OUUC Weekly Update 3-30-21
News from the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Worship Service April 4, one online service at 10:00 am
“Rejoice!”- Rev. Mary Gear
On Easter, some celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with songs of praise. Others celebrate new life and the coming of Spring. And some just celebrate chocolate. Let’s celebrate together and bring joy into our lives.
Join us for Online Worship.
Listen to sermons here. See recordings of online services here.
Thursday Evening Spiritual Practice 7:00 pm
Our weekly spiritual practice will feature music to celebrate April Fool’s Day. Join Troy Fisher and other musicians at 7:00 pm for the spiritual practice of laughter.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81051325520?pwd=NjdXM25OMThVRytydWtQQ0lJZmtMQT09
Meeting ID: 810 5132 5520
Passcode: 690200
Calendar Evaluation Recommendation
At the Board Q&A session on March 21, the Calendar Evaluation Committee shared a recommendation to shift the OUUC fiscal year (FY) from the calendar year to July 1 to June 30. About 70 people participated and thoughtful exploration and consideration resulted in a general endorsement for the recommendation and appreciation for the work of the committee. Proposals to migrate the governance, fiscal, and stewardship calendars to align with the program calendar have been explored as recently as 2018 and as far back as 2009. The committee considered the following: Read more....
On-line Auction 2021: Fun for Everyone!
We’re on a roll—with the outstanding success of our online BBB behind us, it’s time to look forward to our April Back to our Future fundraiser. The auction strengthens relationships and provides necessary funds to keep our beloved community thriving. Register! You will receive an email this week that takes you directly to registration in the auction website. (Check your junk mail/SPAM box if you don’t see it.) If you are in OUUC's directory, you are pre-registered. Read more....
Save the Date!
April 18 at 3:00 – 4:00 pm Drive-Through at OUUC!
As we finish this month of reflection on the spiritual theme of commitment, there are two people who have shown extraordinary commitment to serving OUUC in staff positions. In April, OUUC administrator Darlene Sarkela, will have served OUUC for 30 years. Troy Fisher, OUUC Music Director will have served for 25 years. Plan to drive through at OUUC to celebrate and honor their commitment and service. More information to come!
Spring Cleanup!
Hi all, our annual Spring Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday morning, April 17, from 9:00 am - noon. Come join us to spruce up church grounds after the long, gray winter. It's a chance to work together, outside. Be sure to wear masks and keep socially distanced, but no limit on friendly banter while we work! Families and children welcome! More information to follow. Contacts are Kent Canny and Don Melnick.
8th Principle
OUUC and the 8th Principle Organizing Meeting Saturday, April 17 at 1:30 pm.
Are you interested in exploring how OUUC can support racial justice and the proposed 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism? Join Rev. Mary and Sara Lewis for a discussion about the proposal, what may be coming at General Assembly, and next steps. Need more info about the 8th Principle? You can read Rev. Mary’s article here
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Hunger Walk
OUUC is supporting Thurston's Hunger walk - an annual fundraiser to help 3 local agencies (Community Kitchen, Meals on Wheels and the Thurston County Food Bank) who are struggling - due to staff layoffs and covid concerns - to get food to those in need. Your donations are now more important than ever. Please visit our "team" site https://app.99pledges.com/fund/hungerwalk/ouuc within Thurston's Hunger Walk donation page to support our hungry neighbors. 100% of the funds received will be distributed to these 3 life-saving agencies. This is a safe/secure direct way to help. The physical walk/gathering part of this annual fundraiser scheduled for May 2nd won't happen, however we encourage you to get on Facebook and post your pictures of yourself walking in your own favorite spots between now and then - we will be together in solidarity. If you prefer, you could make out a check to: Thurston's Hunger Walk. and mail it to: The Community Kitchen, PO Box 1104, Olympia, WA 98507 with OUUC in the memo line.
Microagressions Workshop
All are invited for learning what they are and how to minimize their harmful impact. This is one way toward the Beloved Community we Unitarian Universalists envision as part of a whole faith community. Our interpersonal exchanges are filled with micro- and macro-aggressions within the strong overlay of institutional racism. Our faith calls us to be attentive, culturally competent communicators. This workshop will examine what microagressions are and when committed, how to respond in a way that reduces harm and affirms people in the fullness of their humanity. May 2, noon – 2:00 pm.
New Group + Schedule Change
A new group for Trans/Non-binary folx will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm. If you are trans or non-binary, join us Tuesday, April 13.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84408771252
Meeting ID: 844 0877 1252
The LGBTQ group WILL NOT meet on Easter Sunday but will meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, Tuesday, April 20, 6:30 pm. Join us:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83016576318?pwd=Vkd1Mk5mWjlpK0lycGtGUS9PamlFZz09
Meeting ID: 830 1657 6318
Passcode: 169371
Owning Your Religious Past
3 sessions April 19, 26, and May 10, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, taught by Sara Lewis. Many of us have arrived at Unitarian Universalism after a long journey with other faith traditions. Some of that journey may have been painful or problematic for us, and some of it may have been wonderful and is now missed. This class will provide time, tools, and companionship as we process our religious past.
Quick Notes
Join Rev. Mary and others involved in advocacy for an Advocacy Reflection Circle to share your advocacy efforts and reflect on how your advocacy is fueled by your values and beliefs. April 6 at 4:00 pm.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85980566732?pwd=VGZnRHhNcDZYeTRVMG5XNUpOWEVRUT09
Meeting ID: 859 8056 6732
Passcode: 225968
Our Sunday worship service will be live on our OUUC YouTube channel as well as on Zoom. You can still participate in Sunday worship through Zoom. Those who would like to try the YouTube option can do so here.
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
Green Faith Event April 11 - The GreenFaith movement started in the Olympia area with a launch event on March 11. It was well attended, and many faiths were represented. Olympia Green Faith will have an all-inclusive prayer meeting for the earth and for the sustenance of all of its peoples on the 11th of each month. On Sunday, April 11 at noon, the prayer will be led by a member of the Bahai Community. The Bahai member, Sandy Ware, asks that those who are called to read a prayer from any faith tradition that relates to care for the earth bring that prayer to the meeting to share. The meeting will be held on Zoom and everyone is welcome to attend. Register.
Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power and Light is honored to be co-sponsoring a national Passover Earth Seder on April 1. All are welcome to join us for this online festival of text, music, and earthy delights on the fifth day of Passover and the first day of Earth Month, hosted by Rabbi Ellen Bernstein and Rabbi Cantor George Mordecai. This event is open to all, regardless of faith tradition. Please register here. The program fee is to pay what you can with a suggested donation of $36, a portion of which will benefit Ecopeace Middle East.
The Dispute Resolution Center is seeking nominations for the 2021 Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award. The DRC welcomes and encourages members of the community to submit nominations for this award. Established in honor of Founding Executive Director Evan Ferber, it recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in promoting peaceful dispute resolution and civility in our community. The 2021 award will be presented later this year, as the public health situation and guidelines permit. To view and download the nomination form click here. Please provide as much information as possible on your nominee, their community involvement, and why they are deserving of the award. Submit nomination forms here. The deadline is April 10.
Community Youth Services is having the 19th annual Have A Heart for Kids Breakfast (for Dinner) on Thursday, April 1. Enjoy a virtual comedy show and positive stories from our youth!
Register online. Thank you in advance for your support of this fun, lighthearted event to help kids!
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