WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS – text only
Sunday Services
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This Week:
“Living In End Times” 7/28/24
Rev. Jen Youngsun Ryu Minister, UU Church in Eugene From Christian fundamentalist to climate scientists, people around the world believe that we are living in the end times. But isn’t the world always ending? Don’t we live between the end of one thing and the beginning of another?Pulpit exchanges between ministers and congregations are a long-time tradition in UUism. This week we welcome Rev. Jennifer Youngsun Ryu, minister of the UU Church in Eugene, OR, to the Fellowship, while Rev. Jill McAllister will be traveling to the Eugene congregation. Rev. Jen was born in Seoul, grew up in Toledo, became a UU in Baltimore, and went to seminary in Berkeley. She has served congregations in Virginia and Oregon and is a also a certified hospital chaplain.
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Services This Month
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July 7 – Service Canceled due to high temperatures
July 14 – “Imagine Peace” UUFC members / friends and Rev. Monica Jacobson-Tennessen
July 21 – “Housing, Shelter, and Deservedness” Guest Speaker Andrea Myhre
July 28 – Rev. Jennifer Ryu, UU minister in Eugene, OR (Pulpit Exchange with Rev. Jill McAllister)
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From the Minister
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Between Us , 7/21/24
I’m thinking about brave persons throughout history – people who have risked everything, including their lives, for their commitments to freedom and reason, to democracy and human rights, to peace and justice. The excesses of empires and the fall of empires are not new in human history. I remind myself of this when I find myself gob-smacked, once again, to be witnessing such unbelievable events as those in our country in the past week. It feels like another world. If we are indeed seekers of truth, as we say we are, then this is no time to turn away, even if it feels like there’s nowhere to turn. There is more to learn – there always is.
I’ve been thinking and talking with others about what it might look like to “prepare” ourselves for the election season and its aftermath. I’m making no predictions – whatever the results, I think we’ll be in for challenges. In August, I’m hoping to begin discussions with as many of you as are interested about what we can do to prepare – at least to help each other.
Also in August we’ll begin a process of planning for the Fellowship — a visioning and prioritizing process, beginning with our grounds and buildings. Conversations around climate change, trees, energy use, the sustainability of the Fellowship as a community resource and more have led to a need for such a process, which will aim to help us prepare a 3-5 year comprehensive plan. If you are interested in this project – focusing first on our buildings and grounds – please plan now to join in one of two gatherings to share ideas – on either August 24, 9 – 11 AM or on September 14, 9-11 AM.
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This Week at UUFC
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Imagine Peace — What might peace look like in 2050? 7/24
July 24th at 4:30 in the Social Hall
Can you think of a perplexing issue for you in 2024 — social, political, cultural, religious? For all our issues, we will work together to figure out what changes they might undergo from now to 2050 and how we could contribute to changes toward a better world.
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Secure Housing and Food for All, 7/22
The Secure Housing and Food for All team will meet on July 20 at 12:45 in the UUFC Library for the 3rd Sunday of the month meeting to share what is happening in the Corvallis community for unhoused and food insecure folk.
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Sip & Snack FULLERTON WINES, 7/26
Step up your “chic quotient” with a visit to Fullerton, the most spendy of venues this season. We will meet at the tasting room at noon on Friday July 26th. The address is 804 NW Buchanan Ave in Corvallis. Look for the signs! This is a Wine Passport eligible venue and is another “buy one, get one” (BOGO) location. The Signature Flight is $30 for five wines. For $20 more, you can opt for the AVA Flight of six Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs.
No outside food permitted. Plan to spend ~ $10.00 -18.00 for individual plates, or 2-4 people could split a cheese board. It’s possible to reserve a cheese and charcuterie buffet at $15.00 per person. These logistics are more difficult than carpooling, so BE SURE to let Heather know if you’re coming and your preference.
PLEASE email Heather at hvephd@gmail.com BY WEDNESDAY 7/24 so she knows you plan to participate. If we exceed 6 people, a reservation will be needed. Heather will send driving directions and particulars to those attending before Friday.
Hope to see you there!
This is a “Connect Up” activity.
