OUUC Weekly Update 4-22-20
News from the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Worship Service April 26, one online service at 10:00 am
“Closing the Spaces Between Us” – Rev. Carol McKinley
Join us for Online Worship.
Listen to recent sermons here.
The Board Line - Congregational Meeting
The annual Congregational Meeting will be held at 11:45 am on April 26. The Board has been discussing the process and logistics for the meeting. The meeting will be held through Zoom. Any Congregational members who cannot access the Zoom application on their computer or smartphone, and instead are calling in to listen via telephone should contact Darlene Sarkela to get an absentee ballot. She will also assist you in submitting the ballot. We have a quick update on the Congregation’s application for funding through the Payroll Protection Program. Our application has been approved and the funds will be made available in the near future. Read more....
A Few Words from OUUC's Parish Nurse
Our Parish Nurse, Ann Yeo, found an inspirational poem that spoke to her about our current shared experiences during this COVID-19 pandemic – entitled “And the People Stayed Home,” by Kitty O’Meara. Here it is:
“And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently. Read more....
Congregational COVID Cabaret
A ZOOM Event, featuring talent from our congregation on May 2 at 4:00 pm.
During the stay-at-home order, perhaps you have watched some of the creative on-line performance that individuals and families have downloaded. These performances have included: song parodies, original songs and dance routines related to the Covid Virus and the social distancing orders. We’d love to present you and/or your family’s creative offerings. We would like to preview your offerings before we air them on May 2. What are we looking for: Read more....
From Rev. Mary - Rest, and a few other things....
Rest
Zoom fatigue is a thing. So is pandemic brain. There is a lot to take in these days as we adapt to the news and a new world each day. I hope that you are taking extra care of yourselves now.
I am going to do that this week by stepping away from being online as much. I plan to not Zoom very much and focus on some other priorities. So, don’t worry if you don’t see me for a bit. I’ll be back online after a break.
Generosity
Many people have received stimulus checks and request for where to donate the funds. For many of us, the funds are much needed to help with expenses right now. Others of us are in a position to be able to donate to organizations we care about. Read more....
Mid-Week Meditation
Vespers Service - Thursday at 7:30 pm
https://zoom.us/j/341458638?pwd=YW9OaG9kZVk2OG51M3dMMFZrZ3Jydz09
Meeting ID: 341 458 638
Password: Vespers
Dial +1 253 215 8782
Meeting ID: 341 458 638
Middler's Zoom Gathering - Friday at 5:00 pm
To all OUUC "Middlers" (those in their 30s, 40s, and 50s) - let's get together for a virtual chat! Bring your dinner and we can catch up since our last lunch and maybe play a game or two.
https://zoom.us/j/97376785710?pwd=L0NGQmdOUzBkN2hxbEFBM1RYcDVWZz09
Meeting ID: 973 7678 5710
Password: Middlers
Dial +1 253 215 8782
Meeting ID: 973 7678 5710
Password: 578073
Chalice Lighters
Help Keep OUUC Grounds Beautiful!
Maintaining our building and grounds is a demonstration of faith that life will someday return to normalish. Church members have volunteered to care for different plots around the grounds. However, some have had to step away and we’re looking for new volunteers. We talked with Rev. Mary about weeding in these days of quarantine and she said she'd be ok with it if we take precautions.
* People may stop by to weed if it is part of their trip out to get essential things, but she'd prefer folks not go out just for this.* This is not an expectation or requirement for adopt-a-plot participants.
* Anyone at high risk or who is concerned should stay home.
* If there are more than 10 people working, please go another time.
* Make sure to wear a mask when near others and keep good social distance. Read more....
News from the Blue Apron Team
Thanks to all who are bringing food for tonight’s (4/22) evening meal at the Interfaith Works’ (IW) Shelter. The next OUUC night will be Wednesday’s May 20th and May 27. The Shelter is currently in need of masks (if you have or belong to a group sewing masks, please the add IW shelter to your request list), blankets, pillowcases (no pillows please), single bed sheets, towels, personal hygiene, feminine products, art supplies, and paper. Today (4/22), between 5:15 and 5:45 pm, donations can be brought to the parking of the Olympia Copy Center located across the street from the Shelter. Financial donations, which will be used to purchase thermometer covers and employee safety clothing, should be mailed to Interfaith Works Shelter at 110 11th Avenue Olympia, WA 98502. Contact Jo Ann Young.
Happy Earth Day!
What an unusual 50th Anniversary to celebrate! At the first Earth Day in 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson said,"The objective is an environment of decency, quality, and mutual respect all human beings and all other living creatures." Sound familiar? If not, check out the UU 7th principle! You can still safely plant a tree, pick-up trash, or write a congressperson about your concerns on the climate crisis and eroding environmental protections. You can also participate in one of several online forums:
Earth Day Live by the UU Ministry for Earth, We Don't Have Time by Earth Day Network, Earth Day Live by Washington Youth Climate Strike and Sunrise Tacoma.
Stay healthy! Stay active! - Your OUUC Environmental Action Team.
In the Larger Community
TODAY: Town Hall on COVID-19 and Housing/Homeless - Join the City of Olympia’s virtual town hall today, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, for an update on steps being taken locally to address housing and homelessness in the community. Email cityhall@ct.olympia.wa.us to register for today’s town hall.
Thurston County Covid-19 Response Fund - The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound and United Way of Thurston County are working together to raise and provide funds to local organizations helping those most disproportionately impacted. They include Senior Services for South Sound, whose Meals on Wheels Program has doubled in size, and is expected to double again; Catholic Community Services, which has had to adapt its program from a community kitchen to a community food delivery; Interfaith Works, which is seeing a major increase in the need for supplies; the Food Bank; and the Community Action Council. The fund also provides for bulk purchases of child and infant supplies for childcare providers, and financial assistance to individuals to help with rent, utilities, and other basic needs. To contribute, go to https://www.Unitedway-thurston.org.
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