OUUC Weekly Update 2-19-20
News from the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Worship Services February 23, services at 9:15 and 11:00 am
From Rev. Mary - Democracy
Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote “the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” This is the fifth of our seven principles. (More here).
In this election year, our democracy is on the minds of many of us. And, here in Washington, the state legislature is in session now. Recently several of us from OUUC participated in the Faith Action Network (FAN) Lobby Day to ask our state legislators to consider a whole host of bills related to social justice—houselessness, education, criminal justice, and the environment. About 200 people of faith from around the state gathered to make our voices heard. Read more....
Sad News
I am sad to let you know that member Rob Radford died last Sunday morning. Rob was in Hawaii, one of his favorite places, with his wife, Anne, and friends. We will miss Rob's voice in the choir, wise counsel on the Board of Trustees, and presence in this community. Any plans for a memorial are yet to be decided.
We send Anne and her family our love in their time of mourning. - Rev. Mary
Book Sale - Saturday!
The book sale is Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm! Invite ALL your friends and tell them we have more than 20,000 excellent books! All proceeds go to local homeless services. Walk-ins are welcome at the Friday night Soiree 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Tickets are $5 to $50 - pay what you can.
A Few Words from OUUC’s Parish Nurse
Our Parish Nurse, Ann Yeo, knows that there is growing interest these days in plant-based, non-dairy milks. She sees the laden shelves in groceries and the Food Co-op; she wonders how people make their choices; and she offers to share what SHE has learned (as a vegetarian herself, who has studied plant-based nutrition and taught classes about plant-based eating). Read more....
Vagina Monologues
This is your chance to see the show you've always wondered about: The Vagina Monologues is coming to OUUC next week! $10 tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets or at the door. Performances are Friday, February 28 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, February 29 at 3:00 pm. We still need two OUUC volunteers to take tickets on Saturday; please contact Josie Solseng if you're willing to help.
March 6 - Open Mic for All
The Teen Faith in Action Leadership Council invites you to our splendorous 2020 Vision Party on March 6 at 7:00 pm right here at OUUC. It’s an open mic fundraiser with a suggested donation that goes to countering food insecurity and homelessness. Bring board games and baked goodies as you see fit. Plenty of things to do for all ages. Bring your fabulous talent, or your enjoyment of watching others do so. We look forward to having you there!
Vespers Service
Please join us for an evening service of music, readings, and contemplation on Thursday, February 27 at 7:30 pm. In these times of division and drama, as we join our voices in song and share silence, may we come to recognize that we are all in this together. All are welcome.
New Meditation Group
A new meditation group will be starting on March 17 from noon -1:00 pm and will be meeting on a monthly basis. We will start with a short reading, then 20-30 minute meditation, depending upon what the group is comfortable with. In the nicer weather, we may do this walking around the neighborhood. Then we will have a talk about our experience. The goals of the group are: mindfulness, calming, self-awareness and mutual support. Hope to see you all there! Contact Susan Lobel for more information.
Realm Implementation
We’ve been using Realm church management software for a couple of years now – and we are not yet taking advantage of all the tools the software offers us to help congregants connect (through the church directory, group communication, event registration, etc). Would you like to help? Volunteers are needed to watch short Realm instructional videos (on your own schedule). Once we have a few people who have watched the videos, we’ll all report back and talk about the possibilities. Contact Congregational Administrator, Darlene Sarkela if you are interested.
Tim Wise Speaks on Antiracism
OUUC’s Faith in Action Ministry joins Women of Color in Leadership and other organizations to sponsor a talk by anti-racist activist, writer and educator Tim Wise, February 26, 6:30-9:30 pm, Washington Center, Olympia. The event is free and open to all. Wise will address how systems of oppression in our society and institutions perpetuate unequal opportunity and treatment, and offer tools and strategies for anti-racist work and institutional cultural shifts.
Books, Brownies, and Beans Book Sale - Saturday, February 22 at 9:00 am.*
Books, Brownie, and Beans Soiree - Friday, February 21 at 6:00 pm.*
Community Kitchen - Friday, February 21, 3:30 - 6:30 pm. Join a friendly team of 8-10 from OUUC who prepare and serve 140 meals to those in need at Olympia's Community Kitchen. Who? Adults and youth 14 and older who are accompanied by an adult. Where? Meet at the Community Kitchen located in the basement of Salvation Army shelter at the corner of 5th Ave and Plum street in downtown Olympia. Enter the Community Kitchen from the alley between the Eagles Club and the Salvation Army building.
*More information available in this Weekly Update.
