OUUC Weekly Update
January 21, 2025
You are cordially invited to attend a Gather, Grow & Guide Session in support of OUUC
We will gather in the homes of fellow congregation members for light refreshments and meaningful conversations about what OUUC means to each of us. During these small group sessions, we’ll share stories, build connections, and deepen our sense of community. There will be several gatherings to choose from, with different dates, times and locations. Each will last approximately 1.5 hours and will be framed by three focal points:
Gather: Gather stories on ways we nurture and are nurtured by the OUUC.
Grow: Explore our path towards growth and the five ways to grow. Rev. Mary will offer a short, supporting video on this topic.
Guide: Collect guidance and advice on how OUUC can achieve the goals it set for 2025.
Please join us for meaningful conversation, fellowship, and the joy of being in community. Sign-up for a time and date that works best for you here, or contact Wendy Tanner and she will help you get signed up. Thank you so much for contributing to this important exercise to nurture our community and move toward the future with hope and success.
Community Dinner: For the Love of Potatoes
Come celebrate the many ways we can enjoy a potato. All are welcome for food and fellowship.
If you can help cook, set up, or clean up let Rev. Sara know.
Action Hour Actions For This Week
We did not hold the first Action Hour this last Sunday, but you can still follow through on several of these actions. And we plan to hold our next Action Hour this coming Sunday, between worship services, in Classroom 3.
Member Engagement Team Welcomes New Members!
Monday, January 27, 6:30 pm
Our Member Engagement Team works to connect and support newcomers at OUUC. If this is work that you feel drawn to, please join us! Contact Rev. Sara for the Zoom link.
Food Collection at OUUC-Final Week!
This Sunday, January 27, will be the last time to bring shelf stable foods contributions for OUUC’s Day of Service kid’s and teen’s “For the Kid’s” Weekend Backpacks project.
12 Movements of Resiliency Class with Rev. Sara Lewis
Wednesdays 1/8-2/12, 6:30 pm on Zoom
This class explores different aspects of life and how we can all live more resiliently and sustainably. Read more and register here.
Faith in Action Opportunities
There are so many ways to show up, speak out, or lend support for our values in the world this month, find many of them organized here.
OUUC Book Group
Tuesday, January 28, 6:30 pm - online
The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century by Kirk Johnson (2018) (308 pages) – Nonficton A true story of Edwin Rist, a musician with the London Royal Academy, who leaves a concert one night, heads to a London museum, and steals rare bird feathers. Over a period of many years he con nues to successfully do this. The story tells how he did it, why, and if and when he got caught. What became of the feathers and Edwin?!
Transcendentalism and the Cultivation of the Soul
4 sessions on third Tuedays--Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 18 & Apr 15, 2 - 3:30 PM
led by Frank Winters
Book discussion based on retired UU Minister Barry M. Andrews’ book. We’ll read the book over 4 weeks and discover why Andrews quotes historian David Robinson in his introduction as his jumping off point. "American Unitarians lament their vague religious identity, standing upon the richest theological legacy of any American denomination." Let’s explore that legacy together. Register here.
30 Days of Love 2025
January 20 - February 14, 2025
A Side With Love message provides political education and context for each weekly theme with lessons and inspiration to move through these times. Each week’s resources will be published on Tuesdays and include the following: A journal practice to reflect and dream to chart a course with clarity and care, a creative/art practice to ground in the beauty and abundance of imagination, a body practice to ground us in resilience and renewal, and a family-friendly, multigenerational activity that builds community as we take action for justice. More information here.
We Need Help with Coffee and Treats on Sundays!
With the move to 2 services we need help to make the coffee hours a success.
If you can help serve or clean the kitchen or bring treats to share, please sign up here or talk to Rev. Sara.
Thank you!
Return Your Guest at Your Table Box
Did you take home a Guest at Your Table box over the holidays? You can return those now to Rev. Sara and we will send the collection in to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.
Didn't collect any money? Still bring the box back, we can use it again next year!
January Thursdays Schedule is Different
Please note the Thursday evening schedule overall in January will be a bit different this month. Most activities have been moved forward by one week (so a first week group is actually meeting on the 2nd week, etc.) Please check the dates of your normal activities to see if they have changed.
Protest Song Jam
Thursday, January 30, 6:30 pm
In times of trial and tribulation, coming together to play and sing always lifts spirits and provides energy for positive action. Bring an instrument or your voice (or both!) to jam out and lift each other up. Led by Ian Stephan on the last Thursday of each month.Register here.
UU Pagan Gathering: Imbolc Potluck and Celebration
Sunday, February 2, 5 pm
All are welcome to join us for a potluck and celebration of the pagan holiday of Imbolc. This is the sabbat that celebrates the first hints and promises of spring. We will be making and blessing candles as well. Bring a potluck dish to share, and RSVP to Rev. Sara.
Facilities Manager, Marie Arensmeyer, is out this week and will be working remotely for several weeks. During this period, please take extra care to leave church spaces better than you found them after use. Please direct any questions related to the Building and Grounds to Business Manager, Isaac Jennings.
