s release event is scheduled for 2pm at The Majestic Theater on Saturday.
  
  Books will be autographed upon request, and JF will speak at 2:45 in the upstairs Community Room.
  
  Benoist will show photos and share about the already expanding Avive la Vie work that focuses on creating a culture of authentic acceptance and belonging.
  
  Refreshments, music and Benoist’s 60th birthday celebration to follow until 5pm. There will be no alcohol served or allowed at this event. Our UU family are invited to come and party!
- Fellowship Job Posting: Communication Coordinator
  
  We’re looking for a point-person for Fellowship communication, at 10/hours per week. The job includes editing Weekly Announcements and Monthly Journals, coordinating website content updates and event publicity, and interfacing with members’ and friends’ communication questions and needs. Skills needed include proficiency with Canva, Excel, and Breeze, Google docs and forms, strong writing and editing skills, strong interpersonal skills.
  
  For more information and how to apply contact Rev. Jill McAllister, minister@uucorvallis.org.
- LEGATO, 2nd Wednesday of Each Month
  
  LEGATO: a monthly potluck where foods harmonize in a smooth and flowing manner to create a satisfying dinner.
  
  Come join members of the choir and band at 5:00 on the 2nd Wednesday of each month and let’s enjoy a meal of laughter, goodwill, and perhaps song! Bring a dish to share (please identify all ingredients) and note the event ends at 6:30 as rehearsal begins at 7:00.
  
  This is a Connect Up Event with the purpose of building community within the UUFC congregation.
- Green to White
  
  There are many reasons to like the color green: often a symbol of safety, the color of nature, a mark of good luck, among others. At the UUFC, the GREEN name tag is a sign that you are new! We look for you and want to encourage your exploration of our Fellowship.
  
  If you have been coming regularly for a month or so, then it’s time to sign up to get a WHITE name tag. This name tag is an outward sign that you are here, that you have decided to join us regularly, and that you want to continue your religious journey with us!
  
  We’re SO glad you have decided to take this step. Please stop by the Welcome Desk to request your new name tag!