OUUC Weekly Update May 16, 2023
Worship Service May 21
“Community Care: Reflections from the Pastoral Care Team” with Rev. Mary Gear
Please join us at 10:00 am.
OUUC Sunday Morning Service
https://zoom.us/j/873210124?pwd=U21qdmwxcTNyaE1LQ0xlU0MwM3VMQT09
Meeting ID: 873 210 124
Password: 995142
Dial +1 253 215 8782
Happening This Week
Thursday Community Dinner
This week’s Thursday Community Dinner is themed “It’s Pretty Corny”. It will be “A-maizing!”
All are welcome at 5:30 pm!
And then stay after dinner for a Accessibility Scavenger Hunt with Anissa and Rev Mary.
Notice of Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, May 21, 2023 – 11:30 am in-person in OUUC Sanctuary and on Zoom
Agenda (more information available here)
- Approval of May 22, 2022 Congregational Meeting Minutes
- A report from the Board of Trustees and the Minister
- Adoption of the July 2023-June 2024 Budget (congregational vote required)
- Election of Board Members – Rich Kalman, Susan Moon, Karmel Shields (congregational vote required)
- Election of Leadership Development Committee Members – Gail Gosney Wrede, Anne Kohlbry (congregational vote required)
- Proposed Bylaws changes:
1. Allow the annual meeting to be no later than June 30.
2. Allow a proxy to sign the membership book for remote members.
- Informational updates
Food will be served after the service and before the meeting by the Stewardship Team and other volunteers. Dessert will be served after the meeting as we celebrate the years of service by Sara, Anissa, and Marie.
Tiny Little News Show
Ministry Programs
SUURF Book Donations
Do you have a copy of ‘Trinity’ by Leon Uris that you’re ready to part with? If so, please consider tucking it in with your donations for OUUC’s June 13 – 18 online SUURF book sale event. We have a request for that book! You can visit Books! Books! Books! for more information about the book sale - and how to donate books.
Summer Reading List
Check out the Adult Education Team's first-ever Summer Reading List. We've pulled together books consistent with our seven principles that will fascinate, engage, entertain, and challenge you.
Try reading one or all and let us know what you think come fall.
Download the flyer below.
What’s New at Equity Library?
Equity Library is located in the Religious Education wing across from Rev Mary’s office and is open every day and evening that OUUC is open. Come see the latest beautiful new books for kids on the shelves at Equity Library. In Antiracism: The Lunch Thief—the story of a boy experiencing homelessness. In Environmental Justice: Climate Change—and How to Fix It. Contains both information and ways kids can help bring the changes needed.
Bicycle Challenge
It's May and time to get out that bicycle and ride for the 36th Annual Bicycle Community Challenge! If you record your rides in Thurston County during the month, you can earn prizes. Sign up here.
If you want to join a team, consider the OUUCyclists! Try and match the miles of our #1 rider, Frank! Ride for the environment, your health, and for a good time! Keep the rubber side down!
Volunteer to Provide Food
On Wednesday, May 17, and/or Wednesday, May 27, you too can help feed the children, teens, and adults in our community who are experiencing food insecurity and homelessness by providing a main or side dish for the evening meal at Unity Commons Adult Shelter, and/or donating shelf stable food for kids’ weekend backpacks. To find out more about volunteering please contact Jo Ann Young.
Save the Dates!
End of Year Party for OUUC, Saturday, June 3,10:00 am-noon. We’ll gather to celebrate all the good work we did this year, with volunteer appreciations, food, games, and raffle prizes. All are invited!
All OUUC Picnic at Millersylvania State Park, August 26, 3:00-7:00 pm. The picnic was great last year, and we look forward to another great one this year. Mark your calendars!
Did You Know Gardening is a Social Activity?
Come join the fun at our Monthly Grounds Cleanup this Saturday, May 20 from 10:00 am – noon.
We will mostly be weeding and weed-whacking, however, there are always other tasks available. If you have a weed whacker, please bring it along with you. For more information contact Lynne MacDonald.
Celebration of Life for Karen Krueger
Karen Krueger's Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, June 10 at 1:00 pm at OUUC.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83408676478?pwd=dWgxS3JwajM5dE1KR0R6ZHV3NHZmUT09
Meeting ID: 834 0867 6478
Passcode: 210857
Faith in Action “Actions” for This Week
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA): The ACLU has filed an amicus brief which will now also track the Brackeen v. Haaland. Their page has information regarding the status of the case and a place to sign up for updates. Also the Minnesota Journal of Law & Inequality has an article with extensive links about the case. The National Indian Child Welfare Association also has links for more information. Check them out. Washington State's ICWA law is found here. Along ICWA lines, WA State Legislature passed and Governor Inslee signed the nonrelative kin legislation (SB5124/HB 1278) Sign the Protect ICWA petition: https://www.thepetitionsite.com/155/970/189/stop-stealing-native-kids.-protect-icwa./ It's an older petition, but is still collecting signatures. Early rumors and reports suggest that the Supreme Court could issue a decision by June 2023.
Lower Snake River Dams Listening Session: May 25, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. The May 25 Listening session for the Lower Snake River Dams is now open for registration. We're encouraging folks of faith to sign up and speak to the involved federal agencies from a faith-based perspective. Slots fill up quickly, so please sign-up ASAP! People speaking will be given 3 minutes and they stick to this 3 minutes pretty rigidly. Be sure to include in your three minutes what faith-based group you are associated with. We want them to know the faith and wisdom traditions communities are in support of breaching the dams. Register here at either one of the links:
https://www.fmcs.gov/CRBListeningRegistration/?e
https://fmcs.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_TsWrFP5cR0m1Ix8If9b_aw
Quick Notes
Chalice Camp - Registration is open now for Summer Chalice Camp! July 10-14, 9:00 am-3:00 pm, ages 5-10. Suggested donation up to $175, pay what you can. We will be exploring right relationship: with self, with others, with all beings, and with the earth itself. Lots of fun, open to all! Registration.
Safety Reminder: Please lock and remove valuables from your vehicles.
Download the flyer below if you would like a list of OUUC events for May. Great for posting on your refrigerator!
In the Larger Community
Learn more about the following events and others here.
Members of DRUUMM are welcome to attend a Spring Caucus on May 23, 4:30-6:30pm. Please go here to register. (OUUC members/friends who are People of Color who are interested in becoming a member of Diverse & Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries, go here to learn more & sign up for membership. Please contact Reverend Sara if cost is a barrier.)
Treble Voices for Peace will be a new community chorus for women and gender-marginalized communities. LGBTQ+ affirming, find out more at www.theolympiapeacechoir.org
AntiRacism “Jubilee 3” Training is open to all in May. Jubilee 3 is a wonderful anti-racism training with UU Paula Cole Jones, and you can register with this link: https://pcolejones.wufoo.com/forms/z5m7kxo1oc8gl7/ This Jubilee 3 training will be on Zoom, on Tuesday, May 23 – Thursday, May 25, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.
OlyFOR is having a benefit concert next Friday, May 19, with folksinger Tom Rawson, with proceeds going to support young people ages 14 to 23 in Olympia with peace and justice activities. This is part of recruiting for their regional program, the Mike Yarrow Peace Fellowship. Download the flyer below.
Read more....
About Us
Staff Contacts
Sara Lewis, Director of Community and Faith Development
Darlene Sarkela, Congregational Administrator
Teresa Madsen, Communications Specialist
Marie Arensmeyer, Facilities Manager
Anissa Bentlemsani, Religious Education Assistant
Carbon Marshall, Tech Specialist
Office Hours
Tuesday - Thursday, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
360-634-2005