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Sunday, February 15, 2026:
“Congregational Resilience” with Rev. Mary Gear
Today we explore the spiritual theme of “Embodying Resilience” by reflecting on congregational life and how we are together.
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After-Service Forum:
We Are Growing, Now What? Pt. 3 with the Board of Trustees
Future Fundraisers at OUUC: A new Fundraising Policy has recently been adopted by the Board. On Sunday, February 15 at 12:15 pm, the members of the Board will host the 3rd forum in a series called “We Are Growing, Now What?” The focus this time is about how growth affects OUUC’s fundraising and to introduce the new policy. Future new fundraisers as well as long-standing traditions such as the Books Brownies and Beans sale come under the new policy. It is posted here: Bylaws and Policies. How might BB&B and other fundraisers be affected? Come to the forum next Sunday to learn more.
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Join Us Online!
Worship at 10:45am & After-Service Forum at 12:15pm
Join on Zoom
Interact with the community and access live captions.
Meeting ID 873 210 124 | Passcode 2306
Watch on Youtube
View the live stream or watch anytime after.
Join by Phone
Dial +1 (253) 205-0468 to listen to the service audio-only.
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Important Community Updates | | Hearing Aid Found at OUUC | |
This green Phonak hearing aid was found on the walkway in front of the OUUC Commons two weekends ago. Please contact Anita Thompson or the office if this is your lost hearing aid.
| | | Office and Building Closures | The OUUC Office will be closed Monday, February 16 2026 for Presidents Day. | | | Food Drive for Immigrant Families | |
For the rest of February, OUUC SWIFT will collect food for immigrant families who fear being detained if they go the store. This is a repeat of the food drive we did in November. We will deliver our collections to a local church which maintains a food pantry for immigrant families. Please put your donations in the collection boxes in the OUUC Commons.
FOODS NEEDED: Masa (10 lb bag), Oil (1 qt or less), Canned fruit (14 oz.), Canned beans (14 oz), Canned corn (14 oz), Angel Hair pasta, Shelf-stable tortillas, Tostadas, Top Ramen, onions, potatoes.
We also need help transporting the food to a local church. If you're available one or more times in February, please contact Steve Tilley, OUUC SWIFT (Siding With Immigrant Families Together)
| | | Please Pause Before Pitching that Envelope! | To our wonderful OUUC volunteers, just a quick note about reimbursements for items you so generously picked up for the church. Mailed reimbursement checks will arrive from Peak Credit Union — not from OUUC. That means it may look plain, puzzling, or positively poised for recycling at first glance. But before you pitch, purge, or promptly recycle that envelope, please pause and peek inside. Your check is hiding in there, patiently waiting to be cashed! Of course, if you prefer to pick up a reimbursement check at church, that's always an option, and Ian or Victoria can have that ready for you in the office. Thanks for your thoughtfulness, time, and tireless teamwork — we’re so grateful for all you do! | | | Who’d Like to Make a Warm Window? | |
From 2011 to 2019, OUUC’s Warm Window Project conducted 21 workshops to help 48 households build 232 interior storm windows. The project was proposed by the OUUC Green Sanctuary Committee (now the Environmental Action Team) and obtained initial financing from a special Share the Plate collection. The materials and tools are stored in the basement and in reasonable condition, and there is still $1000 in the budget. It would be great if someone took the reins and led workshops next fall as the weather cools. Workshops were usually conducted twice a month from September to February in the Commons or RE Classrooms.
These simple interior storm windows are easy to make and easy to install. The windows are made of 1”x2” pine wood frames covered on both sides with heavy, clear shrink-wrap and weather-stripping along all edges. The windows are custom-built to dimensions supplied by the workshop participant. The window film is clear and UV-resistant. The windows prevent condensation, cold air infiltration, and heat loss. Workshops are conducted to assist participants in building their own windows for a nominal fee or free.
If you are interested in participating or helping lead this project, contact Joe Joy at joejoy2@comcast.net
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| | Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed | Our coffee hours are only possible through the help of volunteers who make the coffee, set everything up, and wash the dishes after. Please sign up to help by clicking here! |
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The Pastoral Care Team members serve as an extension of Rev. Mary's care of the congregation, which is especially important and needed as we grow. Rev. Mary invites team members based on their professional and life experience, as well as their caring heart and presence. The team members also continue their learning and growth together as they serve.
