OUUC Weekly Update

August 13, 2024

Worship Service August 18

“A Faithful Democracy" with Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee

This Sunday, we will explore the current threat facing the democracy of the United States, and how we, as religious people, can respond with integrity.

Speaker Bio: Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee (she/her) recently retired from the Northlake UU Church in Kirkland, WA. Rev. Nancy attended the Starr King School for the Ministry along with our Rev. Mary Gear, graduating in 2018. She did her internship at the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock in New York, has served our faith tradition as President of the Starr King Graduate Association, Vice-President of the UU Women’s Federation, and currently serves as Chair of the UU Commission on Social Witness.

No more After-Service Forums through August.

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

Last Sunday's Worship Service

"The Restorative Power of Joy"

with Rev. Carol McKinley

View the Order of Service here and watch the recording here.

Pastoral Care Team

Congregants, please remember that Rev. Mary’s absence does not mean that spiritual or emotional support is absent, too! The Pastoral Care Team (PCT) is a caring group of individuals who serve at the invitation of Rev. Mary and extend the care of the congregation to those who are in special need.

If you would like support from the Pastoral Care Team, you can identify members on Sunday mornings or at other church events by looking for the green Pastoral Care stoles they wear. If you are not physically at church, you can reach out via email, and a team member will get back to you shortly to see how they can be of service.

Your Pastoral Care Team members are as follows:

This Week

Thursday, August 15, 6:30 pm

The UU Pagan group meets this Thursday for planning for this coming year.

All who are interested are welcome. Questions, contact Rev. Sara.

Ministry Programs

Zucchini Bread Competition

The Great Zucchini Bake-off!
How do you get folks to eat zucchini? Just add sugar and spice and everything nice!
Calling all gardeners and bakers to show us how it’s done by submitting your favorite zucchini sweet treat, bread or dessert

Submit entries at the All-church Community Picnic on Sunday, September 8, 2014 by 12:15 pm at the Squaxin Park Rose Garden picnic shelter. Prizes for the most delicious baked goods and a special prize for the baker who enters their best creation that is either nut free, gluten free or vegan! Entries will be judged by a secret tasting panel and shared with the picnic participants. Prizes will be awarded at 1:00 pm at the picnic shelter!

Questions: Contact Karmel Shields (she’s in the Church directory)

All OUUC Picnic!

All OUUC Picnic! This year the picnic is at a NEW LOCATION, the Rose Garden at Squaxin Park, and a NEW TIME Sunday Sept 8th noon to 2pm.

Fun, games, music, and a Zucchini Bread Baking Competition!

Carpools from OUUC after worship encouraged.

Questions, contact Rev. Sara.

Mid-Sabbatical Congregational Check-In

Sunday, August 25, 11:30 am

We will meet in person in the sanctuary as well as online on Zoom. If you are unable to attend, a recording will be available for later viewing on YouTube. This check-in will be a time to reflect on the themes of renewal and beloved community. All are invited. The sabbatical committee can be reached here.

Come Visit the OUUC Environmental Action Team table at the Eco Fair!

Saturday, August 17,

11 am-4 pm

All are invited to Good Shepherd’s Eco Fair and Art Festival! “What on Earth Can YOU Do?” at The Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd Lutheran on the corner of North St and Henderson (across from Olympia HS).

This event will feature inspiring speakers, local artists & crafters, a variety of eco-focused vendors, EV cars, kids’ activities, on-site electronics recycling, plant-based food, and more! There will be a ribbon cutting at noon to celebrate the recent installation of 300 new solar panels on the church roof. Hope to see you there!

Register for Soul Matters Small Groups Now

Sign up now for Soul Matters Small Groups! Soul Matters groups meet once or twice a month for small group reflection and sharing around the theme of the month.

In a small group that meets for a year, it is a great way to build relationships and go deeper into big questions. We have groups that meet at variety of times and locations. See groups and sign up now here.

UU the Vote Postcard Parties

Sundays August 25, September 29, October 13, 11:30-12:30

Do you enjoy handwriting notes? Come handwrite postcards designed to increase turnout in states with voter suppression.

As a part of UU the Vote’s work with Reclaim Our Vote, this is one way to faithfully protect democracy together. Hope to see you!

Social Justice Book Group

Second Thursdays, beginning on September 12, 6:30 pm

Are you interested in learning more about social justice and how you can make a difference? Join Kirsten Hill and Whitney Godby for a social justice book study from September 2024 through May 2025.

We’ll read and discuss books on the topics of economic justice, climate justice, racial justice, and building intentional community. The book group will meet onsite at OUUC. See the book list and register here.

Save the Dates

Earth Grief: Making Space for a Heartful Response

Sunday, September 29, 1-4 pm

Please join us for an opportunity to connect with what we are feeling about the emergent climate/poly-crisis, and to share these experiences in a safe and supportive space. Through writing, reflection, small group process, and ritual, we will create an opportunity to open into our sorrows and to consider the possibility of responding from a place of radical hope.

There is no cost to attend. Details about what to bring will be sent on registration.
Suggested reading: The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller, whose work informs this workshop.

Facilitated by Grief Mentor Peter Jabin, M.Div. LMHC

Quick Notes

Rev Sara is away this week, Tues-Thurs, attending a retreat with PNW Religious Educator colleagues. She will attend to email as able.

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.

OUUC’s address changed as of January 1, 2024. OUUC’s new address is 2306 East End St NW. The City of Olympia 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 (your financial institution sends OUUC a check on your behalf), you will need to update the address.

Safety Reminder: Please lock and remove valuables from your vehicles.

Donate to OUUC Online

Download the flyer below if you would like a list of OUUC events for the summer. Great for posting on your refrigerator!

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ouuc summer events flyer.pdf

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In the Larger Community

Climate Action Workshop at ASHHO Cultural Center in Tumwater, WA

Wednesday, August 14, 7-9 pm, in person and virtual. RSVP and learn 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.