OUUC Weekly Update
June 4, 2024
![OUUC Weekly Update June 4, 2024](https://cdn.smore.com/u/587c/fe8be9fda05a4b1051dd8d09e478f821.jpg)
Worship Service June 9
"Renewing Community" with Rev. Mary Gear
The worship service starts at 10 am.
OUUC Sunday Morning Service
https://zoom.us/j/873210124?pwd=U21qdmwxcTNyaE1LQ0xlU0MwM3VMQT09
Meeting ID: 873 210 124
Password: 995142
Dial +1 253 215 8782
After Service Forum: OUUC Anuual Congregational Meeting, 11:45 am (agenda below)
Flowers! Flowers! Flowers!
It is a long OUUC tradition to do a flower ceremony in June to mark the coming of Summer and the end of the congregational program year. This year’s flower ceremony at OUUC will be in the service on Sunday, June 9 at 10 am. If you plan to attend the service online, please find a flower or flowers to show on your camera.
If you plan to attend onsite, please bring a flower (or several) with you. The idea of flower ceremony is to celebrate our colorful diversity. In the ritual, we share the beauty of flowers and go home with a different flower than we came with. Please plan to join this service filled with history and beauty.
See you there!
Last Sunday's Events
Notice of Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, June 9, 2024, 11:45 am in-person and online (Zoom link below)
Food will be served after the service and before the meeting by the Board and other volunteers.
Agenda
Approval of May 23, 2023 Congregational Meeting Minutes
A report from the Board of Trustees and the Minister
*Adoption of the July 2024 – June 2025 Budget
*Adoption of the Revised OUUC Covenant and the Behavioral Covenant (proposed changes here)
*Election of Board Members — Arlene Colerick, Dieter Jacobs, Sally Alhadeff
*Election of Leadership Development Committee Members — Nancy Curtiss, Des McGahern, Josie Solseng
*congregational vote required
More information about the meeting can be found here.
While only members can vote, everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. If you are not sure if you are a voting member of OUUC, please contact Rosie.
The meeting will be held in the OUUC Sanctuary and on Zoom, at our usual worship service link.
Meeting ID: 873 210 124
Password: 995142
Board Nominees
Arlene Colerick
joined the UU church when it was in Tumwater, and she has sung with the choir ever since her second visit. Arlene has served in a multitude of roles over the years, including as a RE teacher for most age groups and as an OWL facilitator for elementary and middle school aged children. She was an auction data team member, on a stewardship team, and a Books Brownies and Beans baker, cashier, and greeter. She went to Transylvania with the OUUC Choir in '04, then became a member and co-chair of Partner Church Committee for two years. She was involved early version of the Addictions Ministry. The past twenty years she has worked in various roles for Aramark, which operates the food service concession at The Evergreen State College. She was President of the Board of Trustees for the past two years, and would now like to continue on the Board as a member.
Sally Alhadeff
is a Washington state native and has lived much of her life within a few miles of where her ancestors settled in 1846. She has been an active member of OUUC since 2016 and has served on multiple committees; she has also served on many professional boards. From her very first visit to OUUC, she knew she had found a new home and that remains true today. Her main occupation these days is working in her own garden and in community gardens and birdwatching in areas both near and far.
Dieter Jacobs
is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist who grew up in the little white church in Tumwater. He returned to the Olympia area 10 years ago and rejoined the OUUC during COVID, becoming an active member of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, including his two grown sons, as well as playing board games, reading fantasy and science fiction books, exploring the walking trails around Thurston County, and finding interesting places to eat. He currently works for the Washington Fatherhood Council and has a long history of public service.
Leadership Development Committee Nominees
Nancy Curtiss
is a retired educator and high school counselor. An OUUC member since 2008, she moved to Olympia from Arlington, WA, where she and her husband Dennis belonged to Evergreen UU Fellowship.
She served on the Share the Plate, Social Action, and Stewardship committees. She is currently co-leading a Soul Matters Group, preparing Meals for the Shelter, and is a member of the Welcome Team and the OUUC Buddhist group. She is a co-leader of the local chapter of RESULTS, an advocacy movement committed to influencing political decisions that will bring an end to poverty. She believes each of us is a leader in our own right with gifts to develop and share in covenant with one another.
