Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of McMinnville Oregon (UUFM)

Using Sally’s local work in immigration and Latinx [Latinx is a gender-neutral term sometimes used in lieu of Latino or Latina–Ed] advocacy, let’s reflect on the role of justice-making in rural communities and faith organizations. We’ll consider the foundations of building community and gathering courage to step outside one’s comfort zone to make a difference. In today’s political climate, how do we stay energized for the long-haul?  Sally will address current issues (including Measure 105) as context for her message.

A native Oregonian, Sally is in her 33rd year of a career in psychiatry following education at Willamette University and OHSU.  Eight years ago, she completed a seminary degree at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. She is ordained in the United Church of Christ. From 2012-2018, Sally served as Director of Unidos Bridging Community, a grassroots Latinx advocacy organization in Yamhill County.

It’s October, and I can’t resist a harvest metaphor! —  Today we’ll take a walk through the fields and gardens of UU history, looking for the sweet fruits and sustaining vegetables of our tradition.  Can the answers, or the even process by which they were derived, be of help in our own challenging times?

Rev. Kate McGraw is a native Oregonian who fell in love with Unitarian Universalism while attending a small fellowship in Alaska. A board certified chaplain, she works in a program that brings primary medical care to frail Elders in their homes.

Author A.W. Streane once said, “Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief.  Do justly now.  Love mercy now.  Walk humbly now.  You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”  Every morning I wonder what new grief we will be presented with and how will we respond.  These words which echo the Prophet Micah, are my wake up call.

When a person or an organization goes through a major change, they have to be willing to let go of the old, live for a while in uncertainty while they create something new (“some assembly required”), then move into that new creation.  Although our culture does not recognize it, this process is as old as humanity, and understanding it can substantially reduce anxiety. To learn more, visit UUFM at macuuf.org.

Obstacles have a way of weighing us down but there are always opportunities for growth, and succeeding in the midst of them. LaNicia will help us identify some tools to help us see success in failure, the opportunity to see the good in a bad situation and how to overcome fear to live in freedom. To learn more, visit UUFM at macuuf.org.

Your Spirit Matters.  Our days can be difficult and it’s hard to find hope sometimes.  How do we UUs claim our prophetic tradition to bring justice into our world?  Our spirits matter—it is in community where we find the sustenance to go back out into the world. Come and be reminded why our spirits matter and perhaps find a bit of hope and courage.  To learn more, visit UUFM at macuuf.org.

Thank you for your Service.  That frequently uttered phrase has always made me a little uncomfortable, for a number of reasons.  We’ll explore a bit together, looking at what it calls up in us to hear and say “thank you for your service” in response to the enormous sacrifices made by our veterans and their families.  To learn more, visit UUFM at macuuf.org.

Times of uncertainty, change, transition, anxiety, chaos, struggle, opportunity, loss, beginning, ending….  we might name these times in many ways. What are some strategies for living beautifully through transitions (which are really happening all the time)? What does it mean to “live beautifully” anyway?  To learn more, visit UUFM at macuuf.org.

Many gifts have sustained my religious journey.  I will share them with you as we say good-bye to each other.  To learn more, visit UUFM at  macuuf.org

Even though we make plans (and it does make a difference to plan), life is ultimately unpredictable. Dealing creatively with the unanticipated is the art of improvisation. Unlike other art forms, improvisation is mandatory for human beings. The only choice is whether we will do it well or poorly.  To learn more, visit UUFM at macuuf.org.