OUUC Weekly Update 10-21-20
News from the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Worship Service October 25, one online service at 10:00 am
“Reimagining Hope” – Rev. Mary Gear
Vaclav Havel, former President of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic, said that hope is an orientation of the spirit and of the heart. How do we hold hope in times of anxiety and fear?
Join us for Online Worship.
Listen to sermons here. See recordings of online services here.
Thursday Evening Spiritual Practice
Thursday, 7:00 pm - Woody Moore will share his regular spiritual practice with us this week. Please join us for a focus on how we can all choose more love.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81051325520?pwd=NjdXM25OMThVRytydWtQQ0lJZmtMQT09
Meeting ID: 810 5132 5520
Passcode: 690200
A Few Words from OUUC’s Parish Nurse
Our Parish Nurse, Ann Yeo, shares a humorous perspective on the current pandemic (author unknown), which her uncle in Virginia sent to her. It reminds Ann (maybe you, too) of the long-term, popular column in Readers’ Digest, entitled “Laughter Is the Best Medicine.” Here it is:
IT HAS COME TO THIS
1. The dumbest thing I ever bought was a 2020 planner.
2. I was so bored I called Jake from State Farm just to talk to someone. He asked me what I was wearing.
Leadership at OUUC
Our Leadership Development Team is gearing up to produce a slate of Candidates, to be presented at the Spring Congregational Meeting, for 2 positions on our Board, and 3 on the Leadership Development Team (LDT). We work with so many awesome, generous people and don't want anyone to be overlooked. Please give us the names of those you think would be a good addition. Contact any LDT members with your suggestions: Erik Felch, Karen Jackson, Sharon Love, Don Melnick, and Jen Sabel.
From Rev. Mary - Spiritual Care for the Election Season
It’s less than two weeks to election day and anxiety is rising everywhere-in us as individuals, in the media, online, and in our society at large. How are you taking care of yourself and others right now?
Here are some things to consider for our spiritual care in the weeks ahead:
1. How are you staying grounded and connected to something greater? (God, the Universe, the interdependent web, whatever you wish to call it) What is your spiritual practice or practices, and are you using them? Are you connected to a community that nourishes and supports you?
Stewardship Drive Update
We currently have 165 pledges, providing about 69% of our goal. If you have submitted a pledge but not received an email acknowledgment from Darlene, our church administrator, please alert Darlene - we have had some issues with our pledge software.
We know that while we are all in the same storm, we are not all in the same boat. Be aware that this difficult year means that some people are struggling to bail water out of their boat. If you are more fortunate, the entire community will be grateful for your additional support, and OUUC will be able to give additional support to the wider world as well. Pledge online here or fill out and mail in the pledge card Questions? Contact Sally Brennand.
Thanksgiving Pals!
Let’s spread some holiday comfort and cheer this year. We will do Thanksgiving Pals to deliver home-cooked Thanksgiving Meals to those who are alone for the holidays this year. If you are alone this year or in need of a delivered meal, sign up to receive! If you are cooking and could provide a meal to a Pal, sign up to Deliver! Both parties are encouraged to get in touch and to leave kind notes on the porch for the delivery. Sign up here.
Shelter Volunteers
Tonight (10/21), and next Wednesday (10/28) are the nights when OUUC volunteers provide main and side dishes for the guests at the Interfaith Adult Shelter, and shelf-stable items (any food that does not require cooking or refrigeration) for the Lacey Family Center. Both Wednesday donations can be brought between 5:15 and 5:30 to the parking lot of the Olympia Copy Center on Franklin Street, across the street from the First Christian church. To donate please email Jo Ann Young.
Please Take This Quick Survey
The OUUC Tech Team needs your help! We want to better understand how people are accessing Sunday services and other OUUC meetings and events on Zoom.
Are you comfortable using Zoom? Would you like some help? Let us know by taking this quick survey.
UU History and Theology: What Moves Us
This program peels back the doctrine-rich theological language that can prevent us from affirming our faith experiences with one another and in the wider world. Through shared direct experiences and reflection exercises, readings and lessons, and ethical deliberations, What Moves Us creates an adult faith journey for Unitarian Universalists who want to preach and teach what they already experience but have not been able to articulate: the spiritual power of our faith. Two Sessions, Saturday, November 14 and Saturday, December 5, 3:00 - 4:30 pm. Register.
Me and White Supremacy
Led by Rev. Carol McKinley and Sara Lewis
A 28 Day learning challenge using the book "Me and White Supremacy" by Layla F. Saad. This program will explore the topic of the book through journaling, daily check-ins on a GroupMe channel, and four zoom gatherings. Participants may join in on just the GroupMe channel, just the zoom gatherings, or both, depending on their preference. Five Sessions: Mondays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, November 2 – 30. Register here.
Monthly Gathering for Trans and Nonbinary UUs
We are beyond excited to announce a new UPLIFT monthly gathering focused on trans, nonbinary, and other not (completely or at all) cis UUs. Join us to connect with other trans/nonbinary UUs and co-create support and community across our faith. All you need to bring is yourself (and other trans/nonbinary friends, if you’d like)!
Our first meeting will be focused on getting to know each other and on sharing our collective dreams, ideas, and talents for this space.
Quick Notes
Trunk and Treat! October 31, 3 - 4:30 pm. Decorate your car and wear a costume to hand out candy to our trick and treaters. RSVP to Sara Lewis.
Are you looking for adult education classes? There is NO printed paper class catalog coming, due to COVID, but there ARE classes! Check the website to see all the classes. Coming up soon: Meditation Demystified, Saturdays, October 24, and November 14, 1:00 - 2:30 pm.
Ages 13+ Reading for the Revolution Group will discuss “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States: for Young People.” Monday, November 9, 5:30 – 7:00 pm.
Register here.
Holidays and Holy Days Connection: October 29 is Mawlid Un Nabi, celebrated in some Muslim countries as the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. Check out all the Holidays and Holy Days in November on the padlet here.
October’s Theme is Deep Listening. There are several ways to engage with the theme: Join a Covenant Circle to discuss the theme with others. Receive the theme packet from Soul Matters by joining the Soul Matters group on OUUC Connect. Explore the theme on the padlet.
Join the 2nd Thursday Covenant Circle now! It will meet from 5:30 - 7:00 pm, facilitated by Melissa Denton. Register now.
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.
Read OUUC Children and Youth Weekly 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.
In the Larger Community
November 1st is the deadline to donate to Olympia Community Solar's Hummingbird Project. When installed on the Hands On Children’s Museum, the Hummingbird Project will be one of the largest solar projects in Thurston County. It will produce electricity equivalent to12 homes. You can also donate in the name of local non-profits that have enrolled in the Project. For more information see their website.
About Us
Sara Lewis, Director of Faith Development
Darlene Sarkela, Congregational Administrator
Rev. Carol McKinley, Faith in Action
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