OUUC Weekly Update 1-8-20
News from the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Worship Services January 12, services at 9:15 and 11:00 am
January Soul Matters
Our theme for January is "Integrity", and all are invited to join the drop-in Soul Matters Discussion group this Sunday 12:45 – 2:00 pm to discuss and reflect upon the theme. You can pick up a theme packet in the Commons, at the discussion circle, or receive one by email by contacting Sara Lewis.
A Mindful Request
Please remember that some folks attending worship or other gatherings at OUUC have strong physical reactions to fragrances and strongly scented products, both natural and chemical scents. None of us intentionally want to cause any difficulty for others. Please use scent-free products as you are able, and use other precautions outlined here. Let’s create a scent-free zone so that everyone is welcome.
Shelter Dinners
Time for the Blue Aprons to provide dinners at the Interfaith Works shelter again this month, on January 15 and 22. We need 4 main dishes, 4 side dishes for both Wednesdays, and 2 servers on January 15 only. Contact Billie Williams to provide food, Jo Ann Young to volunteer as a server. Or come to the Blue Apron table in the Commons between services on Sunday to sign up.
From Rev. Mary
Last weekend John and I went to see “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” in which Tom Hanks plays Mr. Rogers in his neighborhood. Rev. Fred Rogers was a Presbyterian minister who studied child development and made a career of using the medium of television to teach and love young ones.
I thought that the story was beautifully written, and the movie well made with good acting. Fred Roger’s widow, Joanne, makes a brief appearance, which is quite sweet.
While there were many beautiful moments in the movie, one that I especially like is an exchange between the actor who plays Joanne and the actor who plays a reporter doing a story on Fred. After observing Mr. Rogers’ kindness to so many people and how he was so beloved, the reporter notes that Fred must be a saint. Read more....
Sunday Potluck
All are invited for the 2nd Sunday Potluck Lunch this week. Please bring a lunch food dish to share, which can be left in the kitchen or the Commons before you attend the 11:00 am service. Cards for labeling ingredients are available in the kitchen. Please join us for food and fellowship following the 2nd service.
Care Packages
Care Packages for people experiencing homelessness will be available to be picked up in the Commons this Sunday. All are asked to take a bag and give it to someone who is in need, spreading acts of compassion in our community. This has been a project of the Teen Faith in Action Leadership Council, with help from the children and youth of the congregation and generous donations from all of you. See our video here.
Adult Education Classes
Don't miss out on these January classes:
The UU Common Read: An Indigenous People's History of the United States - Movement Action Plans: How to Design a Sustainable Grassroots Movement - Stories for the Age of Climate Change - No Meat? So What Do We Eat?
Register for these or other Adult Education Classes here.
Book Sale February 22
Storm Window Workshop
Quick Notes
Read This Week in Religious Education here.
November Board meeting minutes are available here.
Learn the practice of Insight Dialog (ID). ID is a way to bring the tranquility and insight attained in meditation directly into your interactions with other people. ID is a practice that could well augment the “deep listening” initiative that is now happening. Read more....
Potluck and Soul Matters Discussion - Sunday, January 12 at 12:45 pm.*
Storm Window Workshop - Saturday, January 11 starting at 10:00 am.*
Do you need help exploring and processing grief? The Bereavement Grief Group meets Thursday, January 9 at 5:30 pm.
Support Group - for parents with an adult son or daughter who is diagnosed with a mental health condition. The group is for those who wish to share their experiences and offer support to one another as a beloved community. Monday, January 13, 7:00 pm. Contact Maureen Wells for information.
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 who identify as women and who are 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. January 14 - Cascadia Grill 200 4th Ave W. - Contact Meliz Maatta or Emily Ray.
Guy’s TGIT meets on Thursdays at 4:30 pm. January 9 - Top Rung Brewing, 8345 Hogum Bay Lane NE. - 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 Otto Buls.
In the Larger Community
The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County (DRC) is seeking nominations for the 2020 Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award. This annual award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in promoting peaceful dispute resolution and civility. Established in honor of Founding Executive Director Evan Ferber, the award will be presented at The Toast, the DRC's annual fundraiser, on Sunday, April 5. The DRC welcomes and encourages members of the community to submit nominations for this award. The nomination form is available here. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 21. Congratulations to last year's recipient, Rev. Carol McKinley. Photo: Rev. Carol McKinley with DRC Board member Beth Hyer and Founding Executive Director Evan Ferber.
You are invited to attend Seminary for a Day on Saturday, January 25 at First Unitarian, Portland. This year’s spiritual theme is entitled, Spiritual Practice for Difficult Times. This year’s keynote presenter will be Rev. Dr. Robert M. Hardies, senior minister of All Souls Church, Unitarian in Washington, DC, a large, dynamic and multicultural congregation in our nation’s capital. Rob’s own spiritual life has been deeply influenced by his twenty-plus-year study of the spiritual practices of our Unitarian and Transcendentalist ancestors. Offerings throughout the day will include topics as Stories of Hope in Uncertain Times, Life and Nature as Sacred Text, The Practice of Prayer: A Holy Charge, Dancing to the Rhythms of the Earth, Writing in Response to Transcendentalism, and many more. Full Day: $65 includes lunch, 9:15 - 4:30 pm. Registration is open, reserve your space here.
East Shore LIVE presents Jeannette d’Armand on Saturday, January 25 at 7:30 pm. Jeannette presents a breathtaking evening of memorable songs by Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Sting, George Harrison, and others. Accompanied by guitarist John Patrick Lowrie this evening is a love song for your heart and soul. Held at East Shore Unitarian Church (12700 SE 32nd Street, Bellevue) Tickets are $23 and available here.
This is a free service where low-income people can claim earned income tax credit and refunds. Here’s the AARP site locator (active January through April) and the district website.
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