Weeklies – Text Only

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sunday Services

Sunday Worship Service

August 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Join us for our weekly worship service, this Sunday at 10 AM. There will be singing, listening, and being. If the topic of the sermon is known in advance, it will be advertised in this space.

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.


Services This Month

Sunday Worship Service

August 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Join us for our weekly worship service, this Sunday at 10 AM. There will be singing, listening, and being. If the topic of the sermon is known in advance, it will be advertised in this space.

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

  • Parents Under Stress Supporting Teens Under Stress

    Dear Congregation:

    Last Sunday, I read parts of a book during the Time for All Ages.  The name of the book is Wildfire, by Breena Bard (see photo).

    Because I was speaking to children and youth of all ages, and only had an about five minutes, I lifted up only a few themes from the book.  But this amazing graphic novel covers many themes pertinent to families who have just gone through a tragedy.  In this book, the family loses their farm in rural Oregon during a wildfire and relocates to Portland.  In their effort to be strong for the kids and get through daily logistics, the parents don’t share their grief with their kids.  And in an effort not to be pitied by new friends, the main character, a teen, does not share that she knows one of the boys who started the fire — who is now also in her new Portland school.  By the end of the book, the pressure builds to a point where the parents and teen are finally able to talk about their grief and anger.  This came about in part because of a school teacher who observed the overwhelm in the teen.  One lesson from this is that safe adults outside a family can often be a buffer and link to healing within a family.

    When I was 16, my father had a stroke and became paralyzed on his left side.  During that next year, the church was a place where parents of my friends made space for my emotions.  Further, the church’s pastoral counselor offered family counseling sessions where I discovered that saying hard things to my parents could actually lead to all of us feeling better.  

    My wish for all of us, of all ages, is that when life sends us painful curveballs, and when stress overwhelms us, that we eventually find our way to talking with our closest loved ones.  And if any part of the Fellowship can help with that, may it be so.

    With care,
    Rev. Alex

Announcements

  • Help Needed Installing New Playset

    We need your help!

    We have been kindly gifted a new-to-us playset for the RE and preschool playground. On Monday (Aug. 24) we’ll need assistance to take down and remove the old structure. On Tuesday we’ll be picking up and assembling the new structure. The timing for this is very fortunate because the preschool is closed this coming week. 

    If you can help on either day, please show up at the Fellowship at 1pm on Monday Aug. 24 and/or 9am on Tuesday Aug. 25. Bring hammers, wrenches and work gloves.

    Any help would be appreciated

    Questions please contact Steve Ferrell or Brian Egan.

    Once the old structure has been taken down, the wood will be stored in the northern part of our grounds next to the parking lot. Please help yourself if you would like.

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

    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!

    Playing the Game of Life: How Do We Roll?
    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 and have fun together, too – what a concept!

    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.) Check out the flyer with details at this link:
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VvgYAbAf1d98fzJXBmlHnWhKSiNBdMnW/view?usp=sharing

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

  • ETC (Elders Thriving in Community), 9/10

    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

  • Parking Lot Rummage Sale, 9/12

    Find items in your closets, attic, garage that you no longer need and donate them to the annual UUFC Parking Lot Rummage Sale. Pre-price the items at home (whole dollar amounts, thrift store pricing) and bring them between 8:00 – 8:45 AM to the UUFC parking lot. Display the items on tables there or ones you bring. Join with a friend or two to stay by the table and encourage sales. Send buyers to a central cashier. At 1:00 PM pack up any unsold items and take home or to a thrift store. It’s a win-win for you and the Fellowship. Encourage all your friends and neighbors to come.

    VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We need volunteers to post flyers in Corvallis, Albany, and Philomath no later than September 5, help set up and take down tables and cashier on September 12. Use this Sign Up Genius link to sign up now.
    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!

  • 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

    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

Date/Time: August 21, 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.

International Flavors

Date/Time: August 21, 2026 @ 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: 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.

Inquirers Series: Membership 101

Date/Time: August 23, 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.

Mindful Awareness

Date/Time: August 26, 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.

Online Joys & Sorrows

Date/Time: August 28, 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.

Plan Ahead

Annual Labor Day Tuna Roast

Date/Time: September 7, 2026 @ 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Avery Park Lions Shelter

Celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of the new church year. Since 1997, 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, and there will be a craft table starting at 4:00. 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 turned away for lack of funds. It’s all about building community!

We provide barbecued tuna, corn on the cob, sheet cake, and lemonade. For vegetarians there will be veggie burgers, and grilled zucchini and eggplant. For picky kids there will be hotdogs. This is a potluck. We especially need salads and desserts, but you can choose to bring chips, dips, breads, veggies, fruit, pickles. We ask that you bring your own plates and eating utensils (and donation $). A folding chair is helpful. Corn and tuna will be ready by 5:30.
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.
See ways to help and sign up using this form:
https://uufc.breeze.com/form/UUFC_Tuna_Volunteer_26

Reception for Corvallis Art Guild

Date/Time: September 11, 2026 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Sanctuary

Friday, September 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM

A reception will be held on September 11th from 6-8pm for the members of the Corvallis Art Guild whose work is displayed in the sanctuary from September 1 to November 30. This is your opportunity to meet the artists and ask questions about their creative processes. Light snacks and beverages will be provided.

This event needs help! See ways to contribute and sign up using this form: https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/CRV_Art_Guild_26

Contact: Brian Egan

Annual UUFC Parking Lot Garage Sale

Date/Time: September 12, 2026 @ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: 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 they 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.

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

Harvest Festival

Date/Time: October 11, 2026 @ 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: 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

Town Hall Meeting on Social Hall Expansion

Date/Time: October 11, 2026 @ 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: Sanctuary

The purpose of this meeting is to describe options for expanding the UUFC social hall, to address members’ questions and receive comments. Members of the Facilities Council and a representative of Varitone Architecture will facilitate and present.

Nick Houtman, contact.

Town Hall Meeting on Social Hall Expansion – Zoom

Date/Time: October 19, 2026 @ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location:

The purpose of this meeting is to describe options for expanding the UUFC social hall, to address members’ questions and receive comments. Members of the Facilities Council and a representative of Varitone Architecture will facilitate and present.

Nick Houtman, contact.

Connect Up/Affinity Groups this Week