OUUC Weekly Update
November 14, 2023
Worship Service November 19
“Walking in the Footsteps of our Ancestors” with Rev. Adel Ngay and the (Kissolymos, Romania) Partner Church Team
November is the month when many remember our loved ones who have passed away. The 1st of November is the day of the dead in Transylvania and a great occasion for every individual to remember their family members. But it is also the month of remembering our Unitarian ancestors. Francis David the founder and first bishop died in mid-November. What do they teach us? How do we walk in their footsteps?
The worship service starts at 10:00 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 (11:30 am): Volunteer Training on Multigenerational Community with Rev. Sara Lewis
This Week
Thursday Dinner
This week dinner is potatoes! All are invited for dinner at 5:30 pm. Volunteers for set up and clean up are needed, contact Rev Sara.
Following dinner this week we have the Buddhist Sangha and the UU Pagan group meeting.
Please note that there will not be a regular 5:30 pm dinner next week, instead we have potluck for Thanksgiving at 2:00 pm on November 23.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Service for Trans Day of Remembrance: Sunday, November 19, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, offered at OUUC in partnership with Olympia Trans Family.
Please join us for this honoring of our trans community.
Interested in Membership?
We are offering a UU Inquirers Gathering twice a month for those interested in knowing more about Unitarian Universalism, OUUC, and membership at OUUC. Gatherings are all on Saturdays, 10:00-11:30 am. For more information, reach out to Rev Sara Lewis. Schedule of Gatherings: November 18: Faith Development for All. Register here.
All Volunteer Training
All Volunteer Training this Sunday, 11:30 am, on the topic of generational difference and being a multigenerational community.
Come learn how to more effectively work with people of all ages and to bridge generational differences on your team or in your events. All are welcome!
Tiny Little News Show
Would you like some of your church news by video? Try our Tiny Little News Show!
Ministry Programs
Thanksgiving Potluck
All are welcome to join us for a potluck on Thanksgiving, November 23, 2:00 pm.
You can sign up here.
Prayers from the Heart
Rev Sara will be hosting a monthly opportunity for the spiritual practice of prayer, to sit and share and pray together. This month the gathering will be at 6:45 pm on November 30, following the Thursday dinner.
November 19 is Partner Church Sunday
Partnership History #3: For many years the partnership between OUUC and the Unitarian congregation in Kissolymos has been a core ministry for our church. This ministry and our visits to Kissolymos have helped shape our vision and our identity with our Unitarian brothers and sisters, and links us in relationship to our fellow Unitarians in Transylvania. As their home hosted guests during many trips to Kissolymos we have learned what it is to live out hospitality as a way of life, and witnessed their commitment to a faith that since the 1600s has endured much hardship. Our ability to reach across what divides us and remain in partnership despite differences improves and deepens our faith and commitment to mutual growth. We have had the opportunity for a unique and incredible interconnectedness through members of our congregation’s visits to historic Unitarian sites, and to the birthplace of Unitarianism. In keeping with the sixth principle we are promoting: The goal of world community, peace, liberty, and justice for all. That legacy will also continue in the life of one former Kissolymos scholarship student who, because of your generous donations, was helped to complete his seminary studies and become an ordained Unitarian minister. (by Rhys Dovey)
Packs of Cheer
Thank you for the donations in the "Packs of Cheer" box last Sunday. Folks will really appreciate the hats, socks, candy and backpack I delivered to Turtle on Monday for the packs that will be delivered on Christmas. The box will appear again throughout November so if you have some gently-used stuff that can warm someone's Christmas and fit into a small gently-used back pack, please bring it for the box on Sunday. We're looking for toiletries, warm hats, scarves, gloves, candy, cocoa, bath towels, etc. Contact Diana Finch if you have questions.
Celebration of Life
Celebration of Life for Janet Dawes
On Saturday, November 25, the family and friends of Janet Dawes will be welcomed for a Celebration of Life service at 11:30 am, both onsite in the OUUC Sanctuary or on Zoom. A reception will follow for those onsite.
Quick Notes
Address Change for OUUC - OUUC’s address will change as of January 1, 2024. OUUC’s new address will be 2306 East End St NW. The City of Olympia has directed us to make this change. This is due to the regulations regarding emergency access. If you use an automated bill-paying service for your pledge payments, you will need to update the address.
Safety Reminder: Please lock and remove valuables from your vehicles.
Remember to check out the Equity Library in the Religious Education hall and across from Reverend Mary’s office. It's open anytime OUUC is open.
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.
Download the flyer below if you would like a list of OUUC events for November. Great for posting on your refrigerator!
In the Larger Community
Learn more about the following events and others here.
You are warmly invited to "Resetting Our Sacred Table", an annual, autumnal celebration of community, culture, and music hosted by Interfaith Works at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1515 Harrison Ave NW on Sunday, November 19, from 2:00 until 3:30 pm. This year we are thrilled to welcome and celebrate the Nisqually Indian Tribe as central contributors. The event will also feature regional musical contributions from Kol N'Shama Choir (from Temple Beth Hatfiloh), Alleluia! Handbell Ensemble, and a Lutheran choir representing three, local congregations. Our theme this year is about story, and how our stories draw connections between us and help us relate to the journeys we each are on. Free to the public, family-friendly event.
Staying Human: A Unitarian Universalist Vigil for Gaza - Sunday, November 19, 6:00 - 7:00 pm Eastern. RSVP Required for Zoom. This vigil, open to all, is to honor the emotional work toward ending the violence. We are calling for a 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. In this hour of reflection , we aim to be present with one another and deepen our attention to the crises in Gaza.
Public Talk and Day of Mindfulness - Ayya Santacitta and Kate Davies present Buddhist teachings for everyday life. All are warmly welcome. No experience necessary. Public Talk Friday, November 17, 6:00-8:00 pm. $0-20 sliding scale. Day of Mindfulness - Saturday, November 18, 10:00 am-3:30 pm. Theme: With the World on Fire, Embody the Eightfold Path. Ayya Santacitta and Kate Davies will offer teachings with encouragement to bring the path to the whole of our experience. Sitting and walking meditation with instruction. Bring lunch & cushions or benches for meditation. Chairs available. $20-35 sliding scale. Both events at OUUC. Sponsored by Oly LGBTQ Meditation.
Deepening with the Divine – A Contemplative Retreat – Saturday, December 9, 9:00 am-4:00 pm at Center for Spiritual Living, facilitated by Rev. David Robinson. More info: cslolympia.org.
Community Event with anti-racist learning opportunity: Dr Thelma Jackson presents a look into the history of black life in Thurston County. December 9, 2:00-4:00 pm at United Churches of Olympia. Free event.
FAN Olympia/Thurston County Cluster Meeting Sunday, December 3, 3:00-4:30 pm at OUUC. Meet your neighbors of faith and conscience who share your hopes for justice. Together create an overview of how we as faith communities and individuals in Olympia/Thurston County area are active in justice and sustainability. Identify shared commitments and possible collaborations for the coming year. Register.
Each year, the Earth Ministry/WAIPL community raises up a multifaith voice for environmental justice in the state legislature. On Monday, January 8, 2024 from 6:00-7:30 pm, we will offer a virtual community-wide webinar that will offer a refresher on faithful advocacy and an overview of our legislative priorities. Learn more and register for the webinar below.
2024 Legislative Briefing and Faithful Advocacy Training – Earth Ministry
Read more....
About Us
Staff Contacts
Rev. Sara Lewis, Director of Community and Faith Development
Darlene Sarkela, Congregational Administrator
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