Ours is a ministry of loving presence, as we listen to the words that need to be spoken. We provide short or long term social/emotional, one-to-one care to members and friends. We work as a team, with a lead member assigned to each request to ensure consistency and coordination.
We also offer two support groups, one for those who are grieving or caregiving and one for those who are living with chronic illness.
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 at pastoralcare@ouuc.org, and a team member will get back to you shortly to see how they can be of service.
Your Pastoral Care Team members are: Debra Dohrmann, Susan Joy, Bobbe Murray, Polly Taylor, James Forest.
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| | Winter Weather Building Closure Procedures | Here's what to expect for building closures in the event of winter weather this season. On weekdays, if Olympia School District closes, we close too. We may also close when overnight freezing is forecasted, even if schools stay open. Please let church staff know if you notice severe weather developing in your area or in the forecast. For Sunday services, we check the forecast on Saturday and decide. If we close due to weather, we'll hold one online-only service at 10:45 AM via Zoom. Check your email, our website, and social media for closure announcements, and stay safe! |
| | Bags to Benches: Plastics Challenge | Turn your plastic waste into a NexTrex bench! OUUC is participating in the NexTrex Challenge to divert plastic film from landfills and transform it into NexTrex composite decking, and win a NexTrex park bench. Drop your clean plastic bags (grocery, bread, dry cleaning, ice, cereal, ziplock and produce), bubble wrap, plastic shipping envelopes, overwraps from paper towels, and newspaper sleeves in the large collection box in the back hallway. Our volunteers will transport collected plastic to become durable Trex decking. Every bag you bring helps keep plastic out of our water ways! |
| | The Parking Lot is Getting Full! | We have had rising attendance at our Sunday worship services and so we're facing a new challenge with having enough parking spots. It's a good challenge to have! If you are able, please help us remain welcoming with available parking. Carpool, ride the #41 bus, bike, or walk to church if you can! Click here to see more about transit to OUUC. | | | | | |
In this week's Tiny Little News, learn about the Soul Matters small group ministry program and the upcoming events at OUUC | | | | |
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Cottage Meetings
Fri, Feb 15, 1:30pm
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The Stewardship Team invites members and friends of OUUC to share stories, build connections, and celebrate our community together at Cottage Meetings this month and next. We'll gather mostly in the homes of fellow congregation members, with some meetings at OUUC, for refreshments and meaningful conversations about what OUUC means to each of us and the future we envision for our beloved congregation.
There is one more meeting, lasting approximately 1.5 hours. We would love to see you!
Use the "Sign Up Here" button above to find a cottage meeting that works for you. You can also contact Sharon Love for help signing up.
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Community Dinner: Stewardship Takeover
Thurs, Feb 12, 5:30pm
OUUC
| This week's community dinner menu will be casseroles. All are welcome for food and fellowship at 5:30pm at our weekly Thursday community dinners. | | | |
Drop In Soul Matters Group
Thurs, Feb 12, 6:30pm
OUUC
| All are welcome to the monthly drop in Soul Matters group, a space for sharing and reflection on the spiritual theme of the month. The theme for February is Embodying Resilience. You can pick up a Soul Matters packet in the Commons. | | | |
Growing Anti-Racist Kids: for ages 5-10
Thurs, Feb 12, 6:30pm
OUUC
| The important goal of the curriculum is for children to respect and value difference in skin shades while recognizing the need to promote love and justice for all. The first lessons proceed from self-awareness, family differences, friendships at school and in neighborhoods, church beliefs around respect and diversity, recognition of one’s community, and of the world. Each lesson connects to UU values, in a language for children’s understanding. Ultimately, we aim to help children to recognize that persons have far more qualities than their appearances, that the possibilities of truly knowing, or knowing about them, far exceeds looking at them or at their pictures. | | | |
Game Night
Thurs, Feb 12, 6:30pm
OUUC
| All ages are invited for our monthly game night following the community dinner on Thursday. We will have some games and cards--bring any games you'd like to share as well. | | | |
Combining Our Book Discussion Groups: Hope and Chaos
Thurs, Feb 12, 6:30pm
OUUC
| We are combining our Active Hope and Chaotic Climate book groups into one onsite book group called Hope & Chaos! Join Rev. Mary Gear and Rev. Sara Lewis in-person on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30pm as we reflect on the Work that Reconnects (Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone) and the 10 Steps of Good Grief (How to Live in a Chaotic Climate by LaUra Schmidt). All are welcome. | | | |
OUUC Book Group
Thurs, Feb 12, 6:30pm
OUUC
| All are welcome at the monthly OUUC Book Group. The book for our February 12th meeting is The House at Riverton by Kate Morton. | | | |
Drama Workshop- With Janet Spencer
Sat, Feb 14, 1:00pm
OUUC
| Registration is reopened for the Drama Workshop/Theatre Games class. We meet on Saturdays from 1:00 to 2:30 in the youth room at OUUC. Come have fun doing acting exercises and reading plays aloud. No experience necessary. For adults young and old. | | | | |
Reflection Group
Every Sunday, 10:00am
OUUC Youth Room
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We have restarted the post Sunday service conversations of sermon reflection and fellowship. Following first service pick up your beverage and join us in the Youth Room for our small group follow up. We hope you will join us!
