Sunday Services
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This Week:
An Earth Day Easter 4/20/25
In ancient mythologies – for example in Zoroastrian, Hindu and Egytian stories -resurrections of various sorts are common. Lots of people being killed and coming back to life. Perhaps this human need to imagine coming back to life was always inspired by the facts of Spring, of the awakening of what has been asleep. For me, the life of the Earth, and our life on the Earth, has long been more important to consider than any particular religious perspective on resurrection.
Therefore, I will say again as I have said before, that for me Earth Day is much more important than Easter. Join us to consider how we need to awaken in this season, in this time on the Earth.
We’ll include the traditional Unitarian Flower Ceremony on this Sunday, as introduced in Prague in the 1930’s by Rev. Norbert Capek. Please bring at least one flower – with enough stem to add to a vase of water – for each person in your group or family, to help create the ceremony.
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Services This Month
April 6 Poems for Hard Times Rev. Jill McAllister
April 13 “A Time for Girding” Rev. Jill McAllister
April 20 An Earth Day Easter Rev. Jill McAllister
April 27 Wheel of the Year – Beltane
From the Minister
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Can you hear the call of Love?
In these days of growing authoritarianism and oligarchy in the United States, these days in which we are living, it is important to name both the dangers and our commitments. The values we hold in common are all at stake. Love, and Justice, Equity and Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence and Generosity are all at stake. It is important to renew and restate our commitment to our Covenant of Right Relations, to being welcoming and affirming especially to those who are most in danger, to speak up and speak out against all threats to humans, to humanity, and to all of Life. When we gather on Sundays, let’s remember that it is to encourage and strengthen one another, and to comfort those in most need. We must maintain our dignity and humanity – our ability to laugh and sing and be joyful – at the same time that we become more vigilant and articulate about our values.
These are days when community deepens into creating safety and solidarity, and growing our skills for both.
These are the days of our lives! Can you hear the Earth calling? Can you hear the call of Love?
This Week at UUFC
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Stewardship/Pledge Drive Prize Drawing, 4/20
WHERE DO WE COME FROM – for 70+ years (the UUFC was established in 1954) our predecessors have provided the funds to allow our Fellowship to grow and thrive.
WHERE ARE WE – 100% of current Fellowship members and friends will complete their stewardship/pledge drive form before going to bed on Sunday April 20.
WHERE ARE TWO GOING – two “pledging units” among those who have submitted their pledges by bedtime on Sunday night April 20 will be going to a local eatery legend for breakfast or lunch – New Morning Bakery or Sharon’s Cafe (by virtue of having their names drawn in a virtual drawing).
Michael Hughes – our UUFC Treasurer – will do the random selection on Monday morning and notify prize winners. Please assure that your name is in this drawing by taking 3-4 minutes to complete your stewardship form by clicking the button below.
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World Religions Class Begins 4/27
You can still register for this 6-week, 9-session course with Jill McAllister. Two sessions will be in person (Sundays April 27 and June 1) and the rest will be online on Monday evenings. We’ll be reading from two paperback texts, available in local bookstores. Sign up using the button below.
You can read more about this class here: https://uucorvallis.org/world-religions-for-uus-4-27-6-9/.
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Flower Ceremony, 4/20
The Flower Ceremony has been celebrated in many ways in Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist congregations since it was created in the 1930’s in the Unitarian Congregation of Prague, Czech Republic, by Rev. Norbert Capek. To help create our ceremony this Sunday, please bring a flower – with enough stem to stand in a vase of water – for each member of your family or group.
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Connect Up Hike, 4/26
Join us for the monthly Connect Up Hike on Saturday, April 26 at 10:45 AM from the UUFC parking lot. This later time allows you to participate in Laughter Yoga first, if you like (and I like!). We will hike to Witham Hill Natural Area and do the Upper Loop trail (.9 miles), then walk back to the UUFC. This loop will be on some paved trails and sidewalks, and on some muddy trails in the Natural Area. Total distance: 2.5 miles; elevation gain: 300 ft.
Please RSVP using this Breeze form: https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/18156221.
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Secure Food and Housing for All meeting, 4/20
The Secure Food and Housing for All team is meeting on Sunday, April 20 in the Sanctuary after service. The meeting on 4/20 will include discussion about what’s happening in housing for the currently unhoused as well as services.
The team is shifting to support the needs for food at all our local Food banks. Two donation baskets are available in the foyer for donating food. The team will provide lists of the most needed foods next week. The Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center doesn’t need more clothing right now.
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Easter Sunday Values Egg-stravaganza 4/20
WHAT: UU Values Egg Hunt
WHEN: 4/20 at 11:45
WHERE: Fellowship Lawn, rain or shine!
