wa_announcements

Post with category “weekly announcements” plus this tag “wa_news_and_announcements” appear on the news page under the weekly announcements tab, under the heading “News and Announcements.”

Appreciating 14 years of service from David and Lauren Servias

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Dear UU Fellowship of Corvallis:

I am sad to share that on Saturday I recevied letters of resignation from David and Lauren Servias.  They have served the congregation for 14 years in roles of Music Director and Pianist.  They are both wonderful musicians and have brought great many gifts in worship leadership.  Many members have shared with me the rich joy they have experienced from David and Lauren’s leadership.

Over the years, David’s role has morphed as his needs changed and the Fellowship’s needs shifted.  Now, the congregation is in a time of interim, after the departure of a minister of 12 years, and a few months before that, the Operations Manager of 10 years.  It is natural in life for people to reach moments when they choose different paths after long successful service.  These chapters often bring sadness at their closure.  Many of us are grieving the loss of David and Lauren in the fabric of the congregation. I am looking for ways to support members individually or in groups. I extend special care to the members of the choir and band who have spent many hours rehearsing and performing with them. Please reach out to me if you want to talk.

While it’s difficult to acknowledge at this time, endings also mean new beginnings.  I have been very impressed with how this congregation has embraced the interim time and feel excited to see how you envision a music program going forward.

Frequently, long-term church staff will step away from a congregation for a while in order to allow all parties to adapt to the change.  Additionally, the Association of Unitarian Universalist Music Ministers recommends that if past staff participate in congregational activities, that they covenant to respect the leadership of new staff.  David and Lauren are aware of these best practices.  

David and Lauren’s last day will be August 30, and we will be offering them gifts and gratitude.  Please come to share your appreciations!

With care,
Rev. Alex McGee

Democracy Action Team Gathering, 8/16

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Meet once monthly during daylight hours to plan and support each other in reaching our goals to uphold and renew our democratic principles and to educate and enjoy ourselves along the way. Karen Josephson, contact.

11:45 AM in the Library.

We will chat and write letters. If you need materials, we are bringing both Letters and postcards. Stamps are available for all writers.

Vegan Potluck New Time. 6:30pm, 8/23

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To support our status as a Green Sanctuary, the Fellowship hosts a Community Vegan Potluck at 6:30 on the 4th Sunday of every month.
Everyone is Welcome! Join us in the Social Hall.

Bring a dish to share with others as we learn to eat in a more climate friendly way.
Include Plant foods: grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs & spices.
Exclude Animal foods: no flesh, fluids, or unborn young.

Try it! You’ll like it!!
Need more info? Contact Ann Marchant.

UUFC Men’s Retreat Oct. 16-18 – Sign Up Now!

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2026 Men’s Retreat – Check out the flyer with details at this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VvgYAbAf1d98fzJXBmlHnWhKSiNBdMnW/view?usp=sharing

Register ONLINE at https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/mensretreatregistration2026.

Join us at Camp Harlow near Eugene (only an hour’s drive from Corvallis). This is a great opportunity for those who identify as men to get to know each other better and build deeper connections. The fee for the retreat is on a sliding scale, based on what you can afford. (No refunds after Sept. 18.)

Our theme: What have been our most meaningful experiences in the game of life? How have we responded to the curveballs that have come our way? What have we learned? That’s the focus of this year’s UU Men’s Retreat – the major things that have shaped how we play the game of life. We’ll share meaningful experiences have fun together, too – what a concept!

More information: contact Alan Kirk <mensretreat@uucorvallis.org>

ETC (Elders Thriving in Community), 9/10

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GOAL SETTING & LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS FOR RETIREMENT

“Enriching our retirement with thoughtful planning”
Thursday, Sept. 10 @ 3:00 – 4:30pm in the Sanctuary
With people living longer and in better health than our predecessors, we may have several active years in this phase of our lives. Whether you are already retired or thinking ahead, let’s give this some thought together as we face the openness and freedom that retirement can offer. It can be time to pursue interests that have been put off for years even if we don’t have so much spring in our step! A panel of fellow UUFC retirees will share their thoughts and experiences as they began this era of their lives. Open discussion to follow.

“Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love.” – Rumi

2026 UUFC Women’s Retreat Registration

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Registration for the 2026 UUFC Women’s Retreat is open! Please register by filling out the form at forms.gle/SJmvcftrZVraLS23A.

This year’s retreat will be at Camp Harlow in Eugene, OR from Oct. 2 – 4.  Due to generous donations from prior participants, UUFC is able to subsidize the cost to attend.  Please understand that prices may change in future years.  

Pricing

Early bird pricing is $150 (until August 17th).  Regular pricing is $175, and Saturday Only pricing is $100.  Partial and full scholarships are available.

Deadline

Registration will close on September 7th – please register before then.  Reach out to womensretreat@uucorvallis.org with questions.

Carpooling is encouraged, however, the Women’s Retreat team will not be organizing carpool assignments.

2026 UUFC Women’s Retreat: Call for Workshop Proposals

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The organizers of the Women’s Retreat are looking for women to lead 50 minute workshops during the Women’s Retreat either Friday (Oct 2) or Saturday (Oct 3).  We hope to be able to provide a variety of workshops for attendees.  Please submit a proposal by filling out the form at forms.gle/kcuWysH9vXmwJk1q6.  Submissions will be collected until August 24th.

Reach out to womensretreat@uucorvallis.org with questions.

Outreach Offerings for August

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Our August Monthly Outreach Offering will support Side with Love.

Side With Love is the organizing strategy team of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

They harness the power of love to confront oppression and build a world where all people can thrive.

Through organizing, leadership development, political education, and collective action, they equip Unitarian Universalists and aligned communities to take spiritually grounded, justice-driven action in this decisive moment.

Read more at sidewithlove.org.

UUFC Group Campout at Moonshine Park, 9/10 – 13

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Registration is now open for the UUFC Group Campout at Moonshine Park, September 10 – 13!

Come and join in fun and fellowship while camping at Moonshine Park in the coastal mountains, near Siletz, OR. Group Site B has been reserved with a limit of 50 people. Plans include group meals on Friday (picnic style) and Saturday (potluck) evening, time for hiking, swimming, exploring, building community, and much more. Bring your own tent, personal gear, and food. Come out for all or part of the event. More information will be available with registration confirmation.

Only tent camping is available on the site but small RVs (no hook-ups) are allowed in the site parking area. We are limited to 8 vehicles with the reservation and will be charged for any additional vehicles. A camper being pulled by a vehicle counts as two vehicles. So, carpools are encouraged!

Here is a link to the registration page:

https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/CampingSep2026

The registration fee for the whole weekend is $30 per person (a family with children rate will apply). Fees may be paid during the registration process or paid to the UUFC by check or cash. Please note “2026 Moonshine Park Campout” in the memo line (or on the envelop if paying in cash). If the name on the check is different from the participant, please note the participant(s) name. You may give your payment to Julie Halter or Nancy Gill at Sunday service or place your payment in the collection box in the foyer to the left of the sanctuary doors.