OUUC Weekly Update
June 25, 2024
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Worship Service June 30
"Seeds for a More Fruitful Earth" with Fredrick Livingston
Are humans parasites, sowing our own hunger, or fruit, gifts from the Earth to our future? Local Olympian and award-winning poet Frederick Livingston will read from his newest title "Trees are Bridges to the Sky" and discuss how the metaphors we use to relate to the natural world shape the futures available to us. His broad meanders in ecology have led him to conclude the fate of our species depends not on any future wealth or technology, but on the seeds of evolution we sow with every breath.
Guest Speaker Bio: Frederick Livingston grew up in Olympia, attending OUUC while his mother sang in the choir. He has since gone on to weave experiential education, ecology, and poetry in river that has taken him from Peace Corps Tanzania to the United Nations University for Peace in Costa Rica and beyond, including his current role leading environmental education programs in prisons. He is the author of the poetry collection "The Moon and Other Fruits" and his most recent title "Trees are Bridges to the Sky" won the prism prize for climate literature.
More info can be found on Frederick's website.
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
Please note: There will be no After-Service Forums held now through August.
Last Sunday's Worship Service
News from the Sabbatical Committee
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who submitted a card or gift to Rev. Mary during her June 16 send off ritual. Pictured here are but a few of the cards submitted by OUUC members and friends. Many more came in on the final day and Rosie received more cards by mail afterward. Rest assured, all cards have made their way to Rev. Mary's possession. For more information about our Ministerial Sabbatical, visit our kiosk in the Commons, our webpage here or email us.
This Week
OlyWA Pride!
Saturday, June 28, 9 am
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.
Tiny Little News Show
Want some of your church news by video? Try our Tiny Little News Show!
In this week's Tiny Little News: hear about General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association
Ministry Programs
Article II is approved at General Assembly
"This was the first time that I have attended the UU General Assembly. I would highly recommend this experience to others, either on Zoom or in person in Baltimore in June of 2025. I learned a lot about our Faith. Many talented people participated to bring us this GA. The speakers were diverse, and they showed much compassion and desire to actively care about others. The presentations were rich in ideas, music and poetry, and most of the speakers' comments were constructive, respectful and articulate.
When participants expressed pain after discussions of difficult issues in the amendments, actions of immediate witness or responsive resolutions, the co-moderators and the Care Team expressed apologies and set up special online help groups for people to attend if they needed support and comfort.
I am pleased that the proposed changes to Article 2 of the Bylaws were adopted this year, so that now we can focus on putting our values centered in love into action as the new flower symbol represents."
Pat McLachlan
Registration for Kids Summer Camps
OUUC Chalice Camp “Building a New Way” for ages 5-10
July 15th to 19th, 9 am-3 pm. Register here.
Our Whole Lives (OWL) Camp for Ages 5-7
July 8th to 12th, 9 am-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!
Seeking Facilitators for Soul Matters Groups next church year
Bicycle Commuter Contest report from Environmental Action Team
Congratulations to the 13 riders who joined the OUUCyclists Team for the May Bicycle Challenge sponsored by Intercity Transit. The riders were: Darlene Sarkela, John Cox, Ann Kolbry, Josie Solseng, Susan Southwick, Joe Joy, Wim Verhoef, Joyce Biethan, John Eliasson, Maggie Post, J. Kelly, Frank Turner and Rev. Sara Lewis!
Together they rode 110 days and covered 1167 miles in May, keeping hundreds of pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere had they driven in a car.
We hope you can join us next May - get healthy, help the planet, and maybe get some prizes for your efforts!
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.
Quick Notes
Facilities Manager, Marie Arensmeyer, will be off this week until Sunday, June 30. Please check this section of the newsletter for announcements of staff time off throughout the summer.
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.
GRUB Events! You are all invited to summer events at GRuB (2016 Elliott Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98502)
Thursday, June 27 Farm DinnerThursday, July 18 Family Focused Carnival
Saturday, September 7 Soiree Harvest Dinner
Weekly Farm Stands, Wednesdays 3-6 pm through summer
Weekly Wednesday evening drop in volunteer sessions 5:30 - 7:30 pm
3rd Weds Workshops, Farm Stands, Music, Tours
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. Mary Gear, Minister (on sabbatical)
Rev. Monica Jacobson-Tennessen, Sabbatical Minister
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