Announcement submission deadline: Mondays at Noon

Sunday at OUUC

Sunday Schedule

Worship: 9:00am (onsite) & 10:45am (onsite & online)

Reflection Group: 10:00am (onsite)

After-Service Forum: 12:15pm (onsite & online)

This Sunday, March 1, 2026

“The Danger of Paying Attention” with Rev. Mary Gear

Activist and author adrienne maree brown says “What we pay attention to grows.” We explore the depth and complexity of our monthly spiritual theme of “Paying Attention.”

After-Service Forum: Self Care and Community Care

Also happening:

Reflection Group at 10:00am (onsite)
Family Pancake Breakfast at 10:15am (onsite)
New UU Classes at 2:00pm (online)

View all upcoming services here

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.

Last Sunday, February 22, 2026

“Creative Resilience” with Rev. Liz Ullery Swenson

Watch last week's service on Youtube

After-Service Forum: Faith Formation as an Individual Journey with Rev. Sara

Watch the after service forum on Youtube

View all recent services here

OUUC News

Rooted in Love - Nurture all we love at OUUC

OUUC’s “Rooted in Love - Nurture all we love at OUUC” stewardship drive is off to a great start!

So far, we’ve had 61 pledges for a total of $260,321!

Pledge packets were mailed out to friends and members in early February. If you didn't receive one - or you did and maybe misplaced it - no worries! If your pledge packet hasn’t reached you yet, we’ll be in the commons with more copies after each service, and you can find all of the packet materials plus additional info including next year’s budget on the web by clicking here.

You’ll also find "Pledge Here" buttons on the web that will take you directly to where you can enter a pledge electronically.

Questions? Reach out to Kirsten Hill or Jen Sabel.

Alicia & Jason Martinelli, Anne Radford, Arlene Colerick, Barbara Carey, Bob & Sally Brennand, Brian & Fumiko Coyne, Chelsea Buchanan, Christine Parke & Steve Tilley, Connie Ruhl, Curt & Kirsten Hill, Dan Donahue, Darlene Sarkela, David & Sharon Love, Denys & Nancy Curtiss, Diana Finch, Diana Larsen-Mills, Dorothy Crichfield, Erik & Tiffany Felch, Frances Tanaka, Gail & Fritz Wrede, Harmon Eaton, Hearthorn Campbell, Janet Spencer, jasper llee, Jean Phillips, Jeff & Brenda Goates, Jenee Jenkins-Wolfram & Bruce Wolfram, Jennifer & John Sabel, Jerald & Susan Dodson, Jill & Bill Dole, Jo Ann & Mike Young, John & Mary Gear, John Cox & Rebecca Jewell, John Crutcher, Karin Landsberg, Karol Erickson, Kathy Boyajian, Kent & Maureen Canny, Leslie Romer, Linda Hart & Peter Teets, Marcia Killam-Nunn, Margo Curl, Marjorie Lindsay, Martha Guilfoyle & Des McGahern, Megan Johnston, Melanie & Tim Ransom, M'Elizabeth Maatta, Neil & Mary Marsh, Pam Toal, Polly Taylor, Richard Kalman, Ryan Baye, Sally Alhadeff, Sandra Niman, Schyler Raadt, Selden Hall & Cheryl Hanks, Shelley Ferer, Warren Dawes, Whitney Godby, Woosi Wildwood & LightFoot McBride.

Their pledges were so generously offered and so gratefully received.

Reimagining OUUC’s Fundraising

At a recent after services forum, the 3rd Board Forum in a series about growth, nearly 40 people met in person and online to hear about the Fundraising Policy adopted by the Board in January, and to talk about how growth affects OUUC’S “old” and “new” fundraisers. At the forum, board members introduced the policy and went through highlights, then attendees broke into smaller groups to discuss. To read more about the new policy that was adopted, ideas generated during the form, and ways to contribute your own ideas click here to read the full blog post.

Thank You for Donating Food

Thanks to all who brought food for immigrant families this month! We collected quite a lot and the food pantry was very grateful. They're stocked for now so we will wait and have another collection in a few months. In the meantime, look for other ways you can help our immigrant neighbors.

Steve Tilley on behalf of OUUC SWIFT.

OUUC Space Use Requests

At OUUC, our marvelous, mission-minded members are putting into practice our UU beliefs! 💛 From thoughtful talks to compassionate committees, from spirited singing to service projects, our spaces are happily humming with activity.

With so many generous volunteers stepping up and shining, our rooms are in high demand! To keep our calendar coordinated and confusion-free, we kindly ask that all individuals and groups planning to use OUUC space complete a Calendar, Room, and Equipment Reservation Form. You’ll find the form online under 'Forms' on the main page of the OUUC website or waiting for you at the front desk.

Let’s keep our shared spaces smooth and spirit-filled, thank you for helping us plan with purpose!

Coat Closet Clean-out

Marie will be cleaning out the coat closet at the end of the month. Please come claim your coats by March 1st.

Buildings and Grounds Shout-Out!

