Weeklies – Text Only

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sunday Services

Sunday Worship Service: Many Meanings of Safety

November 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM

After service, everyone present will be asked to participate in a building evacuation. During the sermon, Rev. Alex will reflect on why this congregation is worth protecting and the many ways each person can do so. We will take a moment to pause and acknowledge that Veterans Day is November 11.

with Rev. Alex McGee and Kevin Grant

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.

From the Minister

  • Tender Transitions

    Mary Oliver reminds us that a full life involves loving another person, and then letting them go.  Here at the end of October, we are at the season when many cultures are remembering loved ones who have died.  Some of you are living with very fresh news of recent deaths of people close to you.  Living with raw heartache is a full body experience.  Please be gentle with yourself and those around you.  Grief has its seasons, and each of us lives through them in our own way.  My wish for each of us is that the autumn leaves remind of us grace of change and transition.

    Please come on Sunday as we pause and honor Ancestors together.

    With care,
    Rev. Alex

Settled Minister Search News

News straight from our Settled Minister Search Committee!

  • 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.

  • 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!

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

  • 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 Directors

  • Outreach 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:

    1. Give to the Sunday collection basket
    2. Donate online
    3. 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!

  • 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!

    UUFC Safety Pamphlet 2026 web versionDownload

This Week at UUFC

Online Joys & Sorrows

Date/Time: November 6, 2026 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5412313219

Join us on Zoom for a weekly checking-in which includes sharing of joys and sorrows, plus the Metta Prayer.

Contact: Mary Craven.

All-Fellowship Evacuation Drill

Date/Time: November 8, 2026 @ 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Parking Lot

At conclusion of worship service on Sunday, November 8, the fire alarm will sound and everyone will evacuate to the primary and secondary meeting areas outside. Normal activities will resume after the Safety Team announces the end of the drill.

Inquirers Series: Transitions Q&A

Date/Time: November 8, 2026 @ 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Location: Room 7

This is a session in our Inquirers Series of classes, which you can read more about on our Path to Membership page.

Sheryl Stewart, member of the transitions team, will share information about this interim period and the settled ministry search process, as well as answer your questions about what it means to be a congregation in an interim time.

Mindful Awareness

Date/Time: November 11, 2026 @ 7:00 PM - 7:50 PM
Location:

I’m Patti White, a UU member since 2012. I’m a Mindfulness Coach in a system called Unified Mindfulness and since 2019 I have been leading a meditation practice group associated with the UUFC. We are on Zoom now. Come check us out. Our practice is suitable for you whether you are a beginner and curious about mindfulness meditation or whether you are have had a long experience with the practice.

We meet each Wednesday from 7 PM to 7:50 PM. The group currently meets on Zoom. The room opens at 6:40 PM for casual socializing.

To be added to the group list, please fill out this form.

Money & Me: Understanding our Relationship with Money

Date/Time: November 12, 2026 @ 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Sanctuary

Join Kay Dee Cole, Certified Financial Planner, of Clarity Wealth Development, as we explore topics such as Why spending money in retirement can be difficult after a lifetime of saving; Connecting spending to what matters most to you; Giving ourselves permission to enjoy our money, and more.

Contact: Gerri Buckles

Online Joys & Sorrows

Date/Time: November 13, 2026 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5412313219

Join us on Zoom for a weekly checking-in which includes sharing of joys and sorrows, plus the Metta Prayer.

Contact: Mary Craven.

Community Kirtan

Date/Time: November 13, 2026 @ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Room 7

Community Kirtan is a gathering featuring talented local musicians who will lead us in kirtan chanting. It’s a peaceful way to end your week. All are welcome!

More information at NewWorldKirtan.com and JohannaSings.com.

Contact: Kitzie Stern

Nerd Girls Science Sharing

Date/Time: November 14, 2026 @ 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Library

Meets second Saturdays, 10:45 in the Library

Women and non-binary persons are invited to come and share science news articles or books. No science background is required. You do not have to bring anything except a desire to learn and a healthy curiosity. Topics depend on what people bring to share and requests from the group – they range from astronomy to zoology and everything in between.

Plan Ahead

Holiday Fair

Date/Time: December 5, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Sanctuary

Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Our annual well-loved Holiday Fair welcomes members and the community at large. This joyous event features creative vendors, baked goods, swags, live trees, live music, activities for children, recycled gifts, and a delicious lunch. Join the fun!

Vistas & Vineyards Art Reception

Date/Time: January 22, 2027 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Sanctuary

Friday, January 22, 2027 at 6:00 PM

This art reception honors the artists of the Vistas & Vineyards artist group whose work will be displayed in out sanctuary until February 28th. Come meet the artists and show your appreciation for their fine work.

This event needs help! We need two people to greet people at the Fellowship doors before and during the event. If you’re interested in helping, contact Brian Egan.

Kirtan With Sitaram Das

Date/Time: February 19, 2027 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Sanctuary

Through chanting Sanskrit mantra, music, teachings, Q&A, and storytelling, this kirtan intends to awaken the Heart of Love. Sitaram Das will be joined by Jeannette Kangas (tabla) and Clark Stacer (bass).

 

Contact: Kitzie Stern

Connect Up/Affinity Groups this Week