Des McGahern
a native of Ireland, has been living in Olympia for 26 years.
Des and his wife Martha have been members of OUUC since 1999. He has a background in leadership development and operations management. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees as well as on other committees throughout his time at OUUC.
Josie Solseng
joined OUUC in 2014. The UU principle of the inherent worth and dignity of every person inspires and touches her deeply.
Josie served on the Pastoral Care Team for 8 years and designed its brochure. She has also been part of the Books, Brownies, and Beans committee, serving for 5 years as the Internal Communications Lead. She has participated in worship services as a musician and guest presenter. Currently, she participates in the Sewing Ministry, the Auction, Caring Friends, Community Dinners, and the Buddhist Sangha. Josie is designing an Adult Education Class focusing on music appreciation for non-musicians to be offered this fall.
News from the Sabbatical Committee
Rev. Mary’s sabbatical starts on June 16. On that day, we will send her off with a box full of blessings, well wishes and love from our beloved community. The Sabbatical Committee will collect cards for Rev. Mary over the next 4 weeks. Please look for the colorful box and blank cards in the Commons (shown here). We have a selection of lovely cards or you can bring one of your choice and drop it in the box. All are invited to participate. If you have questions, ask a Sabbatical Committee member or email us.
For detailed information about Rev. Mary's sabbatical, a contact list, FAQ's and more, check out this site or the kiosk next to the commons side doors in the church.
This Week
Community Dinner: That's a Wrap Folks!
Thursday, June 6, 5:30 pm
This will be our final community dinner before a summer break, and we will have Wrap Sandwiches (because that's a wrap!).
Volunteers are needed for help with cooking, set up, and clean up, please contact Rev. Sara if you can help.
Parent Group this week
Thursday, June 6, 6:30-7:30 pm
in-person and online (contact Rev. Sara for Zoom link)
Join us for support and community each month on the 1st Thursday of the month. We focus on a different parenting topic each month. June's topic is navigating the summer season with kids.
JOIN IN THE TOUR OF THE GRUB FARM
For the Buried and the U: A Unitarian Universalist Vigil for Gaza
Sunday, June 9, 5-6 pm
Zoom provided upon RSVP
This vigil, open to all, is to honor the spiritual work toward ending the violence. We are calling for a permanent ceasefire and end to the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza, a release of all hostages/prisoners, humanitarian aid, and an accountability process that is not rooted in revenge. We deeply honor the worth and dignity of all Palestinians and all Israelis.
Join us as we grieve, rage, learn, and find solace together. The vigil will be held for 45 minutes, and we may host facilitated breakout session afterwards.
RSVP here (required for Zoom). View our previous vigil at youtube.com/@DRUUMM
Tiny Little News Show
Would you like some of your church news by video? Try our Tiny Little News Show!
In this week's Tiny Little News: hear about the upcoming congregational meeting and this week's events. No Tiny Little News next week, see you in two!
Ministry Programs
Registration Now Open for Kids Summer Camps:
OUUC Chalice Camp “Building a New Way” for ages 5-10
July 15th to 19th. Register here.
Our Whole Lives (OWL) Camp for Ages 5-7
July 8th to 12th, 9am-noon each day. OWL is a developmentally appropriate and much praised sexuality education program. Register here.
Camps are open to all, with a pay what you can sliding scale, feel free to spread the word!
Litha Potluck and Ritual
Thursday, June 20, 6:30 pm
All are welcome to join us as we celebrate the summer solstice with community and ritual. Please bring a potluck dish to share.
OlyWA Pride
Sunday June 29, 11 am
OUUC is going to have a booth for Pride and to march in the Pride Parade this year. Rev Sara is organizing this effort, but needs help.
Please sign up here.
Hope Tiny House Village Update
Each second Sunday of the month our congregation provides dinner for the ten residents of Hope Tiny House Village. Currently, there is a need for one more volunteer to bring a fruit or vegetable item. Please contact Jo Ann Young for details about volunteering.
