Worship

SUNDAY SERVICE DETAILS

When: Sundays at 10 A.M.

Where: Find us on the corner of Circle Blvd and NW Firwood Drive, just West of the Corvallis Zen Circle. You may also join the service on Zoom.

What: See the topics of upcoming services on our Calendar page here!

Directions: Find us on the corner of Circle Blvd and NW Firwood Drive, just West of the Corvallis Zen Circle.

Map:

JOIN ONLINE

There are two ways to attend Worship Remotely:

  1. Join on Zoom: we use this same Zoom link every week. (Clicking on the link will open a Zoom meeting). If you have not used Zoom before, here is a guide: Joining a Zoom Meeting.
  2. Facebook Livestream: We livestream the Sunday services to the UUFC Facebook page.

The Order of Service is available if you like to follow along. We sometimes make changes all the way up until Sunday morning, so the Order of Service may not be available until a few minutes before the service.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT WORSHIP

Most of our Sunday morning services typically include inspirational readings, a story for children, choir and congregational singing, and a sermon by our minister or guest. We also have a variety of special services.

Dress for UUFC services is mostly casual, but ranges from tees to ties. Dress in whatever way is comfortable for you. Children mainly wear play clothes.

Children and youth usually attend Religious Exploration classes after the Time for All Ages at the beginning of the service, but are also welcome to stay in the service with a responsible parent or guardian.

Following our services, we have a Coffee and Conversation hour in the Social Hall adjacent to the Sanctuary. Come meet and greet!

Please join us. We want to get to know you and want you to get to know us.

ABOUT WORSHIP

What is worship?

The word “worship” means many things to many people, and is defined in many different ways. It refers to acts and attitudes, celebrations and rituals, events shared by groups, and individual experiences. It refers to ascribing value or worth to ideals, ideas, and beliefs; to giving homage and praise to a god or gods; to taking time and intention to centering oneself and focusing on values and ideals. Definitions of “worship” are generally understood and shared within specific cultural contexts. There is no one right definition or one shared definition.

What does worship at UUFC look like?

Historically, Unitarian Universalism is a tradition which evolved from the radical wing of the Protestant Reformation, a decades-long struggle within western Christianity to define sources of religious authority and forms of religious community. Because of this heritage, the most common Sunday Service in a UU congregation looks more like a protestant Christian worship service than any other kind of worship. Yet, in the nearly 200 years of American Unitarian/Universalism, much as changed, as the religious culture has become much more diverse. Therefore, our services include diverse formats and elements and broad aims.

What generally happens during a worship service?

Welcome – brief introductions from service leaders and participants, and an assurance that all are free to attend and participate

Introit – usually a song or music, to signal the setting aside of regular or daily concerns and the intentional turning to a time of reflection and aspiration, together

Opening Words – a statement to remind us why we gather in this place in this way

Lighting of the Chalice – the symbol of our liberal religious heritage, an affirmation of our core values of religious freedom, reason and embrace of diversity

Opening Song – re-affirming our gathering and our intentions, using our bodies and breath

Affirming Our Connections

Having taken time to settle in and focus our attention and intentions, we move to Affirming Our Connections, which usually includes:

Wisdom from the World’s Traditions – a reading from one of the sources of wisdom for our religious growth and learning, from any and all of the classical religious traditions, or from poetry, prose, science, etc.

Time for All Ages – a story for all ages, aimed primarily at elementary aged children, to help them learn about our tradition, to help them know and feel that they are a valued part of our inter-generational community, and to help them understand what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. The children and youth leave for their Religious Exploration sessions following this time of sharing.

Sharing of Sorrows and Joys – a time to share with each other the most important things that are happening in our lives –-experiences of loss and gain, of birth and death, of fear, of joy and gratitude, of sickness, recovery and health. This kind of sharing is very important for us as a community, to know what is true and real for each other and therefore for ourselves – to affirm the realities which connect us. It is also a very big challenge: to tell our own truths and to focus on the most important things. This is not a time for political opinions, announcements of events, stories about other people, or long-winded details. This practice of sharing truths is usually followed by a meditation on breathing and on connectedness, then shared singing.

