OUUC Weekly Update
October 29, 2024
Virtual Phonebanking this Sunday!
Sunday, November 3, 9 am-5 pm PST
Would you like to use your cell phone and computer to do some non-partisan phonebanking? This Sunday, join UU the Vote's partner, Center for Common Ground for Call-A-Palooza! Trainings are at the top of every hour, come and stay for as long as you’d like. Sign up here.
Unable to attend on November 3? Center for Common Ground hosts guided phone banks most days of the week. Check them out here.
Election Night Gathering
Tuesday, November 5, 6 pm
Would you like to gather with others on election night? Rev. Sara and Rev. Mary will be holding space at OUUC on election night for anyone who would like to gather for company and for spiritual practice.
We will have a space for watching the news together, a space for comfort and distraction, and a space for spiritual practices.
Come, be together.
Side with Love Post Election Gatherings
As we approach Election Day, it is critical that we come together to nourish our spirits and move in our collective power. This is about more than one election; it is about grounding ourselves in the values and communities that drive our fight for justice.
No matter your issue; climate justice, democracy, gender justice, or criminalization, we are in this work together. That’s why we are excited to invite you to join us for Forward Together: Anchoring in Community Post Election, a virtual series designed to offer space for reflection, spiritual grounding, and practical organizing in response to the evolving political landscape.
Election Year Guidance for Congregations
Like all congregations, OUUC is tax-exempt according to the IRS. This designation has freedoms and limitations. One limitation is especially important during this election year. OUUC cannot "participate in or intervene in (including the publishing and distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.” A violation of this may cause OUUC to lose its tax-exempt status. What we can do is articulate our values and encourage voting. Unitarian Universalism calls us to support our shared values inside and outside of our walls. For more information, check out this guidance from the UCC denomination. Thanks for helping OUUC be values-based in the political arena.
Halloween Party
This year Halloween falls on a Thursday, so we will have a Halloween Thursday dinner and party!
All are welcome at 5:30 for dinner, followed by crafts, dancing, and all ages Halloween movies. Wear a costume!
It's the first Sunday of November!
Olympia Women's March, All Inclusive Event. ⚧️
Saturday, November 2, 10 am, Capitol Steps
Calling All Women & Allies! 🚨
This is YOUR moment to stand up, speak out, and make history! 💪✨
Join us as we kick off with powerful speeches from local voices fighting for change. We’ll march together to Heritage Park, where we'll be greeted with live music to celebrate our collective strength and resilience. 🎶🌿
This march is more than a rally—it's a movement. Bring your signs, your voices, and your passion for justice. This is a time to march for equality, freedom, and the rights of ALL women. 🌸👭🌈 Let’s make this EPIC. See you there!
Death Cafe at OUUC
Monday, November 4, 4:30 pm
Join us for our monthly Death Cafes at OUUC, supported through Pastoral Care & Adult Faith Development and facilitated by Jenee Wolfram, certified End of Life Doula. Death Cafes are not a grief support group but an informal, death positive, group-led space for conversations about all things death and dying.
This is a drop-in program. All are welcome! Let’s normalize conversations around death and dying, bringing this long taboo topic out into the light. And, did I mention THERE WILL BE TEA & CAKE!?!
Comfort & Joy Donation Collection
*Hats * Gloves * Hand warmers * Socks * Scarves * Blankets*
100 donated backpacks are also needed and greatly appreciated!
Look for the holiday wrapped donation box in the commons to place your holiday gift between November 3 & 24.
Questions or interested in making a cash donation? Please contact Karmel Shields.
Spiritual Practices Mini Retreat: Practices of Repair
Our November spiritual theme is "The Practice of Repair" and this mini retreat will explore spiritual and creative practices such as meditation, collage, rituals of atonement, and more.
Led by Rev. Sara Lewis and Rev. Mary Gear
New UU Class
Thursday, November 7, 6:30-7:30 pm
This class is for everyone interested in becoming a member of OUUC or simply interested in learning more about OUUC.
We encourage you to attend as many of the sessions in person as possible, but if you cannot make a session we have online resources here. 11/7 Faith Development Programs for All Ages, 11/21 Faith in Action Programs
Charitable Giving 101 Webinar for OUUC Members and Friends
Tuesday, November 19, 7 - 8 pm
Hosted by Wendy Tanner
Presented by David White, CAP (Certified Advisor in Philanthropy)
DAFGiving360 (previously Schwab Charitable Giving)
This online class is for you if you:
• Are new to charitable giving, or at a place in your life where you want to learn more about charitable giving strategies.
• Are interested in developing a charitable giving plan so you can be more intentional about your giving.
• Would like to learn how charitable donations can reduce your tax liability.
• Have heard about Donor Advised Funds (DAF), but not sure if one is right for you.
• Have thought about donating appreciated stock, or funds from your IRA RMD (required minimum distribution) instead of, or in addition to cash, but aren’t sure how to do so?
This class will help you become more familiar with charitable giving, and making effective donations (cash, items and your talents), and tools to carry out your goals. The presenter will also introduce you to tools available through DAFGiving360, a charitable giving support website.
Register here.
For questions, contact your host, OUUC Member Wendy Tanner.