Questions? Check with Curt Hill, Lee Doyle, Nancy Curtiss or Chloe Meyer
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New UU: How We Put Our Faith into Action
Sun, Feb 15, 2:00pm
Online Only
| This winter our New UU class (the requirement for membership at OUUC) will be on Zoom Sundays 2-3:30pm. The class on 2/15 will be about How We Put Our Faith Into Action OUUC, with Rev. Sara. Interested by can't make Sundays? Our class will begin again on Thursday evenings starting April 9th | | | | |
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Nia Dance
Every Tuesday at 9:00am
OUUC
| Love to dance? Interested in feeling better through fitness based in joy? Join us every Tuesday from 9-10 a.m. this winter in classrooms 3 & 4 for Nia dance. Nia is a blend of the healing arts, dance arts, and martial arts. With choreography based in the anatomy and a strong FreeDance component, it’s a unique mix of science and spirit. Most of all, it’s just fun! Wear comfortable workout clothing, bring a water bottle, and optional yoga mat. You can dance in shoes or barefoot. Cost: Donation. Contact instructor for more at kristy.woodford@proton.me or 360.508.2800 | | | |
4th Annual Chili Cookoff
Thurs, Feb 26, 5:30pm
OUUC
| Dust off your recipes! Our 4th Annual competitive Chili Cookoff will be on Thurs 2/26. We will have voting and prizes for two categories: vegetarian and meat. Let Rev Sara know if you plan to bring a pot of chili. | | | |
UU Common Read: Social Change Now Workshop
Sat, March 14, 10:00am
OUUC
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Join Rev. Sara for a one day workshop (with lunch provided) to explore the ecosystem of social change makers model and how it can inform our work to change the world.
The UU Common Read for Deepa Iyer’s Social Change Now! offers Unitarian Universalists a path to growing more authentic, connected, and effective as individuals and communities pursuing the social justice missions we share.
Whatever the social justice priorities of your particular congregation, at its core, Unitarian Universalism embodies transformation. All of us who covenant to be together are engaged with making the world a better place. As humanists, we take responsibility as agents of transformation to make it so. This Common Read guides us to apply the teachings and practices of Social Change Now to activate, re-invigorate, and support social justice projects throughout our movement and all our common work for change.
Copies of the book are available at OUUC or you can order one from the UUA bookstore.
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Monthly Chronic Illness Support Group
Wed, Mar 18, 5:00pm
Online
| This group will be a space for sharing and support for anyone coping with chronic illness or disability, facilitated by Rev Sara and members of the pastoral care team. We will meet on zoom on the 3rd Wed of each month, 5pm. Email Rev Sara at dcfd@ouuc.org with questions. There is an optional book to accompany this group, Tend to Your Spirit: Mindful Living with Chronic Illness, by Julianne Lepp and Florence Caplow, available in the Commons or you can order one from the UUA bookstore. | | | |
Tao of Gender
Thurs, March 26, 6:30pm
OUUC
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In person on Thursday nights... We’ll use today’s language of gender to explore Taoist ideas, not as fixed truths, but as symbols that spark reflection in our hearts and minds. While the 2002 book The Tao of Gender serves as an anchor, we recognize it as one Western perspective. To honor the tradition and de-center whiteness, we invite this text into conversation with scholars and practitioners from China and Thailand. There is no homework.