Searching for Wisdom and Inspiration

Having been reminded of what we share, we move into Searching for Wisdom and Inspiration, which usually includes:

Spoken Meditation and Sharing of Silence – to nurture contemplation, honesty, and inner peace

Music for Reflection

Readings – expressions of important points to be explored in the sermon

Sermon, Homily or Presentation – focus on a topic of importance for our religious, spiritual, and congregational lives, by a minister or guest speakers.

The Offering – the sharing of our resources towards living out the mission and goals of the church

Giving Thanks for All That Sustains Us – our collective reminder that life is a gift, and together we can make a difference

Returning to the World

Finally, we arrive at the time for Returning to the World, which usually includes:

Announcements – an educational moment, to describe some of the priorities, work, and events of the congregation

Closing Song– once again to engage our bodies and breath in our intentions

Closing Words– a reminder to keep our ideals in our minds and hearts amidst the distractions of daily life

Postlude – music for going out together

FORMS OF WORSHIP

Sunday Services

Historically, Unitarian Universalism is a tradition which evolved from the radical wing of the Protestant Reformation, a decades-long struggle within western Christianity to define sources of religious authority and forms of religious community. Because of this heritage, the most common Sunday Service in a UU congregation looks more like a protestant Christian worship service than any other kind of worship. Yet, in the nearly 200 years of American Unitarian/Universalism, much as changed, as the religious culture has become much more diverse. Therefore, our services include diverse formats and elements and broad aims. More about Sunday Services.

Wheel of the Year

Every six weeks or so, we gather at each of the eight points on the Wheel of the Year as an intergenerational community to celebrate holidays from nature-based neo-pagan tradition with story, song, and ritual. Some of these holidays are widely known, like Yule, the Winter Solstice. Some, like Lughnasadh, are not as well recognized. The eight sacred days on the Wheel start with Yule in December, then proceed to Imbolc in February, Ostara in March, Beltane in May, Litha in June, Lughnasadh in August, Mabon in September, Samhain in October, and then right back around the Wheel to Yule. This cycle of celebration echoes the cycles of the changing year, and it honors the interdependent web of which we are all a part.

More about Wheel of the Year Services

Dance Planet

Dance Planet is a community dance celebration for everyone. Move your own way to a joyous blend of music from all around the planet and across the decades. Admission to this family-friendly event is a suggested $5–$15 donation, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds. One hundred percent of proceeds go to local Earth-friendly causes.

Kirtan

Kirtan is a very simple & powerful way to meditate. It’s effortless & joyful; the music does the work for you as you flow with the melody & rhythm. As you sing you experience a deep connection with the musicians, the other audience members and yourself. And when the music stops, your mind is quiet.

Because kirtan has roots in India, many of the chants are sung in Sanskrit. These ancient chants contain powerful renewing & transformative energy that helps us reconnect with the Divinity that resides within all of us. If you’ve ever chanted responses in Latin or Hebrew in your religious tradition, then you know how powerful singing in an ancient, holy language can be. You can be completely immersed in the sound, with no words to distract the mind — the magic of the chants can then carry you within. While singing along at a kirtan concert, you can experience your own voice becoming as beautiful as those performing—all voices merge together to become One Voice.

We have kirtan every Friday night at the Fellowship. The 1st and 3rd Fridays are a Community Kirtan in person in Room 7, other Friday nights we hold the kirtan on Zoom. We also host live events.

From the Minister

  • Arc and Vision

    Rev. Alex McGee, serving in role of Interim Minister

    The Universalist minister, author, and seminary president Gordon McKeeman used to remind those of us who knew him that we might as well learn to get along together now here on Earth, since we are going to be together in heaven.

    I used to think he meant that metaphorically. But, the last time I saw him, when he was getting ready to move away to live with his adult kids in his elder years, he said to me: “I look forward to seeing you.” I replied with confusion and curiosity: “Oh, are you coming back to visit Charlottesville? I’ll be moving away, too.” He replied with a sparkle in his eye: “No, but I’ll be seeing you.” It took my breath away for a moment, and then I smiled quietly with him. And he smiled back.

    Indeed, this life-long journey of learning to get along is a true human pilgrimage. What higher calling can there be? I think that you as a congregation have many rich opportunities in the coming year to grow together into what it means to live into conflict and repair together. So many of you have told me of the beloved community you find here and how you hope to be your best selves together. But what does that look like? I encourage you to ask a fellow member what it looks like to them.