Seeking Facilitators for Soul Matters Groups next church year
Would you be interested in leading a Soul Matters group next year? These are small groups that explore the theme of the month, meeting once a month (schedule to be set by facilitators). Facilitators can work solo or with a co-faciliatator. Experience with Soul Matters is good but not required. Contact Rev. Sara if you are interested in leading a group!
Celebration of Life for Phyllis Clausen
Friday, June 7, 2024
The family and friends of Phyllis Clausen will be welcomed for a Celebration of Life service at 2 pm, both onsite in the OUUC Sanctuary and on Zoom (link below).
A reception will follow for those onsite.
Please check this site for updates – we’ll post the Order of Service before, and a link to the YouTube video after, the service.
Meeting ID: 812 4239 0585
Passcode: 002977
Celebration of LIfe for Pat Sonnenstuhl
Saturday, June 15, 2024
The community will gather to remember and honor Pat Sonnenstuhl at 1 pm, both onsite in the OUUC Sanctuary and on Zoom (link below). A reception will follow for those onsite.
Meeting ID: 874 2147 2838
Passcode: 229195
Quick Notes
For sale, with proceeds to be donated to OUUC: A blue, 2007 Prius hybrid, with current mileage at 136,210 mi. Lovingly maintained by Ken Yeo. Best offer will be accepted by Ann Yeo.
Contact Ann by finding her in the OUUC Directory.
Beware of periodic scammers via email and text. You may be contacted by scammers impersonating Rev. Mary or other church staff. Scammers also try to reach people via text. Often, they will ask for you to contact them right away, and they may ask for financial assistance/information or contact information of others at the church. Always double check and make sure the email or text was sent from a source you recognize. Scammers will create new addresses that appear like a known email address. When in doubt, check in with the person in your life who appears to be trying to contact you, using a known contact method.
Safety Reminder: Please lock and remove valuables from your vehicles.
Download the flyer below if you would like a list of OUUC events for June. Great for posting on your refrigerator!
In the Larger Community
Learn more about the following events and others here.
Steve Phillips, How We Win the Civil War: Securing a Multiracial Democracy
Thursday, June 6, 4-5:30 pm
Register here for this UU The Vote Partner Event
So, for her June walk, Erin is inviting community members to show up for inclusion. She’s looking for 100 community members to show up in support of racial justice in Olympia. The walk will begin at 11 am on Saturday, June 8 at ASHHO. I’ll be there. Please join me!
For those who attended the recent OUUC auction, you know that ASHHO is a beautiful and spirit-filed place. Let’s show up to support their efforts in yet another way.
Erin’s wisdom: We’re all human. Be kind to everyone.
See you on June 8.
Healing Code of Forgiveness: Freedom from Shame and Trauma with Ester Nicholson
Sunday, June 9, 1-3:30 pm at Center For Spiritual Living Olympia, 3437 Libby Rd NE Olympia WA 98506
In this workshop, Ester Nicholson, Trauma Healer, Agape International Licensed Practitioner and author of Soul Recovery — 12 Keys to Healing Dependence, will guide you through a powerful process of healing unconscious core wounds that have blocked you from your highest and authentic self.
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AT GRUB
Saturday, June 22, 2024, 4-7 pm
GRUB farmhouse 2016 Elliott Avenue NW
157th Anniversary of Black liberation
An Evening With Lifelong Climate Activist Bill McKibben,
Tuesday, July 2 at 7 pm, Hosted by United First Methodist Church in Seattle
Join Third Act Washington members and friends, climate justice activists, faith-based creation caregroups, and concerned citizens for a talk followed by Q & A with the renowned climate activist, author, and founder of Third Act. Read more here.
The Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice invites you to show your support for Palestine each Friday from 4:30-6 pm at the Fellowship of Reconciliation Vigil for Peace
Percival Landing in Downtown Olympia, 4th & Water Street.
About Us
Staff Contacts
Rev. Sara Lewis, Director of Community and Faith Development
Isaac Ezra Jennings, Business Manager
Rosie Koppelman, Office Assistant
Teresa Madsen, Communications and Tech Coordinator
Marie Arensmeyer, Facilities Manager
Anissa Bentlemsani, Religious Education Assistant
Carbon Marshall, Tech Specialist
Office Hours
Tuesday - Thursday, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
360-634-2005