“Refuge in the Dark” – Rev. Mary Gear

As we approach the Winter Solstice, we reflect on the gifts of darkness. This service includes a meditation to embrace the dark.

OUUC Sunday Morning Service

https://zoom.us/j/873210124?pwd=U21qdmwxcTNyaE1LQ0xlU0MwM3VMQT09

Meeting ID: 873 210 124

Password: 995142

Dial +1 253 215 8782

See recordings of online services here.

There will be a delay in moving to a two-worship service schedule. More info to come.

Making charitable contributions (like to OUUC!) before the end of the calendar can have tax advantages, at least for some.

For example, if you are over 72, and you have a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you may be able to make a “qualified charitable distribution” as part of your “required minimum distribution” from your IRA. This effectively lets you make a donation without paying taxes on that distribution – a win-win. You benefit, as does the church. Contact your tax adviser.

The standard deduction on your tax returns has increased in recent years, making itemizing of deductions less common. However, if you are close to qualifying for itemizing, it may be possible to “double up” your charitable donations in 2022 (combining them with anticipated donations for 2023) enabling you to itemize for 2022. Just make sure that OUUC knows if you are paying future pledge commitments (such as for the capital campaign) early.

Important Year-End Donation Information - We are grateful for your generous donations and want to make sure you know some important information for your year-end gifts. Our church office will be closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day. If you would like your contributions to be included on your 2022 end-of-year statement, please drop off your cash or check donations to the church office by December 25 or be sure they are postmarked before December 31. A good way to be sure your contributions are processed before the end of the year is to consider making an online gift.

Safety Reminder: Please lock and remove valuables from your vehicles.

COVID Phase: Low. Please see our Phased Reopening Plan for information.

Learn more about the following events and others here.

Join The Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd for a renewing day of building community through congregational singing, learning, and fellowship on Saturday, January 21 from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. We’ll be led by Paul Vasile and Elizabeth Schroeder of Music that Makes Community, a non-profit organization working to empower and liberate communities through singing. For over 15 years, they have developed and shared transformative leadership practices with musicians, clergy, educators, and lay leaders throughout the United States and Canada.

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