    At this moment in September, 2026, here at the UU Fellowship of Corvallis, I see so much richness: a brilliantly designed Religious Exploration program; an eager new membership team; a strong and responsive Facilities Council; organized and caring planning teams for the Mens and Womens Retreats; a smart, centered, and grounded Search Committee; a steady Sunday morning Kitchen Ministry, and so much more.

    At the same time, I hear so much pain as people grieve the loss of David and Lauren Servias in the role of Music Director and Pianist. I hear confusion about what messaging has gone out through formal and informal channels. I hear questions about what can be known and not known. I apologized during the Sunday service on August 23 for my August 17 letter, in which I did not fully honor the deep sense of family that you all have experienced here and for the timing of the choir’s start. They announced their departure during worship on August 16, before I had responded to them about their resignation letters. I accepted their resignations for the date they gave on Sept 30, and I set their final work day for August 30, to align with the start of a new church year. Beyond this information, I am bound by respect and legality to not discuss details of personnel matters. 

    Looking ahead, Steven Evans-Renteria will be with us each Sunday morning — twice a month leading the choir, other Sundays engaging the congregation and sharing his vocal gifts in other ways. We will have guest pianists in the coming weeks, until an interim pianist is hired. 

    In times of uncertainty, human nature often grasps for things that are familiar. Yet, ancient wisdom tells us that a soft hold allows for new creativity. That is why I encouraged the congregation to try a “soft hands” meditation a few weeks ago. This is not a substitute for grief. Grief has its own place. Hence, the messy swirl of change involves looking back and looking forward at the same time.

    But, how to stay centered in the midst of all of this? How to regulate one’s own emotions, so that one can access reason, and then move to resolving things? Last Sunday, Rev. Leslie read from the Tao Te Ching about the mind needing time to settle, like mud settling and clearing. In the Time for All Ages last week, I rang a bell for the kids and invited them to notice how long they could hear the sound — this calls a person to the present moment. In the sermon, I described the yogic tool of using 12 fingerpads to count 12 breaths. Peacemakers need a tool kit for cultivating calm — what is in yours? Peace and calm are not the absence of action, but a precursor to effective response.

    I have had many meaningful conversations with individuals or small groups in the past few weeks in which we grappled with questions such as: Distinguishing between intent and impact. Distinguishing between asking for accountability or making accusations. Distinguishing between secrecy and confidentiality. Balancing a sense of family with the needs of an institution. These nuances are alive in many areas of the Fellowship and I encourage you to find wise moments to explore these with others.

    You as a congregation need to give clear messages to the Search Committee about who you are and what you are growing toward, so that they can explain your identity clearly to candidates, so those candidates can make sound choices about whether they are a good fit. Please see the wonderful article in this Journal about the Search Committee’s service to you.

    With care,
    Rev. Alex McGee

    Rev. Alex can be reached at rev.alex.mcgee@uucorvallis.org and you can learn more about her hours and contact info here.

  • From the Minister

    On any given day, in the middle of a usual week, especially when we’re frustrated or afraid, or sad or bored, or just tired, it’s easy to think “why bother?” Why take the time and make the space for practice – to pause, to pray, to be present, to give thanks? From ancient times this…

    read on

  • Daily Practice – A Weekly Reminder

    One of my teachers says, in many different ways, that spiritual growth, or becoming wise, is a process of discovering, at your core, a story that can hold all the other stories. A foundation that makes room for everything that comes your way, for everything that is. In that place, that story, vulnerability and courage…

    read on

  • Daily Practice – A Weekly Reminder

    In September 2020, a few months into the pandemic shut-down, a week or so after forest fires had turned the air orange around us for days, I went out into a clear morning, and was greeted by the day. I wrote this: “In the cool breeze this morning, something caught my eye that I didn’t…

    read on

  • Daily Practice – A Weekly Reminder

    Did you have a chance to see the Harvest Moon this week, as it rises on the eastern horizon huge, and orange, in the dark sky? These are the days of the Fall equinox – the trees beginning to turn, the air cooling, days of rain and sun, clouds and color. Changing times, again, as…

    read on

  • Daily Practice – A Weekly Reminder

    One of the most beautiful things about morning, about waking up, is that the conversation begins anew. What I mean is we can begin a new conversation with life every day. It’s quite easy to wake up and simply continue yesterday’s conversation, tired and worn out though it was when we went to sleep. Why…

