OUUC Weekly Update 2-28-18
News from the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Worship Services March 4, services at 9:15 and 11:00 am
Justice is our Mission
See highlights of the book sale in the video below.
Share the Plate
In the Interim
As my sermon series on spirituality concluded this past Sunday, I received a request. Someone asked if I could share some of these insights in print, as a reminder for those who wish to engage their spiritual lives with more regularity. So here are two excerpts: first from my February 4 sermon about spirituality and spiritual practices, and from the February 25 sermon on everyday spirituality:
As I’ve said in recent sermons, I understand spirituality as our response to the experience of the ultimate. The ultimate can be understood as Nature, as human community or potential, as one of the great virtues or values, or as a higher power that we may know as “God.”
I suggest that any set of activities must embody at least three qualities, at least three characteristics to be worthy of being seen as a Unitarian Universalist spiritual practice: they must be ultimately focused, internally disciplined, and pluralistically expressed. Read more....
Meaningful Movies: Health Care Reform Meaningful Movies on March 15, 6:30-8:30 pm: Health Care Reform. Join others concerned about health care in America to view “Fix It,” followed by a discussion with healthcare professionals. | Socks for the Homeless Brisa Sabel’s Coming of Age Service is to collect socks (new or gently used). The socks will be donated to the Interfaith Works Overnight Shelter. Brisa will have a collection box in the Commons at the Faith in Action table during the month of March. Please bring socks to help Brisa with this project – and keep Shelter residents’ feet warm and dry! | Bring in your batteries! It's the first Sunday of the month! Longer periods of daylight are evident and nature's energy cycles are kicking in. How about your batteries and fluorescent light bulbs? If they are lacking energy, your friendly Green Sanctuary Committee will recycle them for you on Sunday! Bring 'em on! |
Meaningful Movies: Health Care Reform
Socks for the Homeless
Bring in your batteries!
Update on the Ministerial Search CommitteeIn late January and early February, all of the members of the congregation were asked to nominate members that we would trust to represent us on the Ministerial Search Committee (MSC). In all, there were 160 people nominated. Read more.... | Auction - April 14, 2018You are invited! Come shelter from the storm with fellow UUs and friends while supporting OUUC! Live and silent auction is Saturday, April 14, 4:30 - 8:30 pm at SPSCC Student Union Building. All are welcome. Invite family and friends–newbie tickets 2 for 1! To get tickets, to donate, to volunteer or even to bid learn more at OUUC.org/Auction. | This Week in Religious Education |
Update on the Ministerial Search Committee
In late January and early February, all of the members of the congregation were asked to nominate members that we would trust to represent us on the Ministerial Search Committee (MSC). In all, there were 160 people nominated. Read more....
Auction - April 14, 2018
You are invited! Come shelter from the storm with fellow UUs and friends while supporting OUUC! Live and silent auction is Saturday, April 14, 4:30 - 8:30 pm at SPSCC Student Union Building. All are welcome. Invite family and friends–newbie tickets 2 for 1! To get tickets, to donate, to volunteer or even to bid learn more at OUUC.org/Auction.
Annex Sold
The minutes from the January Board of Trustees meeting are available here.
The March meeting agenda is available below.
Social Groups
PUGs (Powerful Unitarian Universalist Gals) - All women are welcome to join us for fellowship and conversation. Wednesdays 10:30 - Noon, PUGs at OUUC meets in the Youth Room. You may bring a beverage in your own container. - Contact Pat Sonnenstuhl.
Ladies Unitarian Social – All women affiliated with OUUC, and their guests, are welcome at Lady Unitarian Social Hour. We meet weekly on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:00 pm to share conversation and refreshments. Please feel free to drop in at any of our weekly gatherings. March 6 - location TBA. - Contact Meliz Maatta or Alice Curtis.
Guy’s TGIT meets on Thursdays at 4:30 pm. March 1 - Fish Brewing Company, 516 Jefferson St SE. - Contact Bernie Brady.
MUGs (Mighty Unitarian Guys) meets for eclectic discussions every Thursday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Traditions Cafe in downtown Olympia. Men of all ages are welcome. - Contact Jim Lengenfelder.
Realm TutorialsGetting ready to sign up for Realm and want to learn more? There are some short video tutorials available here. Bring your laptop, tablet or smartphone to church - and we'll help you sign up! Looking forward to signing up and haven't received your Realm invitation yet? Email the Administrator to request one. | Cold Weather Shelter SupportMany thanks to all of you bringing blankets, sleeping bags, and food to the Cold Weather Shelter at First Christian Church. About 80 people are coming in each night there since the city declared a Code Blue emergency during sub-freezing weather. Blankets, hot food, and volunteers to fill shifts will still be needed as cold temperatures continue this week. Contact Interfaith Works for information. | One Square Foot of Art for the SanctuaryArt pieces for this upcoming show can be in any medium so long as they are approximately 12 inches by 12 inches and suitable for hanging on a wall. More details available in the workroom. Art should be turned in no later than Sunday, March 4. If you’d like to exhibit, please contact Sandra or Gary Worthington so we know how many to expect. |
Realm Tutorials
Getting ready to sign up for Realm and want to learn more? There are some short video tutorials available here. Bring your laptop, tablet or smartphone to church - and we'll help you sign up!
Looking forward to signing up and haven't received your Realm invitation yet? Email the Administrator to request one.
Cold Weather Shelter Support
Many thanks to all of you bringing blankets, sleeping bags, and food to the Cold Weather Shelter at First Christian Church. About 80 people are coming in each night there since the city declared a Code Blue emergency during sub-freezing weather. Blankets, hot food, and volunteers to fill shifts will still be needed as cold temperatures continue this week. Contact Interfaith Works for information.
One Square Foot of Art for the Sanctuary
Art pieces for this upcoming show can be in any medium so long as they are approximately 12 inches by 12 inches and suitable for hanging on a wall. More details available in the workroom. Art should be turned in no later than Sunday, March 4. If you’d like to exhibit, please contact Sandra or Gary Worthington so we know how many to expect.
In the Larger Community
The PWR Regional Assembly in Portland, Oregon (April 27-29) has something for people of every age. In addition to the main programs for adults, we'll have a UU Kids Camp for ages 5-14, a Youth Assembly for ages 14-18, and high-quality childcare for infants to age 4. Families can spend time together, too, sharing the experiences of the opening ceremony, the Sunday morning worship, mealtimes, and more. Because of our UU commitment to including children and youth, the PWR is covering much of the cost of the programs for young people. The registration fee is just a portion of what it costs for these engaging, inclusive, and faith-building programs. The Pacific Western Regional Assembly promises to be an experience that deepens UU identity and fosters hope and resilience in people of all ages. Register now and join us in Portland this spring!
Spring Seabeck Retreat - Friday, May 4 – 6, Seabeck Conference Center on beautiful Hood Canal. Charles Morris, long-time Buddhist practitioner, will cover key mindfulness concepts and lead meditations during our adult morning program at Seabeck. He will also offer an additional focused meditation session in the afternoon. Registration begins in March. More information available here.
Puget Sound Estuarium fundraiser - Laura Lowe and Mud Bay Blues. March 10, 2018, 7:00 – 9:30 pm, Elks Lodge, 1818 4th Ave. E. This is a family-friendly event. Adults – $20, 17 and under $10. Tickets – click here.