Weeklies – Text Only

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS – text only

Sunday Services

Sunday Worship Service: The Fellowship Movement

August 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM

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.


Services This Month

Sunday Worship Service: The Fellowship Movement

August 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM

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.


From the Minister

  • Strength of the Coordinating Council

    by Rev. Alex McGee
    August 7, 2026

    Dear Congregation:

    This month the Board and I sat down and reviewed how the interim time is going.  Among the many observations, here is one that some people might not know about:  One of the emerging leadership groups in the congregation is the Coordinating Council.  This Council has always existed, but since I am new to the congregation, I have turned to them with curiosity about what they see as the best way to coordinate teams and procedures.  They are living into responsibility in a fresh way.

    These five Council Chairs are Finance, Religious Exploration, Facilities, Connections, and Justice (Worship Council currently doesn’t have a Chair).  Once a month, they have rich discussions about use of space, how to make calendaring accessible, sharing information about budgets, lines of information flow, how to coordinate efforts across teams, and other issues.  I am excited and endeared every month to see them grapple with things that are not clear at first but can find new ways.

    Each Team is part of a Council.  Each Team lead has a link to a Council Chair.  When the Team Leads communicate concerns and opportunities to the Council Chair, those can be passed along for creative solutions at the Coordinating Council.  I love seeing how the many perspectives in the room all enrich the Fellowship.

    I hope you will connect with your Team Lead about connecting with your Council Chair so that the lines of communication can flow as well as possible.  If you want to learn more, take a look here: https://uucorvallis.org/about/#organizational_structure.

    Shared ministry means that not everyone gets what they want all the time, but that we all try to help each other create the Fellowship for the highest good of all.

    With care,
    Rev. Alex

Announcements

  • Parking Lot Rummage Sale, 9/12

    Our annual Parking Lot Rummage Sale is Saturday, September 12 from 9:00 am to 1:00. We need your donations. Sales of all items benefit the UUFC. We also need volunteers to post flyers in Corvallis, Albany, and Philomath, work at the cashiers table, and set up and take down the tables and chairs. Fill out the Sign Up Genius form to volunteer.

    https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0444AEA72DA7F4CE9-64895823-uufc

  • Sunday Service IS happening on Labor Day weekend

    This year we will have a Sunday worship service on September 6, the day before Labor Day. We have traditionally not held a worship service the day before Labor Day, but this year we’re trying something new!

  • Global Partner Team meeting, 8/9

    “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa

    Together, we at the UUFC can make the ripples that touch many lives. It is through the Justice Council’s Global Partners Team that we take actions that can have a positive, worldwide effect. Come be a part. This month we will discuss a social event for the UUFC with an eye toward October.

    The Global Partner Team will meet on Sunday 8/9 26 at 11:30 in the UUFC Library. Contact Team Lead, Heather E, for more information.

    Heather E Breeze Contact Page

  • 2026 UUFC Women’s Retreat Registration

    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

    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/kcuWysH9vXmwJk1q6Submissions will be collected until August 24th.

    Reach out to womensretreat@uucorvallis.org with questions.

  • Outreach Offerings for August

    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

    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.

This Week at UUFC

Online Joys & Sorrows

August 7, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM


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

Contact: Mary Craven.

Nerd Girls Science Sharing

August 8, 2026
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

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.

Inquirers Series: Justice & Community Action

August 9, 2026
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Room 7


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

Kathy K will share about the many small groups that are working toward a more just future here at UUFC, as well as other ways you can get connected with small groups for shared interests and fun.

Mindful Awareness

August 12, 2026
7:00 PM - 7:50 PM


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.

Online Joys & Sorrows

August 14, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM


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

Contact: Mary Craven.

Adopt-a-Highway Litter Pickup

August 15, 2026
8:45 AM - 12:00 PM


Saturday, August 15, 2026. Meet in the BiMart parking lot at 8:45 AM. BiMart is at 1555 SW 53rd St, Corvallis, OR 97333.

We need 8 volunteers work in pairs to clean up along the shoulders of Philomath Blvd. From 53rd (BiMart parking lot) to the bridge at the Philomath city line. ODOT provides vests, pickers and bags. Wear sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothing, water in the summer heat.

This event needs help! See ways to contribute and sign up using this form: https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/UUFC_Highway_26

Sponsored by the Adopt-a-Highway team.

Plan Ahead

International Flavors

August 21, 2026    
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Social Hall Porch & Patio


The event is a partnership between the UUFC and Corvallis for Refugees. Two new-neighbor families will prepare and offer for sale (typically $15) meals from their home countries, for eat-in or carry-out. Meals will be purchased from the families; this is NOT a UUFC fundraiser.

Annual Labor Day Tuna Roast

September 7, 2026    
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Avery Park Lions Shelter


Celebrate the end of the summer and the beginning of the new church year. Since 1997, always on Labor Day, always at Avery Park at the Lions Kitchen. This is a party for all UUFC members and friends, old and new. It is a good place to bring kids as it is next to the swings, the old train, and the dinosaur bones. Teens can “hang out”, or help with the barbecue. To cover costs we ask for a donation of $7.00 per adult and whatever you think is appropriate for your kids. Sliding scale because we want everyone to come, so no one will be turned away for lack of funds. It’s all bout building community.

We provide barbecued tuna, sweet corn on the cob, sheet cake, and lemonade. For vegetarians there will be veggie burgers and grilled eggplant and zucchini. For picky kids there will be hotdogs. This is a potluck so bring salad, bread, chips, dips, veggies, fruit, pickles, and lots more desserts. We ask you to bring your own plates and silverware and donation money. A folding chair is helpful.

There is plenty of need for volunteers, from set-up starting at 3:00, to clean-up after 7:00. Also, corn shucking, corn steaming, barbecuing, lemonade, etc. Show up and jump in.

This event needs help! See ways to contribute and sign up using this form: https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/UUFC_Tuna_Volunteer_26

Annual UUFC Parking Lot Garage Sale

September 12, 2026    
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Parking Lot


This is the annual UUFC Parking Lot Garage Sale. UUFC congregants donate unwanted items in good condition, pre-price them in whole dollar amounts at thrift store prices, bring them to the UUFC parking lot on 9/12 and display them on tables. Shoppers take items them wish to buy to a central cashier and pay for them with cash or credit cards. All proceeds go to UUFC. At 1:00 PM people who have tables set up take all unsold items home or to a thrift store

This event needs help! Contact Bonnie Morihara to sign up.

Harvest Festival

October 11, 2026    
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Parking Lot


Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins! Get your pumpkin and support immigrants in our community.
This event needs help! See ways to contribute and sign up using this form: https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/UUFC_Harvest_Volunteer_26