WHO: children and youth, toddler through 18 year
Friends, hundreds of plastic eggs were found when we moved out of the classroom wing, and we’re excited to put them to good use with a UU Values Egg-stravaganza on Easter Sunday. This is a cooperative rather than competitive hunt, so our youngest kiddos will not risk being overtaken by longer legs. Parents are most welcome to help, as well.
Bring your baskets or use our paper bags. I will give instructions all at once at 11:55 — because this isn’t your ordinary egg hunt! — and set them free to gather and eggs-change on the dot at noon. The hunt will take place, rain or shine, so please dress your children accordingly!
I could still use a couple more volunteers to staff tables and monitor eggs-changes, so if you’ve got some time to give after the service, please contact me at dre@uucorvallis.org! I will set up market tents for volunteers, so don’t let the rain keep you from helping!
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The Pledge Form for 2025-26 is now live!
As part of our Annual Stewardship Drive, the Pledge Form is now live! You can fill it out HERE.
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Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup, 4/19
Come help with Spring Cleaning on America’s first transcontinental highway! A UUFC group will be picking up litter along Hwy 20 on April 19th from 9 AM to noon.
To learn more and register, use this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4AAFA723A6F85-55981387-spring.
Questions? Contact Scott Bruslind.
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Connect Up: Laughter Yoga – Breathe Deeply and Have Fun, 4/26
Join Joyce Marvel-Benoist for Laughter Yoga: inclusive and accessible simple exercises to increase endorphins, connect with others, breathe more deeply and lighten up! This is not traditional yoga, but was named yoga by Dr. Madan Kataria of Mumbai, India. Joyce was trained and certified by Dr. Kataria. All ages welcome. Adaptations will be made for physical abilities. Wear comfy clothing, bring your water bottle ~ come as you are!
Saturday, April 26, 2025 9:00 – 10:30 AM in the Sanctuary. RSVP using the Breeze form below.
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UUFC Annual Meeting, 5/18
The UUFC Annual Meeting is happening on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 12 noon in the Sanctuary after the service. Members may sign in following the service, and the meeting will commence at noon. All UUFC members are asked and encouraged to attend! The Annual Meeting is where members vote on Fellowship matters, such as election of the Board of Directors, affirming the annual budget, and changing the Bylaws. If you are a member of the Fellowship and want to participate in its democratic governance, this is the meeting to attend!
Members may choose to attend the meeting on Zoom, rather than in person. In-person attendance is greatly preferred, as Zoom can fail in multiple ways. Zoom attendees will vote using the polling tool built into Zoom. PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE USING ZOOM OR UNSURE IF YOU WILL BE ABLE TO USE THE ZOOM POLLING TOOL, PLEASE MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND IN PERSON.
Per the Fellowship Bylaws, one-fourth of current members must be present at the meeting to form a quorum. Motions pass on majority approval of those members present and voting, except for motions on ‘momentous issues’ as defined in Article III Section 5 of the Bylaws. Amending the Fellowship Bylaws is one such momentous issue, and will require a three-fourths majority of members present and voting to approve.
Some items that will be up for vote have already been announced. Read more about them through the links below.
Nominating Committee Slate for 2025-26
Affirmative Nondiscrimination Statement -
Aging Successfully in Community Supper Potluck, 5/14
Join us for our last scheduled event of this church year on Wednesday, May 14, 2025
5-7 PM
C3 (Corvallis Community Center)
2601 NW Tyler Ave. CorvallisBring:
- Finger foods / easy-to-serve food for sharing
- Your own tableware (utensils & plate)
- What topics you’d like to see covered in the coming year
- Your ideas for social activities during the summer! You choose the activity, date & number of people. We can help get the word out.
We will provide beverages, conversation starters, & a review of the past year.
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Know Your Rights Trainings, 4/28 and 5/6
More than ever it’s important to know what your rights are and how to keep yourself, your friends, family and neighbors safe. Join us at Westminster House, 101 NW 23rd St, on April 28 and May 6 from 5 – 7:30 pm. Hosted by Mid-Valley Solidarity Coalition using materials from the Civil Liberties Defense Center. www.CLDC.org Masks Optional. Questions, contact Karen J. using the button below.
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“Samurai in the Oregon Sky” Film Showing, 5/17
SATURDAY MAY 17, 10 AM
Friendship Force of Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley (https://www.fforegon.org/) and the UUFC Immigrant And Refugee Support Team (IRST) bring you the film “Samurai in the Oregon Sky.” This is an award winning film whose details can be found at https://www.samuraiintheoregonsky.com/.
The film tells the little-known story of Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita who conducted the only manned aerial bombings of the U.S. mainland during WWII, on the southern Oregon coast. Years later, he would meet and peacefully reconcile with the American civilians who lived in the area. It’s a testament to the power of face-to-face meetings.