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Mini Film Festival, 7/21
“Making the Invisible Visible.” What are the challenges and gifts that often go unnoticed for those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or divergence? You are invited to come and see for yourself. You’ll be glad you did! We hope you’ll grab your favorite beverage from the social hall and join us Sunday July 21, in the Sanctuary for 3 short, outstanding “Sprout” documentaries. You’ll laugh, cry, and be inspired by stories filled with courage, humor, love, romance, and compassion.
Brought to you by a collaboration of The Arc of Benton County and UUFC justice teams: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), Climate Action (CAT), and Secure Food and Housing for All (SF&H). Questions? Contact elonameyer@icloud.com
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Lemonade & Playground, 7/21
Join Skyla on the RE playground deck on July 21st at 11:45!
Your kids have been missing the playground and I am looking for feedback about your family’s RE experience as we plan for the upcoming year, so let’s meet up on the playground for lemonade! The kids can play while parents share how the RE programs have been supporting their families and ways we could improve the experience when we are able to return to regular Sunday morning offerings for children and youth.
No need to register. Just come and play, sip, and share!
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UUA Common Read Book Group 7/15-8/5
Mondays July 15-August 5th, 11-12:30 on the social hall deck.
REGISTER HERE!The 2023-34 UU Common Read is On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World (Beacon Press, 2022).
This Common Read offers a glimpse into one of our faith’s foundational sources, Judaism. Readers follow the author, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, into a framework for making amends offered by the 12th century Jewish physician and scholar, Maimonides.
Written for people of any or no faith tradition, On Repentance and Repair introduces practices for accountability that can bring us into wholeness and make a difference in our personal, community, and national relationships.
This 4-part book discussion is offered as a brown bag lunch series, so bring your lunch and join us on the back deck for discussion.
Session 1: Meet Maimonides
Session 2: Repentance and Repair in Our Lives and Relationships
Workshop 3: Repentance and Repair in Our Covenanted Communities
Workshop 4: Repentance and Repair to Transform Our World
Contact Skyla King-Christison with questions or if you need assistance with the purchase of the book.
Announcements
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Condolences
With sadness we share the news of the death of Fellowhip member Beany Kunis on Wednesday, July 17. We send good wishes to Melodie and the rest of Beany’s family.
And our condolences also go to Tricia Bowlby and her family on the recent death of her father, in Maryland.
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UUFC Pledge Drive Review
The annual pledge drive is the lifeblood of our Fellowship. To understand what worked well and identify how we can do even better, we’re conducting a review of the messaging and process of our recently completed, successful drive For this review, we’re conducting short, one-on-one interviews with a random selection of those who pledged.
If you receive an email with subject “UUFC Pledge Drive Review”, please open, read, and respond to let us know if you will or will not participate, and if yes, when works best for you and your preference as to in-person, zoom, or phone.
Questions: Michael Hughes at treasurer@uucorvallis.org, or talk with me after service. Thank you.
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Classroom Wing Volunteer Update
We do not need any more boxes, Thanks to all who donated . The 4 brown upholstered individual chairs from Room 7 are also available to UUFC members, in addition to two couches and two loveseats .
Contact Wolfgang if you are interested.
We really need offsite storage , if you have attic, garage , or shed space for 4-6 months. Please sign up on the clipboards in the foyer for future help in August .
Wolfgang
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Sign Up For Music Sharing Night, 8/7
Music Sharing Night is coming up! Bring your instruments and your voices to share music with the community, open-mic style. All musical acts are encouraged to participate. In the past we’ve had performers of all ages share a variety of styles and genres of music. You don’t have to be a professional musician. In fact, we’ve had people make their performance debut right here at UUFC. Perform as a solo act, or form a group. Original music is welcome and encouraged. Each act will have 10 minutes to perform.
To sign up, please fill out a form:
Music Sharing Night Participation Form
Space is limited, so please sign up early.
David Servias
UUFC Director of Music
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Outreach Offerings In July
Our Sunday Outreach offerings in July support DRUUMM – Diverse & Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries – which is a Unitarian Universalist People of Color Ministry and anti-racist collective bringing lay and religious professionals together to overcome racism through resistance and transform Unitarian Universalism through our multicultural experiences. As an all-volunteer ministry, DRUUMM continues to lead efforts to fulfill the Journey Towards Wholeness Resolution towards becoming an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, multicultural UUA, creating space for youth, young adult and our families of color to heal and work collectively, and steward an effective organization that develops new leadership and manages consistent communication with members. DRUUMM is a collective of people who identify as People of Color. Allies are welcome and organized as Allies for Racial Equity. Together we are open to all people.