Class instructor: Schyler P. Raad, is a nonbinary educator and lifelong learner with experience facilitating dialogue-based classes. Learn more about the Tao of Gender class by clicking here.
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Save the date for OUUC’s Annual Auction!
Sat, May 16, 2026
ASHHO Cultural Community Center
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Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 16, 2026 for the OUUC annual auction! All are invited to the live auction and dinner. We are thrilled to return to ASHHO Cultural Community Center in Tumwater for the live auction again this year.
Can’t attend the live event? The online auction will begin the week before the live auction and close May 17.
The auction is a terrific way to make meaningful connections, strengthen our community resources, and have fun. Want to help? All sorts of roles are needed in the planning process and event—procurement, tech assistance with the auction system, and more. Email Jason.OUUCauction.@gmail.com if interested.
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Faith in Action Opportunities & Resources | |
February Faith in Action Digest
This month's trainings, resources, and action opportunities; everything you need to show up for our community!
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Faith in Action:
Week of Feb 8, 2026
Quick ways to make a difference: petitions to sign, calls to make, comments to submit. Do one or do them all, every action counts.
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OUUC Side with Love Shirt
Get ready to represent OUUC and Side with Love at gatherings and justice events by ordering your yellow T-Shirt ahead of time!
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Olympia Peace Vigil
Every Friday, 4:30pm
Fourth & Water Street, Downtown Olympia
Please join Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) every Friday in a friendly Peace Vigil for whatever length of time you can. Olympia FOR’s Friday Vigils have been occurring for decades and are now joined by other groups including The Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice and peaceful individuals who continue to advocate and stand together for peace, a permanent ceasefire, an arms embargo, and justice for Palestine. Peace signs are provided.
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Accompaniment Volunteer Training
Wed, Feb 18, 6:00pm
Online
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Become an Accompaniment Volunteer with us to support immigrants as they navigate the immigration system. Join our upcoming virtual training (in English) where volunteers will learn to provide support through immigration court appointments while gaining a deeper understanding of the impact immigration systems have on our communities. Bilingual volunteers are especially encouraged to join, though not required. Languages currently needed include Spanish, Mam, Portuguese, and Q’anjob’al.
You can find the registration for this and more events at the button above labeled "Register Here".
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Black History Month Events
Throughout February
New Life Baptist Church in Lacey
| This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the observance of Black History Month and the New Life Baptist Church is once again providing a month of activities. The highlight of our February month is the Pop-Up Black History Museum which opens Saturday, February 7th at noon until 4:00 PM and will be open to the public every Saturday thereafter from 12:00 PM until 4:00 PM during the month and Sundays 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM following church service. A Genealogy Workshop will take place on Saturday, February 7th from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the LDS Church’s Cultural Center in Olympia, our partner in this activity. All are welcome. Educational Field Trips are available the weeks of February 9th to 20th for middle and high school students and Groups/Organizations are welcome to tour the museum from February 23rd to the 27th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Youth Activities will be featured at the church for 1st – 12th grade students on Saturday, February 14th and February 21st from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. | | | |
UU Day at the Legislature!
Thurs, Feb 12, 8:30am
110 11th Ave SE, Olympia
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Each year the Faith Action Network (FAN) gathers at the Capital to remind political leaders that there are faith communities leading the work for justice and fairness in the world. This year the JUUstice Washington UU State Action Network is working with FAN, urging UUs from across the state to come to demonstrate our commitment to our values.
There will be issue-related information sessions offered via zoom the weeks prior to Feb. 12th, then time together in the morning before we divide up to talk to our district representatives. During your time with your rep. you can talk about the issues you see as most imperative, driven by the work you are doing in your congregation.
We will have a UU table where you can come to meet UUs from around the state over coffee or lunch.
