OUUC Weekly Update 8-3-21
News from the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Worship Service August 8 - one online service at 10:00 am
“Beyond Either/Or” – Rev. Carol McKinley
This country’s deeply troubled legacy of racism is lived out in recurrent clashes between those who want the full history of racial injustice in our culture acknowledged, and those who seek to deny, discount or minimize this history. As people of faith, we are called to live into and respond to the impact of this nation’s past, and present.
Join us for Online Worship.
Listen to sermons here. See recordings of online services here.
Sunday Talk Show Guest is Barry Zickuhr
The “After Church with Melanie Ransom” talk show continues this Sunday with a special guest, Barry Zickuhr. Barry is a kite enthusiast and recently served on the Board of Trustees. This is your chance to discover how your life might overlap with Barry’s. The show starts at 11:30 am after the coffee chats. If you missed some of the previous shows, you can find them here. Many of us come to OUUC for the theology, but we stay because of our life-long connections to the people. – Melanie Ransom
August’s Environmental Challenge
Thanks to all who participated in our July Water Conservation Challenge. Send in those tracking sheets by August 13 to enter and win “valuable” prizes! The month of August will feature Energy Saving Home Cooling – Staying Cool Day to Day. Wow! And what a summer we’ve had to try ways of staying cool at home! The NW does not have a huge number of air-conditioned homes and apartments. Traditional air conditioning units can be energy hogs, so we have some tips on how you might stay cooler in your home without jacking up the energy bill. Read more....
The Fallacy of Public Safety and Mass Incarceration
COVID Update
On July 29, 2021, the OUUC Health & Safety Team issued a revised version of the OUUC COVID Pandemic Manual. The revisions reflect the changes in the state of Washington’s guidance regarding the Covid-19 pandemic put in place at the end of June and the latest recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and the state regarding masking. Our intention is to be both as inclusive as possible and to protect all of our community, including children and others not yet fully vaccinated, those fully vaccinated who are immune-compromised, and those unvaccinated. We honor every individual’s choices for their own safety, comfort, and ease.
Highlights of the revision include:
* Masks are required at all times in the building. Masks are not required outside but are strongly recommended in large groups.
* No food may be consumed in the building. The kitchen may only be used for plating individual servings and cleanup. Servers and prep crew must wear masks and gloves. The water fountains are turned off. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own water bottle.
* The two multi-stall bathrooms are generally closed but may be opened for larger events. The two single-stall bathrooms will remain open.
* Social distancing is no longer required outside or inside. However, to accommodate those who may not be comfortable in crowded situations, seating will be managed such that spaciousness is provided in the Sanctuary and other meeting spaces.
The revised manual can be found here. Please contact Rev. Mary or Tim Ransom for further information.
You Are Invited to the All-Church Picnic
All ages are welcome! Sunday, August 22, 12:00 -3:00 pm in the OUUC church upper parking lot (enter at East End entrance). Parking will be in the side and lower parking lots as well as on Burbank and East End streets. We encourage: Ridesharing, biking, and walking. Prizes for creative and ambitious modes of transportation!
The community will provide good company, games, ice cream, cold drinks, games, and prizes.
You provide your own picnic fare, utensils, chairs, and a mask. Because of COVID, this is NOT a potluck – everyone should bring their own food for their family. Prizes for the most creative picnic carriers!
Attendance assumes NO COVID symptoms or recent exposure. Even if you have registered, please do not attend this event if you have any COVID symptoms or have had any recent exposure to COVID.
Quick Notes
Please come and join us in celebrating the life of Jerry Smith, husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Come and share your stories and memories of Jerry with others. There is no specific program for the event so please feel free to stop by anytime on Sunday, August 15 between 1:00 - 3:00 pm to share your stories. Albee’s Gardens, 4127 20th Lane NW, Olympia. Directions. Please RSVP so the family can understand how many people may be attending.
OUUC Connect (Realm) Training Sessions Available - Have you activated your OUUC Connect (Realm) account? Would you like to learn more about how to use your account to contact friends, get connected to groups (and communicate with them), see your online giving records, and more? Individual or small group training sessions are available. Darlene Sarkela or Marie Arensmeyer will meet with you via Zoom. Sign up today.
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
For details on the following events, please see the In the Larger Community page on the church website.
Find out about the Fall 2021 Chalice Lighters Call for technology grants.
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