    read on

  • From the Minister

    For the past eleven years we have worked with an annual theme as a way of focusing our attention and energy amidst the many activities of the Fellowship. Themes have included Love, Courage, Deepening, Faithfulness, Building A New Way, and more. In the coming year, our focus will be “Ancestors, Descendants, and Us.” It is…

    read on

  • From the Minister

    Just before getting back to a regular schedule (with a little less summer spontaneity) I’m taking a trip to Transylvania next week, and Jamie Petts and Skyla King-Christison are coming too. We’ll be attending an International UU Women’s Convocation gathering in Koloszvar with U-U women from many different countries, and making a very short visit…

    read on

  • Between Us, 8/23/2024

    Summer is not yet over, but oh – the rain has been beautiful! It feels like everything with roots is no longer thirsty, and I feel the same way. I know it will get hot again soon, for at least a few more weeks, but it feels different now. That’s how things should be when…

    read on

  • Between Us

    So much of our time and energy, whether we are aware of it or not, goes into finding our footing, so to speak, or trying to find balance – mostly emotional or spiritual balance, though sometimes (especially as we age) our physical balance as well. The world we live in is so good at challenging…

    read on

  • Daily Practice – A Reminder

    Several years ago, in the first summer of the pandemic, we were trying to cope with the realization of a long road ahead of us, the unknowns at at every turn, the fear and sadness. Together we were building a daily practice of centering and giving thanks. This passage, written one August morning, reminds me…

    read on

MUSIC

Music is an important part of the life of the Fellowship, and of every Sunday service. If you love to sing or play instruments and want to get involved, please read on!

Congregational Singing

Every Sunday morning we sing together. We sing together because it feels good and it builds community. It may be the most important thing we do on Sunday.

UUFC Choir

The choir rehearses Wednesday nights from 7 to 8:30 and sings twice a month for Sunday services. This dedicated group works hard to provide choral music that uplifts and inspires all who hear them on Sunday mornings. The choir is a wonderful supportive and welcoming community for singers of all skill levels. The choir is where all the important stuff happens at any church. So if you want to get close to the action, join the choir! Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. If you are interested, talk to the choir director, Steven Evans-Renteria.

House Band

We now have a house band at UUFC that plays once a month for Sunday services. We have guitars, percussion, singers, piano, and guitarron. Once in a while the choir and the house band join forces, and it really rocks! Check us out on Sunday morning.

Guest Musicians

We’ve had a number of wonderful guest musicians show up to services to add to our music, including Johanna Beekman, Roy Zimmerman, Peter Mayer, and others, including local groups like Compass Rose and the Delgani String Quartet.

Other Musical Opportunities

Before the pandemic we had regular music events at the Fellowship including the Holiday Sing-Along, Music Sharing nights (basically open mic night). We hope to begin incorporating more events like this in the coming months, so watch the newsletter and weekly announcements for updates.

Blog Posts from Music Staff

  • Behind the Music: A home where we can breathe, to sleep and dream without fear

    Today’s MLK Jr. service reflects on how the spiritual autobiography of our nation will be written, emphasizing how we listen, how we care for the next generation, how we respond to organized and normalized evil, and the importance of being open so we may serve a greater good. The piano selections for today’s service reflect these…

    Read more here

  • Behind the Music: We’ll Build a Land

    Leadership often begins with a call and not a plan; we feel a nudge – or push! – inside of us to step forward. The stories from our Council Chairs provided much food for thought on what fuels our own willingness to contribute and get involved in this community. Today’s piano music all led back…

    Read more here

  • Behind the Music: Light is returning, even though this is the darkest hour

    Today marks a moment in time of stillness and reflection, the longest night of the year before the gradual return of light. There is a wealth of music about winter, night, darkness, and light, and I tried to select pieces that captured the ideas of cold December nights, the knowledge that the sun and warmth…

    Read more here

SUNDAY SERVICE VIDEOS

We have saved videos from most of the services from the past several years. Occasionally a service video doesn’t get recorded, or saved.

YouTube Playlists:

Service Videos (January 2020 – March 2023): The link opens a pdf of an older method of storing links to service videos, before we started uploading them to YouTube.

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