The film maker Ilana Sol will be present and talk with audience members. Attendees can make donations. Any extra funds beyond those needed to cover Director Sol’s expenses will be donated for use by the IRST.
This film will be shown in the Sanctuary of the UUFC – 2945 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis OR 97330. All are welcomed.
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UUFC Family Camping at Cascadia State Park, 6/19 – 6/22
Come and join in fun and fellowship while camping at Cascadia State Park June 19 – 22, 2025. Group Site ‘A’ has been reserved with a limit of 25 campers. Plans include group meals on Friday and Saturday evening, time for hiking, exploring, building community, games, 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 for the whole weekend is $25 per person (a family with children rate will apply). A minimum of 12 adult registrations must be received by May 1st for this event to take place.
If you have specific questions, please contact Julie Halter and Nancy Gill using this Breeze form.
Announcements
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Painting the classroom wing – need help!
Please sign up for a three-hour painting shift(s) on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday April 25, 26, 27 or May 2, 3, 4.
We have just 16 days to paint everything three times (primer plus two finish coats)! Sign up sheets on foyer table or contact Wolfgang with your sign-up requests using the button below.
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UUFC Auction Donations Needed
Our annual Services and Silent Auction is Saturday, June 28. Please join in our largest fundraiser by offering a fun service, event, or item. Do you have access to a getaway at the beach, in the mountains, or other vacation spot? These prized offerings always earn lots for our Fellowship.
Do you have a skill, interest, or hobby that you would like to share with others? Some possibilities:
- bird watching
- dance lessons
- singing lessons
- music performances
- clay crafting
- knitting lessons
- rafting on the river
- dinner for 4-12
- computer help
- house or window cleaning
- clutter reduction
- waterfall hike
- homemade dinners delivered
- homemade artisan breads or preserves
- custom scarf or journal
- gift basket
- wine tasting
- camping
- yard work
- cooking classes
- gardening help
- anything you love.
Or maybe you have some special items that you no longer want or need, such as jewelry, furniture, or artwork that you would be willing to donate. Everything goes to help support the UUFC.
Please fill out our Auction Donation Form as soon as possible. You can access the online form using the button below. Paper forms will be available in the Fellowship foyer.
Please submit your offerings soon so the auction team has time to enter all items and services into our Auctria software, along with photos (jpg or png only. Auctria can’t accept PDF). We use Auctria to generate the live and silent auction catalogs and to track and record sales.
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Nominating Committee – Announcing a Change
A change has been made to the slate of nominees for Fellowship leadership positions: Jamie Petts is nominated for Chair of the Personnel Committee, replacing Elona Meyer who has been (a fantastic) chair for many years.
The full, updated slate of nominees can be seen here: https://uucorvallis.org/nominating-committee-slate-for-2025-26/.
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Updated Affirmative Nondiscrimination Statement!
Thank you to everyone who gave feedback on the proposed changes to Article II of our Bylaws! We have incorporated the feedback into the proposed change, which is included below. This proposed change to the Bylaws will be voted on by members at the Annual Meeting on May 18, 2025. A bylaw change such as this requires a 3/4 majority vote of the members in attendance at the meeting.
Existing Article II Membership:
The Fellowship offers membership to all people who support its purposes, principles, and programs.Proposed Article II Membership:
The Fellowship offers membership to all people who support its values, principles, mission, and programs.The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis is committed to establishing, supporting, and maintaining a welcoming congregation that lives up to its highest ideals, a place where all can thrive. We strive to be a congregation that affirms all persons, including but not limited to those embracing differences in racial and cultural identity or background, sexual orientation, gender and its expression, religious background, marital status, family structure, age, mental and physical health and ability, political affiliation, educational achievement, and socioeconomic level. We welcome all who accept our Congregational Covenant of Right Relations to share in the leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, responsibilities, blessings, and joys of our congregation’s life.
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Nominating Committee Slate for 2025-26
The members of the current UUFC Nominating Committee are pleased to submit the following slate of nominees for the 2025-26 Fellowship Year:
UUFC NOMINEES FOR ELECTED POSITIONS 2025
(Terms are for one year unless otherwise noted)BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President – Carl English-Young
Secretary – Priscilla Galasso
Treasurer – Michael Hughes
Board – John Larsen (2 year)
Board – Betty Shelley (2 year)
Board – Carolyn Madsen (2 year)
Board – John Bailey (2 year)
Board – Sheryl Stuart (2 year)
Board – Bonnie Morihara (2nd year of 2-year term)PERSONNEL COMMITTEE CHAIR
Jamie PettsCOMMITTEE ON MINISTRY CHAIR
Mark AronFINANCIAL OVERSIGHT COUNCIL CHAIR
Scott Bruslind (3 year)2026 NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Kris Egan
Jim Good
Kimi Mayo
Heather Thomas
Board member (appointed by the Board) -
Classroom Wing Construction Update
Good news: The parking lot paving was completed Friday so most of the lot will be available for you on Sunday. Sidewalk concrete panels will be replaced next week.
