OUUC Weekly Update
February 4, 2025
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Sunday Worship February 9
“Being the People We Mean to Be” with Rev. Sara Lewis
9 am (onsite only) and 10:45 am (online & onsite)
12:15 pm Forum (onsite & online): “Legacy Forests of Western Washington” with the Legacy Forest Defense Coalition
Click here for more details on the new Sunday schedule.
OUUC Worship Service
Join Zoom Meeting here.
Meeting ID: 873 210 124
Passcode: 2306
Dial: +1 253 205 0468
Last Sunday's Events
This Week
Compassionate Communication Forum
Thank you to Elizabeth Drake, Executive Director of the Dispute Resolution Center, for her very concise and timely presentation on Compassionate Communication on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Thank you also to the brave souls who braved the snow and slushy conditions to stay after church. There is clearly interest in this topic. If you were unable to attend the forum, you can find the presentation on the OUUC YouTube channel (link above in "Last Sunday's Events" section).
Action Hour Actions For This Week
Join us each week on Sunday between the worship services for in person Action Hour. Bring your Own Device if possible.
If you didn't make it this week you can still follow through on several of these actions.
We Need Help with Coffee and Treats on Sundays!
We need help with coffee crew for the last two Sundays of February. No one is signed up yet for first service and we are low for second service on 2/16 and 2/23. If you can help serve or clean the kitchen or bring treats to share, please sign up here or talk to Rev. Sara.
Community Dinner: Vegan Sloppy Joes
Thursday, February 6
5:30 pm
This week the Thursday Dinner menu will be Vegan Sloppy Joes. All are welcome for food and fellowship. If you can help cook, set up, or clean up let Rev. Sara know.
Thursday After-Dinner Events at 6:30 pm
New UU Class
This class is for everyone interested in becoming a member of OUUC or simply interested in learning more about OUUC.
We encourage you to attend as many of the sessions in person as possible, but if you cannot make a session you can catch up here.
Parent Group
Sit & Stitch
The Sewing Ministry will host a monthly Sit & Stitch on the first Thursday of each month. Bring your hand sewing, crocheting, knitting, cross stitch, embroidery, etc. to work on and enjoy company and conversation! Beginners welcome! At times, there may be quilts to bind, and we may offer workshops, depending on interest.
Tiny Little News Show
Want some of your church news by video? Try the Tiny Little News Show!
In this week's Tiny Little News learn about the UU Common Read and this week's events.
Ministry Programs
30 Days of Love 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.
HOPE MATTERS
Prayer Group
Saturday, February 15
10:30 am
“The urge to pray is universal. We know of no cultures, past or present, in which prayer does not occur. People pray when they are happy and sad, during celebrations and tragedies, at births and deaths, during peace and war, in cathedrals and cars, in poverty and plenty. Prayer, it seems, is in our blood.” (Larry Dossey)
Prayer can be a powerful tool in your own, individual spiritual life and the power of that practice is multiplied when shared with others. In the UU fashion, prayer may be spoken or silent and belief in god or any creed is not a requirement!
Upcoming Groups
Spiritual Care Drop-In
Saturday, February 15
11:30 am
with either Rev. Mary or Rev. Sara
All are welcome to this drop in time for sharing and support. Bring whatever is on your heart and affecting your spirit.
OUUC Book Group
Sunday, February 25
6:30 pm
The February 25th Book Group book is The Light Ages: The Surprising Story of Medieval Science by Seb Falk
(2020). To join the book group, contact Frances Tanaka.
UU Common Read: Authentic Selves Led by Rev. Sara Lewis
Wednesday, February 19 (weekly through March 12)
6:30 pm
Through interviews and photo portraits, the subjects of this book invite readers into their real lives–their revelations, challenges, joys, and networks of support. From the foreword by transgender activist Jazz Jennings and her mom and fellow activist, Jeanette Jennings, through the resources offered at the book’s end, this Common Read invites UU groups to explore the nature of living authentically and the ways connections among us help us thrive. Register here.
Black History Month at the Equity Library!
In celebration of Black History Month you will find these books and more in EQUITY LIBRARY, and available for an easy check-out…
*LITTLE LEADERS: bold black women in history
*LITTLE LEGENDS: exceptional black men in history
*HOW WE ARE SMART
*THE COLOR OF LOVE
*I’M A PRETTY LITTLE BLACK GIRL
*THE BOOK OF BLACK HEROS
*MARTIN LUTHER KING
*THE GREEN BOOK
EQUITY LIBRARY is located across from Rev. Mary’s office in the OUUC RE Wing, and open whenever OUUC is open.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendar now, the Travel that Inspires series, hosted by Emily Ray, returns to OUUC on four Friday evenings at 7 PM on March 21st through April 11th. The first presentation is
Riding the Rails to Bike Trails: Amtrak and Biking
Hear & see how Susan Southwick and Joe Joy planned their 800 mile trip by train and bike to four classic bike trails: the American River (Sacramento), Rio Grande (Glenwood Springs), Great Allegheny Gap and C&O (PA & MD), eastern Erie Canal (NY) bike trails.
Register for one meeting or the whole series here.
Quick Notes
Facilities Manager, Marie Arensmeyer, 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.
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.
Download the flyer below if you would like a list of OUUC events for February. Great for posting on your refrigerator!
In the Larger Community
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offering free tax preparation in Thurston County at seven sites in libraries, senior centers and nonprofit organizations starting in February through the end of tax season. You may make an appointment now by calling 360-347-6276 and leaving a message. Or you may make your own appointment online here.
Nominations Sought for Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) 2025 Peacemaker Award. Members of the community are encouraged to submit nominations for this award, which will be presented later this year at a special DRC event. 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.
About Us
Staff Contacts
Rev. Mary Gear, Minister
Rev. Sara Lewis, Director of Community and Faith Development
Troy Fisher, Music Director
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 and Thursday, 12-4 pm
Sunday, during services
360-634-2005