OUUC Weekly Update 9-9-20
News from the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Worship Service September 13, one online service at 10:00 am
“Water, Boats and Storms” - Rev. Mary Gear
We are not all in the same boat, but we are in the same storm. As we gather to begin another church year together, let us renew our commitment to each other and to our work for justice in the world.
Join us for Online Worship.
Listen to sermons here. See recordings of online services here.
From Rev. Mary - “It’s Not the Same!”
That’s the most common comment I hear about online engagement and especially online Sunday services. It’s not the same. And, it’s not. Many of us miss the buzz in the Commons (and not just the coffee.) Many of us miss the hugs and handshakes and personal contact that we get when we can gather in person. And, we will gather in person again. For now, we gather virtually on Zoom so we can see each other if we wish and so that we can engage as much as possible and as safely as possible for everyone. We gather to worship--to hold up that which is of worth, including our connection to each other.
There are ways to make it as good as it can be. Here are some tips adapted from an online resource for interfaith leaders called “Ministry Matters” offered by Constance Cherry, a professor of worship and pastoral Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University. (You can access the full article here.) Read more....
Thursday Evening Spiritual Practice
Join Sara this Thursday, 7:00 pm, for Thursday evening Spiritual Practices about Spirit in Practice. This program will be offered for the next three Thursdays and will provide a frame for understanding what spiritual practices are and how to explore them and find your own balanced and integrated practice. Register.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81051325520?pwd=NjdXM25OMThVRytydWtQQ0lJZmtMQT09
Meeting ID: 810 5132 5520
Passcode: 690200
Neighboring Faiths
Neighboring Faiths class for ages 11+
Sign up for this multigenerational comparative religion program, which will be held on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Youth and adults alike will learn something new about the world's religions, reflect on the wisdom we can find in them, and explore how to be a better interfaith partner and neighbor.
The first class is September 15. Register now.
Fall Programs
Here comes the Fall, and with it come A Lot of programs you can register for right now. If you have any trouble with registering for a program, email registrar@ouuc.org for help.
Drive-Through on September 13 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm at OUUC: An Opportunity for Giving and Receiving
Plan to come to the parking lot at OUUC on the afternoon of Sunday, September 13, to take part in a drive-through for giving and receiving. We’ll have music and decorated tables and anything else we can think of for a bit of fun! You can give by donating school supplies for L.P. Brown Elementary School, books for those incarcerated at the Shelton Corrections Center, and nice items you no longer need for OUUC’s ongoing eSale Giving fundraiser. Please read the information below about these requests before bringing your donations.
You can receive on this day, too. OUUC staff will be present with RE kits for families to begin the new church year. chalice kits for anyone who wants to make a chalice at home, chalice stickers that were blessed in the service on Sunday, August 30. You can participate by walking, busing, or biking to OUUC that afternoon, too. All modes of transportation and all people are welcome! For the health of all of us, we will observe all precautions--physical distancing and masks. We hope to see you soon!
Donating School Supplies
Our neighboring elementary school, L. P. Brown, has asked for our support in collecting supplies for their low-income students. About 60% of the children at the school are on the free or reduced-cost lunch program. These items are needed by all students: colored markers, crayons, pens, pencils, and pencil cases, lined notepaper tablets, printer paper, PeeChee folders. As you shop for your family in person or online, please consider adding a few items for the L. P. Brown kids! And, remember, if you purchase through Amazon Smile, you can designate your donation to OUUC!
Donating Books for Incarcerated People
The Washington Corrections Center in Shelton needs books! The pandemic caused the loss of their volunteer-led programs as well as severe restrictions on funded programs. Those imprisoned there have little to do and would really appreciate books. They accept ALL books. Romance novels are not popular, and they will remove any books depicting violence or that contain nude images. Any books they don’t add to the prisoner library will be passed on to other non-profits. This event on September 13 is a ONE-TIME opportunity to donate books. Please do not leave books at church at any other time. If you can't make that time on the 13th and want to donate, please contact Sally Brennand to make other arrangements.
Donating for eSale Giving
Susan Dodson will be on hand to accept your gifts of shippable items that would likely sell for at least $40. She’ll sell that ‘good stuff’ you no longer need on-line, and every penny will benefit OUUC operations. Please include your contact information with your gifts. For more information about eSale Giving, check out the FAQs online or contact Susan Dodson.
Volunteer to Provide Meals
This month Wednesday, September 16, and Wednesday, September 23 will be OUUC's night to provide the evening meal to the Interfaith Works Shelter for Fragile Adults experiencing homelessness. To volunteer bring a main side dish for 8 to 10, or for more information, please contact Jo Ann Young.
Leadership Charge
Faith in Action Visioning!
October 3, 1:00 – 3:00 pm, on Zoom.
All are invited to join us for a visioning of what our OUUC Faith in Action could be this church year.
Register here.
Quick Notes
Pick up your chalice kit this Sunday, 3 - 4:30 pm, at the OUUC Drive Through! And then check out all the resources for your own home chalice here.
Do you have questions or concerns you want to share with the OUUC Board of Trustees? If so, please contact us at secretary@ouuc.org we will send you a Zoom invitation to join us for the monthly board meeting. A member of the board will then contact you with the procedure and information about the agenda.
Board minutes are available here.
Our Sunday worship service will be live on our new OUUC YouTube channel as well as on Zoom. We are exploring ways to stay connected. You can still participate in Sunday worship through Zoom. Those who would like to try the YouTube option can do so here.
Read This Week in Religious Education 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
Do you want to learn more about solar power for your home OR about electric cars? If so, watch the Virtual Solar Tour. Check out the schedule of events from September 27 - October 3. Enjoy webinars, a film, and to top it off, virtual solar tours here.
Here is another event for you. Wednesday September 16 at 7:00 pm is a webinar hosted by the Thurston Climate Action Team. "GET CHARGED UP ABOUT ELECTRIC VEHICLES." The program is designed to dispel myths about EVs and answer your questions. ZOOM link here.
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