Register Now for Chalice Camp
Our summer Chalice Camp program will be expanded this year. Registration will open soon!
Chalice Children, ages 3-6, June 29 - July 3, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm.
Chalice Camp, ages 6-12, July 6-10, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Teen Worship Arts Camp, July 13-17, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, with a worship service on July 19.
Registration is now open!
So, how BIG is your FOOTPRINT?
We're talking about your CO2 (carbon dioxide) footprint. Would you like to help organize a "Taming Bigfoot" competition among teams OUUC members in the Spring? A group of us are starting to plan such a competition and would welcome additional folks for the organizing committee. Come see us at the Environmental Action Team table in the Commons this Sunday! If you are able, join us for a brief meeting after the 2nd Service. Read about Taming Bigfoot here.
Pajama Day?
All Congregation Pajama Day! On March 8 we spring forward for Daylight Saving Time, and we'll celebrate that shorter night's sleep with an All congregation Pajama Day.
Come to the church in your jammies!
Quick Notes
Read This Week in Religious Education here.
Don't be deceived by emerging signs of Spring! Winter is still upon us, and blankets, comforters and lap throws are welcome to warm our unhoused neighbors. The BLUE BIN IS EMPTY. Let's try to fill it up through March. Your continued generosity is appreciated.
Save the Date: All Ages Game Night - Saturday, March 21 at 5:00 pm.
Coming Soon: Good Grief 10 Step Group
The Good Grief Network builds personal resilience while strengthening community ties to help combat despair, inaction, eco-anxiety, and other heavy emotions in the face of daunting systemic predicaments. The state of the world seems unmanageable, chaotic even. For those of us paying attention, awareness of our systemic issues is confusing and painful. You may feel pulled to act, but don’t know what to do. Learn more about the Good Grief Network here. The Group will meet on Mondays, every two weeks, starting March 16.
L.P. Brown Hygiene Supplies
Our neighboring elementary school, L. P. Brown has a Hygiene Closet for the more than 50% of their students who receive free or reduced lunches; these children often lack adequate hygiene supplies and basic clothing. Last year OUUC supplied the Hygiene Closet, and now it needs replenishing. Here are the items most urgently needed: mini deodorant, socks (kid sizes), underwear (especially small size 5-8), girls’ leggings (small), boys’ sweatpants (small), t-shirts, laundry detergent (small/sample size packets), toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo/conditioner. OUUC’s Faith in Action Ministry provides a School Collection Basket in the Commons to collect items through February. Many thanks for your generous donations!
Shelter Meals
As 12 additional people experiencing homelessness have been added to the guest list at the Interfaith Works Emergency Shelter the Blue Apron Team will more than ever need your generous donations of meals when our congregation provides and serves the evening meal on Wednesday, February 19, and Wednesday, February 26. Your tasty donations of main dishes (casseroles, pasta, meat trays, soups, pots of beans and the like), and tasty side dishes (salads, vegetables, rice, potatoes, fruit, deviled eggs, desserts, etc.) will make that possible. Sunday sign ups will be gratefully taken at the Blue Apron table, or by contacting Jo Ann Young or Billie Williams.
Social Groups
PUGs (Powerful Unitarian Universalist Gals) - All women are welcome to join us for fellowship and conversation. Wednesdays 10:30 - Noon, PUGs at OUUC meets in the Youth Room. You may bring a beverage in your own container. - Contact Pat Sonnenstuhl.
Ladies Unitarian Social – All who identify as women and who are affiliated with OUUC, and their guests, are welcome at Lady Unitarian Social Hour. We meet weekly on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:00 pm to share conversation and refreshments. Please feel free to drop in at any of our weekly gatherings. February 25 - Mediterranean Breeze Restaurant, 2302 Harrison Ave NW. - Contact Meliz Maatta or Emily Ray.
Guy’s TGIT meets on Thursdays at 4:30 pm. February 20 - Hoh River Brewing, 2442 Mottman Rd SW. - Contact Bernie Brady.
MUGs (Mighty Unitarian Guys) meets for eclectic discussions every Thursday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Traditions Cafe in downtown Olympia. Men of all ages are welcome. - Contact Otto Buls.
In the Larger Community
In Search of New Leadership for the CLF - The Church of the Larger Fellowship is looking for senior leadership—and seeking innovative approaches! Find out more here.
State Environmental Legislation of interest: HB 1110 Reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation fuels, In the House Environment Committee. Contact Rep. Beth Doglio. HB 2586 Concerning the electrification of homes and buildings, passed the House, in the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee, Contact Rep. Beth Doglio.
About Us
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