At the Fellowship, our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Justice Team works in partnership with DRUUMM.Author
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Furniture Give-Away for Donation
FURNITURE FRENZY AT THE FELLOWSHIP ! !
The following furniture items are available right now to UUFC Fellowship members for a donation, YOU CHOOSE THE AMOUNT !
two 3-seat Brown memory-foam couches
two 2-seat Brown memory-foam loveseats
two 2-seat Red memory-foam loveseats
two 2-seater couches, average condition beige, some stains
one blond wood corner desk/ work station
(can be viewed in Rooms 7 and 10)
Call now ! First come, first served. Two week UUFC special, then open to the public.
Contact: Wolfgang Dengler
Transportation Assistance available
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UUFC Fiscal Insights – Fulfilling Your 2024-25 Pledge
First, our thanks to all who have committed to the ongoing success and growth of the UUFC through a pledge for its 2024-25 fiscal year. Together we are doing great things! It is not too late to make a pledge if you have not yet had the chance to do so. To make your pledge, visit the annual pledge drive page.
For those who have made a pledge, now is the time to ponder how you intend to fulfill your pledge. Some of you will have seen a version of this information via a direct email:
Pay By Check
Drop checks at church or mail to UUFC, 2945 NW Circle, Corvallis OR 97330. No need to read further.
Use Your Bank Bill Pay System
Be sure that the donation amount and beginning and end dates for these contributions are correct. Have checks mailed to UUFC, 2945 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis OR 97330. No need to read further.
Pay Through an IRA
If you have an IRA and need to take a minimum required distribution, you can make such directly to the UUFC with tax advantage. Talk with your financial advisor about options.
Stock Donations
Some people make stock donations. If you need information about making stock donations, please ask Russ Karow.
Breeze Automatic Payment System
If you would like to pay using the Breeze automatic payment system and have not already set that up, follow these steps:
- Log in to Breeze, using the link in the “Members Area” at the bottom right of any page on the website.
- Click on Manage Recurring Giving button at mid-screen or in the left-hand column
- Use the “Stop this recurring gift” button to stop your 2023-24 pledge
- Add a new pledge
- Enter dollar amount and if possible, agree to cover the processing fee
- Select 2024-25 operation budget from drop down menu.
- Select frequency of the gift – one time, weekly, every two weeks, etc.
- You should see an option for using an existing account or you can add a new debit/credit or bank account Please note that some people have said they see a different screen setup when they go to Breeze. If you have issues with the system, let us know.
Additional Thoughts
If you are currently using the Breeze payment system but are comfortable using bill pay through your bank, please consider this option for the UUFC payment. It saves processing fees – neither you nor the UUFC have to pay these fees
If dealing with the breeze system seems overwhelming, please let us know and UUFC staff will deal with the system for you. We are happy to do so.
If you have any questions, send an email to the address below or call Russ Karow at 541-760-4770 (leave a message if I don’t answer) and we will find answers for you.
Thanks for your many contributions to the success of the UUFC. You are appreciated.
May your summer be amazing.
Contact email – businessmgr@uucorvallis.org Russ Karow on behalf of your UUFC Board, Financial Oversight Council and Staff
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Support Groups for Parents and Parents of Adult Children
Parenting is hard, no matter your stage in life. It can be made needlessly harder if you’re doing it without a village. In an effort to create a scaffolding of support for families of every age, we would like to gauge interest in two distinct support spaces:
- A peer support group for parents of children and youth (with the possibility of breaking into sub groups by age) and
- a peer support group for parents of adult children.
If there is sufficient interest in either of these groups, we will start with a 3 month initial commitment. At the end of that time, we can assess whether the group would like to continue through the church year or consider making this a regular summer support group. These groups are intended to help parents in all phases of life strengthen their web of mutual support, not as a substitute for qualified mental health care.
If you are interested in a parent support group, or a group for parents with adult children, please fill out one of the following surveys.
Fill out a Parent Support Group Interest Survey
Fill out a Parents With Adult Children Group Interest Survey
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Skyla King-Christison if you have any questions!
