OUUC Weekly Update 9-14-21
News from the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Worship Service September 19 - an online service and an in-person (by registration) service at 10:00 am
“The Interdependent Web,” with Rev. Mary Gear
Register (required) for in-person worship here. Note: if we need to cancel in-person worship due to inclement weather, you will be notified by email.
Join us for Online Worship.
See recordings of online services here.
COVID-19 and Church Activities
Have you wondered how the OUUC staff decide what to do about congregational activities as the COVID epidemic waxes and wanes? The Health and Safety Task Force, the OUUC staff, and the Board have adopted a system that defines the risk of disease transmission each week. For each of the five risk categories, a spreadsheet specifies suitable restrictions. Once you know the risk category, you (and the staff) will be able to plan your activities at OUUC during the upcoming week.
The entire OUUC Guidance, along with the risk assessment spreadsheet is available here.
Read more....
Sunday Services Coming Up
This past Sunday was our first outdoor service at OUUC, and it was such a success! Thank you to all who made it happen, from Steve Tilly who cleared the parking lot and Memorial Garden area to Jen Sabel and Sheila Arendt who were greeters, and Beth Johnson who represented the Pastoral care Team and debuted the green book for the first time since March 2020. Of course, there are thanks to the Tech Team online and in-person, as well as the choir members who blended their voices. Thanks to the staff: Troy Fisher, Sara Lewis, Darlene Sarkela, and Marie Arensmeyer, who all helped in many ways. There, with about 60 people in attendance outside and almost 100 logged in on Zoom. Read more....
Membership Class
Saturday October 23, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Taught by Rev. Mary Gear, Sara Lewis, and congregational leaders. Not a member yet? For those who are new to Unitarian Universalism, completing the following three classes is required for membership. Already a member? You may refresh or deepen your understanding of what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. Classes will offer ample opportunity for discussion and reflection. Together, we will explore UU and OUUC basics such as our theology or beliefs, how we are organized, and what we do together as a faith community. It’s the basics, but with plenty of time for going deep in your understanding of those core elements of being a member here. Register Here
COVID-19 Risk Category
Thursday Evening Spiritual Practices
This week we’ll resume our offering of spiritual practices on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm. There will be a variety of practice offerings from a more structured vespers service to music to silence and guided meditation. Information will be available in the Tuesday update, including the Zoom link when applicable. Spiritual practice offers us the chance to pause from our busy lives and check in with ourselves and connect to something greater than us. There are gifts awaiting us if we pause to pay attention.
September 16: Join Rev. Mary, Sara Lewis, and Troy Fisher for a reflection on the spiritual theme of “Interconnected Web” with readings, music, and silence. Zoom only.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82994463887
Meeting ID: 829 9446 3887
September 23: Troy Fisher will host Musical Meditation, about 30 minutes of music for contemplation and reflection. This will be for up to 15 people in the OUUC Commons by registration and on Zoom for anyone to attend. You can register here.
September 30: Sara Lewis offers a guided meditation for awareness and connection. Zoom only.
Join us on Thursday evenings to nourish your soul and build community.
Two Family Meetings
As we adapt to the new health situation and try to plan how to best support and connect children, youth, parents, and families, we really want to hear from you all! Please join us for one of two Family Meetings, one on Zoom and one in person at a park.
Zoom Meeting
Thursday, September 23, 6:30 pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89593602060
Playground Meeting, Friendly Grove Park
Saturday, September 25, 1:00pmInvitation to Tea with Rev. Mary
I have so enjoyed meeting some of you for tea these past few weeks. Thank you to those who came to OUUC to enjoy community and tea in the sunshine on the patio. It is the gathering that’s important, in all the ways we can. I’ll continue offering a weekly tea for up to 8 people through the end of October. We’ll meet outside if the weather permits and inside as needed. Safety precautions will help protect all of us. Please use this link to register for tea. many of you have been so generous in making space for others. Please do check the registration link often and do sign up if it isn’t full. If you know someone who may want to be more connected, please let them know of this opportunity.
Share the Plate News
Full Moon Meditation
Monday, September 20 at 7:00 pm. A spiritual practice offering is open to anyone interested in practicing silent meditation in the Plum Village tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh's Engaged Buddhism. Join us for an evening meditation and reading.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83673338076?pwd=eXFJdDRSZi80eFY3bm1hVGluZHkyZz09
Meeting ID: 836 7333 8076
Passcode: 160696
Quick Notes
The Parent Support Group Resumes (parents and caregivers) Saturday, September 18 at 10:30 am on Zoom.
Covenant Circles are Starting! There is still room in the Friday morning circle that begins this Friday, 10:30 am. Register now! Small Group Ministry: Covenant Circles « OUUC
Board of Trustees' minutes are available here.
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.
Join the Adult Education Team
The OUUC Adult Education Team is looking for new members, and also for instructors to offer new classes via Zoom. The team's duties include helping class leaders host sessions on Zoom, and (after COVID wanes) assisting with classes at the church. For questions and information, please contact Gary Worthington.
OUUC Feeds People!
Three ways to help feed our homeless neighbors:
1. Provide a main or side dish for each third or fourth Wednesday for the evening meal at the Interfaith Works Adult Shelter.
2. Donate shelf-stable foods for the families and homeless teens who come to the Lacey Family Resource Center.
3. Volunteer to bring a dish for dinner at Hope Village on the second Sunday of the month.
For more information, please contact Jo Ann Young.
September Environmental Challenge
REDUCE YOUR FOSSIL FUEL FOOTPRINT
We’ll be looking at our transportation and home use of fossil fuels. In Thurston County, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) delivers electricity and natural gas to our homes and businesses. Natural gas is a fossil fuel, but over 60% of the electricity delivered by PSE also comes from coal and natural gas generators.... Find out how to participate here.
In the Larger Community
March for Reproductive Rights. Everyone is welcome at the Women’s March for Reproductive Rights on Saturday, October 2 at 2:00 pm. Details and to RSVP: March for Reproductive Rights | Women's March (womensmarch.com)
Save the date: Join Green Faith Olympia and the OUUC Environmental Action Team on October 18, 5:00 pm at Olympia's Peace and Healing Park (formerly Fertile Grounds) for prayer and action around climate change, in preparation for the November UN global climate conference (COP 26).
Register now! Reflect, Rejoice, Renew: Pacific Western Regional Assembly 2022 will gather UUs from across the West to hold space for multigenerational community, large and small, group worship, activities, discussion, and learning. Come celebrate our history and people and connect with each other, our faith, and our future. When: Friday, February 4 through Sunday, February 6, 2022. Where: Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, 1441 Quivira Road, San Diego, CA. See the latest details including registration, accommodations, tentative schedule, workshop proposals, and vendor and volunteer information.
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