More Good news: Right now it appears that the contractors work will be completed ahead of schedule, probably in early June. Of course our work to move into the building may go on for another month.
Bad news: This project has highlighted the poor condition of our roof. We will be soliciting price quotes from several roofing companies in order to get all roofs replaced this summer. Until then the north roof of the RE wing is covered in plastic to protect the new drywall from leaks.Thanks for your patience, Brian Egan
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Monthly Outreach Offerings for April
Community Services Consortium provides a variety of services for those in need. Our April Sunday Outreach Offerings will be dedicated to CSC’s Weatherization Program which reduces carbon emissions, methane leaks, and heating costs. Basic energy efficiency upgrades such as insulation, weatherstripping, and heating system safety checks are provided at no cost to low income households in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties. FMI: https://communityservices.us/weatherization
Plan Ahead
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UUFC Annual Meeting, 5/18
The UUFC Annual Meeting is happening on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 12 noon in the Sanctuary after the service. Members may sign in following the service, and the meeting will commence at noon. All UUFC members are asked and encouraged to attend! The Annual Meeting is where members vote on Fellowship matters, such as election of the Board of Directors, affirming the annual budget, and changing the Bylaws. If you are a member of the Fellowship and want to participate in its democratic governance, this is the meeting to attend!
Members may choose to attend the meeting on Zoom, rather than in person. In-person attendance is greatly preferred, as Zoom can fail in multiple ways. Zoom attendees will vote using the polling tool built into Zoom. PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE USING ZOOM OR UNSURE IF YOU WILL BE ABLE TO USE THE ZOOM POLLING TOOL, PLEASE MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND IN PERSON.
Per the Fellowship Bylaws, one-fourth of current members must be present at the meeting to form a quorum. Motions pass on majority approval of those members present and voting, except for motions on ‘momentous issues’ as defined in Article III Section 5 of the Bylaws. Amending the Fellowship Bylaws is one such momentous issue, and will require a three-fourths majority of members present and voting to approve.
Some items that will be up for vote have already been announced. Read more about them through the links below.
Nominating Committee Slate for 2025-26
Affirmative Nondiscrimination Statement -
Aging Successfully in Community Supper Potluck, 5/14
Join us for our last scheduled event of this church year on Wednesday, May 14, 2025
5-7 PM
C3 (Corvallis Community Center)
2601 NW Tyler Ave. CorvallisBring:
- Finger foods / easy-to-serve food for sharing
- Your own tableware (utensils & plate)
- What topics you’d like to see covered in the coming year
- Your ideas for social activities during the summer! You choose the activity, date & number of people. We can help get the word out.
We will provide beverages, conversation starters, & a review of the past year.
-
Know Your Rights Trainings, 4/28 and 5/6
More than ever it’s important to know what your rights are and how to keep yourself, your friends, family and neighbors safe. Join us at Westminster House, 101 NW 23rd St, on April 28 and May 6 from 5 – 7:30 pm. Hosted by Mid-Valley Solidarity Coalition using materials from the Civil Liberties Defense Center. www.CLDC.org Masks Optional. Questions, contact Karen J. using the button below.
-
“Samurai in the Oregon Sky” Film Showing, 5/17
SATURDAY MAY 17, 10 AM
Friendship Force of Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley (https://www.fforegon.org/) and the UUFC Immigrant And Refugee Support Team (IRST) bring you the film “Samurai in the Oregon Sky.” This is an award winning film whose details can be found at https://www.samuraiintheoregonsky.com/.
The film tells the little-known story of Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita who conducted the only manned aerial bombings of the U.S. mainland during WWII, on the southern Oregon coast. Years later, he would meet and peacefully reconcile with the American civilians who lived in the area. It’s a testament to the power of face-to-face meetings.
The film maker Ilana Sol will be present and talk with audience members. Attendees can make donations. Any extra funds beyond those needed to cover Director Sol’s expenses will be donated for use by the IRST.
This film will be shown in the Sanctuary of the UUFC – 2945 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis OR 97330. All are welcomed.
-
UUFC Family Camping at Cascadia State Park, 6/19 – 6/22
Come and join in fun and fellowship while camping at Cascadia State Park June 19 – 22, 2025. Group Site ‘A’ has been reserved with a limit of 25 campers. Plans include group meals on Friday and Saturday evening, time for hiking, exploring, building community, games, 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 for the whole weekend is $25 per person (a family with children rate will apply). A minimum of 12 adult registrations must be received by May 1st for this event to take place.
If you have specific questions, please contact Julie Halter and Nancy Gill using this Breeze form.