Plan Ahead
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Beautiful Bouquet Sale, 7/28
7/28, 8/4, and 8/11
UUFC Parking Lot
Proceeds to benefit the Perla family from El Salvador. Brought to you by the Immigrant and Refugee Support Team. Sundays July 28, August 4 and 11 after the service in the parking lot.
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UUFC Men’s Retreat, 10/25-27
The 20th Annual UUFC Men’s Retreat will be held this year from Friday, October 25 (5 PM) through Sunday, October 27 (1 PM). Details and registration will be available soon. The Men’s Retreat is an opportunity for those who identify as men to get to know other men at UUFC, give yourself a respite from the daily routines, and enjoy time for personal reflection. We’ll be at the Menucha Retreat Center overlooking the Columbia Gorge in Corbett (https://menucha.org). Through large and small groups, singing, time in nature, and play time in the evening, we’ll connect with one another in deep and meaningful ways.
Our theme this year is: Building Authentic ConnectionsReleasing shame and self-criticism.
Being more emotionally present with others.
Exercises in integrity and relationship.
Enjoying one another and being courageously playful.Mark your calendar now. Registration will be open soon! Questions? Contact Alan Kirk (alan.r.kirk@gmail.com), Nick Houtman (houtman58@gmail.com), Jeff Martin (jeff.labrador@comcast.net), JF Benoist (jfb@jfbenoist.com).
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Aging Successfully in Community, 8/7
Wednesday, August 7 at 7-8:30 PM in the Social Hall.
You’re in the Hospital; What Happens When You Get Out? Navigating hospital admissions & discharge, insurance rules, different levels of care outside the hospital and other community resources for yourself, your partner, or parents, with Amy Ayers, RN BSN, CCM.
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House Party Democracy Action Team, 8/18
Plan Ahead! Join the Democracy Action Team for a fun, casual gathering where we will talk about ranked choice voting and learn how we can encourage our neighbors to vote YES on the critical ballot measure in November. You’ll even have a chance to try out ranked choice voting with a mock election.
DATE: August 18 TIME: 11:45 am, following the UUFC Fellowship Service PLACE: UUFC Sanctuary (near the door to the Fellowship Hall).
For more information, contact Deborah Clark (mizdclark@gmail.com) or Claire Montgomery (clairemtg@comcast.net).
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Tuna Roast & Picnic, 9/2
Looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend Labor Day? Join us for our annual tuna roast and picnic in the park! Plan to bring along your own plate, utensils, and drink ware, and a dish to share with others. Seating is limited so camping chairs are also encouraged. Marinated, grilled, fresh tuna and corn on the cob will be provided. Volunteers will be needed to help and a link to sign up will be provided soon. Contact Rich Brainerd with questions.
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UUFC Family Camping, 9/5 to 9/8
Come and join in fun and fellowship while camping at Cascadia State Park. Group Site ‘B’ has been reserved with a limit of 25 campers. Plans include group meals on Friday and Saturday evening, time for hiking, exploring, building community, and much more. Bring your own tent, personal gear, and food. Parking is very limited (6 cars and 2 RVs – no hook-ups) so carpools are encouraged. Come out for all or part of the event.
The registration fee will be determined by the number of participants and as such will be determined closer to the event. Efforts are being made to keep the fee under $25 per person* (for the whole weekend!) and a family with children rate will apply.
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Family Night at the Ballpark! 7/28
5:00 PM at Goss Stadium (on OSU Campus)
Bring the whole family to the ballpark on July 28th and sit with your UU friends! This is a fun, laid-back place to get to know the other families in our community while your kids scream-sing along with Journey at the top of their lungs. If you’re not a family, but you want to get to know our families, come sit with us! All are welcome!
The game starts at 5 at Goss Stadium (on OSU campus). Purchase your General Admission tickets in advance or at the ticket booth, and we will meet inside in section 2. PLEASE REGISTER to let us know how much space we should save and to receive a text if our seating location necessarily changes at the last minute. If fewer than 3 families register, we will cancel this event via text.
If you have children or youth who would like to attend, but the cost is an obstacle, please contact Skyla (dre@uucorvallis.org) and we’ll get you taken care of.