OUUC Weekly Update 9-7-21
News from the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Worship Service September 12 - an online service and an in-person (by registration) service at 10:00 am
"Return Again," our Water Communion Ingathering Celebration with Rev. Mary Gear
Register (required) for in-person worship here.
Join us for Online Worship.
See recordings of online services here.
Water Communion and Ingathering: Return Again - September 12 at 10:00 am
We’ll gather in all the ways that we can on September 12 to begin another congregational program year together! School begins, the rain begins, the church year begins, again. As has been the tradition at OUUC and many UU congregations, we mark our ingathering with a water communion; we mingle water from our summer activities, and we build community once more.
On Sunday, September 12 at 10:00 am, we will gather both online and in the north parking lot at OUUC. After the service, the OUUC Picnic Committee will offer an all-ages scavenger hunt on the grounds complete with prizes and fun! And the water communion bowl will be available for anyone to drive through and contribute their water to the community gathering.
Here are some details: Registration: We can safely seat 40 people outside, so registration is required. You can register for the service here.
Read more....
Thursday Evening Spiritual Practice
Thurs Evening Spiritual Practices will resume on Thursday, September 16 at 7:00 pm. Join Rev. Mary, Sara, and Troy for reflections and practices on the theme of the month: the Interdependent Web.
Covenant Circles Starting Soon!
Covenant Circles meet once or twice a month to share discussion and reflection on the theme of the month.
See times and register here: Small Group Ministry: Covenant Circles « OUUC
Back to School Blessing
For all families going back to school - Saturday, September 11 at 11:00 am. We will gather to share blessings for our children, youth, and families as they return to school. Bring your backpacks (or lunch boxes, briefcases, etc) to be blessed. The whole family is invited to this outdoor, masked event.
News from the Board of Trustees
Contact Board Secretary, Rich Kalman if you are interested in attending. Download the agenda and financial report below.
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
It wasn't very long after I arrived that we stayed at home due to COVID, and I miss the opportunities we had to get to know each other better. While I have come to know some of you through your service to OUUC and the community, there are many of you I haven’t met yet! That's why I invite you to meet me for tea and conversation during the months of September and October. It may be iced tea or hot tea or a bottle of tea for you to take home if it’s best for our masks to stay on. I believe it’s the gathering that is important. Read more and register here.
12 Movements of Resiliency Class
Are you interested in exploring ways to expand your own resilience in the face of the challenges we face in the world today? This program explores 12 aspects of life and uses spiritual, practical, and community exercises to increase the capacity to respond to what comes our way. Each week we will gather to share what has worked for us and to discuss reflection questions that help us delve into this aspect of our lives. You can see the whole program here. Tuesdays 6:30-8:00 pm, September 21-November 30 on Zoom, taught by Sara Lewis. Register Here
Help Revisit Our History with a Celebration!
The 70th anniversary of the congregation will occur next Spring, just in time to coincide with the celebration of Rev. Mary's installation as our called minister! Those of us who helped put together special events for the 60th, and even the 50th, anniversaries are looking for people who would like to make this one the best! No special skills necessary, just an interest in making your love for the church shine through a look backward in time. Join us! Contact Tim Ransom or Emily Ray.
Quick Notes
COME ONE, COME ALL to the OUUC 1st annual scavenger hunt. You are invited to come in family teams, COVID pod teams, or by yourself to participate in a scavenger hunt on the church grounds at noon on September 12. There are separate scavenger hunts for families and for adults. PRIZES will be given. There will also be activity bags for families with young children.
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
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