OUUC Weekly Update 7-6-21
News from the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Worship Service July 11 - one online service at 10:00 am
"The Masks We Wear”- Rev. Mary Gear
Join us for Online Worship.
Listen to sermons here. See recordings of online services here.
Sunday Talk Show Guest is Neil Marsh
The “After Church with Melanie Ransom” talk show continues this Sunday with special guest, Neil Marsh. Neil is a long-time member of OUUC and served as a Celebrant many times. This is your chance to discover how your life might overlap with Neil’s. The show starts at 11:30 am after the coffee chats. Upcoming guests include Sharon Love, Carol McKinley, Barry Zickuhr. If you missed some of the previous shows, you can find them on the website here. Many of us come to OUUC for the theology, but we stay because of our life-long connections to the people. –Melanie Ransom
Covenant Circles
Would you like to meet with a small group monthly for deep and meaningful reflection on the monthly spiritual theme? Covenant Circles are a facilitated conversation and a chance to get to know a small group of people better. We have new Circles forming in September, meeting monthly through May. Register now.
Hope Village Dinner
Next Sunday, July 11, is the date our congregation next provides dinner for the eight guests at Hope tiny house Hope Village. Still needed to complete that evening’s menu are one volunteer to bring a salad or a vegetable, and a second to bring fresh fruit. To volunteer and for delivery information please contact Jo Ann Young.
Save the Date!
The Building & Grounds Team is looking for a few hearty souls to help B & G in the inspection and cleaning of the 13 catch basins in the church parking lot. This is an annual B & G task that saves the expense of hiring it out and keeps us legal with the City. Takes about 90 minutes; the date is Thursday, July 15. Coffee provided! Contact Brian Walsh.
July's Environmental Challenge - Water Conservation
The OUUC Environmental Action Team knows we are all in this planet-saving business together, so let’s have some fun and learn some things on our way! Watch for the 10-Month Environment Challenge! Beginning July 2021 through April 2022, Earth Day. The month of July will feature Water Conservation – Conserving the Essential Element in Diminishing Supply.
There will be a different topic and tracking sheet for each month of the 10-Month Environment Challenge. There will be a prize for the highest monthly total and a random drawing at the end of each month. Participants will also be eligible for a grand prize based on total accumulated points at the end of the challenge – just in time for Earth Day!
It is easy to participate: Read more.....
Save the Date: Ritual of Remembrance, Saturday, July 31, 1:00-3:00 pm at OUUC
We've lost many things in the past 17 months of COVID, not the least of which is the chance to gather to mourn those who have died. Plan to come together on Saturday, July 31 at 1:00 pm at the Memorial Garden at OUUC. We'll gather, sing, remember, grieve the losses, and celebrate life together. There will be tables to share photos and mementos of those who have passed, and a container to collect paper containing our memories for release; the ashes will be scattered in the garden.
Bring the names of those who have died, your photos and mementos, your memories, your presence. Come into community. This will be an outdoor, in-person gathering, with appropriate precautions. Masks welcome.
I hope to see you there. - Rev. Mary
Do you need help exploring and processing grief?
A new monthly Bereavement Group will begin meeting on the fourth Thursday of the month starting on July 22. The group will meet from 6:00-7:15 pm at OUUC. There is currently a combined caregivers/ grief support group that meets monthly on the second Thursday morning each month. You are welcome to attend either or both groups and discover the best fit for you. This group is facilitated by OUUC’s Pastoral Care Team members. If you have questions, please contact Josie Solseng.
Help Us Imagine a New OUUC Logo!
For years OUUC has enjoyed our beautiful current logo designed by Martha Guilfoyle. Now, with a brand new outlook in the form of a revitalized Mission, Vision, and Ends — plus a website redesign in progress — it’s a great time to reinvent our logo and create something that reflects where we’re going!
Calling All Artists! Anyone interested is welcome to participate! Jo Sahlin, OUUC Media Specialist can answer any questions.
What We’re Looking For - Read more....
The Fallacy of Public Safety and Mass Incarceration
Read more...
Quick Notes
Our Sunday worship service will be live on our OUUC YouTube channel as well as on Zoom. You can still participate in Sunday worship through Zoom. Those who would like to try the YouTube option can do so here.
OUUC Connect (Realm) Training Sessions Available - Have you activated your OUUC Connect (Realm) account? Would you like to learn more about how to use your account to contact friends, get connected to groups (and communicate with them), see your online giving records, and more? Individual or small group training sessions are available. Darlene Sarkela or Marie Arensmeyer will meet with you via Zoom. Sign up today.
See a list of online meetings that you might attend here.
Ways to Give - Did you know you can donate to OUUC by text message? Just text "OUUC" and "amount" to 73256. You can also donate online by visiting our secure online giving page.
In the Larger Community
For details on the following events, please see the In the Larger Community page on the church website.
The Thurston County Food bank has a need for volunteers.
Save the Date: The Interfaith Power & Light network is offering a free online viewing of a new short film, Other Side of the Hill on July 10-25. Registration opens July 1.
About Us
Sara Lewis, Director of Community and Faith Development
Darlene Sarkela, Congregational Administrator
Marie Arensmeyer, Facilities Manager
Anissa Bentlemsani, Religious Education Assistant
Email: liberalfaith@ouuc.org
Website: http://ouuc.org
Location: 2315 Division Street Northwest, Olympia, WA, United States
Phone: 3607866383
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OlympiaUUC/
Twitter: @OlyUUC