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Civic Engagement Training
Fri, Feb 13, 4:00pm
Olympia Timberland Library
| What social, political, or environmental issues do you care deeply about? Do you know how our state government is addressing these issues in the 2026 Legislative Session, and how you can add your voice to the conversation? Join the Office of the Secretary of State for Civic Engagement Office Hours, a nonpartisan initiative to support civic participation and demystify the legislative process in WA state. Drop in to the Library every 2nd and 4th Friday during the legislative session to visit with staff who can connect your interests to civic engagement opportunities this session. Learn how to use the state’s numerous digital tools to track the bills being introduced and participate in the public debate on these bills. Upcoming session dates are Feb 13 & Feb 25, with a special "Sine Die" celebration on March 13. | | | |
Walk in Their Shoes with Our Ark
Feb 14 & 15, 12:00pm
Capitol Lake
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Our Ark, a nonprofit providing supportive services, housing, and hope for homeless youth and young adults, is facing a funding freeze that could leave hundreds of young people without access to case management, peer mentoring, and other vital resources.
Join Our Ark for their Walk A Night In Their Shoes fundraising event to raise awareness and critical funds. The walk starts at approximately 12:00pm from the parking lot on the right side of Capitol Lake, circles the lake, and continues up to the top of the trail.
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Love At The Center:
Reimagining the World As It Could Be
30 Days of Love
Through Feb 16, 2026
Online
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At a time when fear, violence, and extraction dominate our politics and our planet, we practice another way. We believe love is not fragile; it is fierce. It grounds our organizing, fuels our imagination, and sustains our communities.
Over five weeks, we will move through a journey from imagination to action, rooting our freedom dreams in faith and bringing them to life in our world. Each week, we will have a written reflection from Side With Love staff; a conversation with a UU theologian; a multi-generational family activity; reflection questions for journaling; a meditative body practice; and a coloring sheet connected to the weekly theme. Our weekly themes will be Reimagining Thriving, Grounding in Context, Mobilizing Action, Nurturing Community, and Exploring Possibilities. Use the button above to receive an email and/or a text when 30 Days of Love 2026 weekly content is available!
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Love At The Center:
Reimagining the World As It Could Be
30 Days of Love
Sat, Feb 21, 12:30pm
OUUC
| The truth is we are all experiencing grief 💙 We gather in community grief ritual to reclaim something all of our ancestors knew: We must grieve together 🫂 Join us for a day of connection, support, and healing. All people are welcome. All griefs are welcome.❤️🩹You do not carry this alone🌲$: Pay what you can ⚠️ Space is limited | | | |
Aiming for Allyship Training
Mar 12 - May 7, 4:00pm
Online
| Aiming for Allyship is a 12-hour multiracial intersectional antiracism training occurring on four Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 7:00pm. Important note: We have separate registration forms to be able to easily assess and be intentional about the balance of BIPOC and White participants in the course. Please be sure to complete the appropriate form. | | | | |
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Click the image below to download a copy of the monthly events flyer. | | | | |
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Rev. Mary Gear,
Minister
Minister@ouuc.org | ext. 101
Rev. Sara Lewis,
Director of Community
and Faith Development
DCFD@ouuc.org | ext. 102
Troy Fisher,
Music Director
Musicdirector@ouuc.org
Ian Stephan,
Office and Facilities Manager
OfficeManager@ouuc.org | ext. 103
Victoria Ridgway,
Office Assistant
Office@ouuc.org | ext. 100
Chloe Meyer,
Member Engagement Specialist
MemberEngagement@ouuc.org | ext.104
Marie Arensmeyer,
Sexton
Sexton@ouuc.org | ext. 105
Anissa Bentlemsani,
Religious Education Assistant
REassistant@ouuc.org
Teresa Madsen,
Tech Coordinator
TechCoordinator@ouuc.org | ext. 106
Carbon Marshall,
Tech Specialist
TechSpecialist@ouuc.org
Isaac Ezra Jennings,
Finance Manager
FinanceManager@ouuc.org
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Sunday Worship:
9:00am (in-person only)
10:45am (in-person and online)
Office Hours:
Mondays 10:00am - 2:00pm
Tuesdays 10:00am - 2:00pm
Wednesdays 10:00am - 2:00pm
Sundays 8:00am - 2:00pm
Phone: (360) 634-2005
Address:
2306 East End St NW
Olympia, WA 98502
Find us on the web:
Website: OUUC.org
Facebook: @OlyUUC
Instagram: @OlyUUC
YouTube: @OlyUUC
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