We'd like to thank various B&G volunteers for their recent behind-the-scenes work that has kept our church grounds looking so good through the winter and helped things in the building to run more smoothly:

Jerald Dodson and Joe Joy for removing soooo many leaves from our parking lot and for installing TV mounts into classroom walls;

Joe Joy for removing a tree that was perilously close to our fire hydrant and for taking a heavy load of glass from OUUC to recycling;

Bob Brennand for fixing the slider window in the OUUC office and researching replacement lighting for our parking lot and HVAC fixes to keep the Sanctuary comfortable;

Anita Thompson for trimming plants beside the front entrance and steps;

Lynne McDonald and Joe Joy for cleaning out weeds and cutting back bushes in the plot at the exit onto Division;

Jerald Dodson for fixing a broken table and repairing the transition flooring into the Sanctuary;

And Kent Canny and Jerald Dodson for installing hooks in the commons for hanging strings and lights.

These actions--and others like them--save OUUC thousands of dollars a year and make it possible to devote more of our pledges to things that more directly affect our staff, members, and community. If you'd like to join the B&G Team and help to keep OUUC's building and grounds in top shape and support the congregation, please reach out to Ian Stephan or Marie Arensmeyer so they can add you to the team's email list.

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 here.

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!

OUUC Book Nook – Shop to Feed Families!

Thank you for shopping at Book Nook, OUUC’s new online used bookstore, now open 24/7 on an ongoing basis for Olympia-area shoppers. Funds raised have been lovingly passed on to the Thurston County Food Bank. You can shop and pay securely online, then pick up your purchases at Susan Dodson’s home or OUUC. Please let your local friends and book groups know about this fun new way to support our local Food Bank. Questions? You’ll find lots of answers on the Book Nook FAQ page, or you can email Susan Dodson at books.ouuc@gmail.com to let her know you’d like a ‘tour of the store’.

Tiny Little News Show

In this week's Tiny Little News learn about a change to the policy about cups in the sanctuary and about upcoming events

Faith in Action Resources for this Week

Read and take action with the February 22, 2026 edition of our Weekly Action Digest, linked here. Find events and learning opportunities collected in the February issue our monthly Faith in Action Digest, linked here.

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! Order your shirt here.

This Week's OUUC Gatherings

Thursday Community Dinner & Activities

Thurs, Feb 26, 2026

OUUC

Dinner at 5:30pm

This week's community dinner is our 4th Annual Chili Cookoff. Bring a pot of chili to compete for prizes and bragging rights. All are welcome for food and fellowship at 5:30pm.

Activities at 6:30pm

OUUC Meditation Group
Kids Anti-Racism Class
Of Reel Importance Documentary and Discussion: Uncovering Boarding Schools

Nature Group: Woodard Bay

Sat, Feb 28, 10:00am

Woodard Bay Conservation Area

All ages are welcome to join the OUUC Nature Group for a stroll at the Woodard Bay trail. This is a flat and accessible trail. RSVP to Rev Sara at dcfd@ouuc.org.

OUUC visits a Black History Month Exhibit

Sat, Feb 28, 1:00pm

New Life Baptist Church

Join Rev. Mary to tour the pop-up Black History Month Exhibit at New Life Baptist Church on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 1:00pm.

Please email Rev. Mary at minister@ouuc.org if you plan to attend, so the organizers know how many of us to welcome.

Rev. Mary will meet you there. New Life Baptist Church is at 7838 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503.

If you'd like a ride, you can meet Rev. Mary at OUUC at 12:30pm; she has room for 2 others, so let her know you need a ride.

Drama Workshop with Janet Spencer

Sat, Feb 28, 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. Register here.

Sunday March 1 Activities

Sun, Mar 1, 2026

Reflection Group at 10:00am in the Youth Room

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.

Family Pancake Breakfast: NEW TIME at 10:15am in Classroom 3

We are moving our pancake breakfast to a new time, between worship services. All families and kids are invited to our first Sunday morning Family Pancake Breakfast. This is a chance to get to know other families at OUUC by gathering for pancakes in Classroom 3. We will be hosting the breakfast on the 1st Sunday of each month. Any questions contact our RE Assistant, Anissa Bentlemsani

New UU Class at 2:00pm Online

This winter our New UU class (the requirement for membership at OUUC) will be on Zoom Sundays 2-3:30pm. The class on 3/1 will be about Membership and Stewardship at OUUC, with Rev Mary. Learn more and register here. Interested by can't make Sundays? Our class will begin again on Thursday evenings starting April 9th

Death Cafe

Mon, Mar 2, 4:30pm

Classroom 3

Join Jenee Wolfram for a group-led, open conversation about all things death and dying in a safe, confidential, and judgment-free space. Come share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences around death. All are welcome. Cake will be served! Death Cafes are intended to be discussion groups rather than grief support/counseling.

Upcoming OUUC Gatherings

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

Sit and Stitch

Tues, Mar 3, 6:30pm

Youth Room

All are welcome to join members of the sewing ministry for a sewing circle on the first Tuesday of each month. Bring your knitting, sewing, embroidery, or other hand work and join us for time to sit, stitch (and chat) together.

UU Common Read: Social Change Now Workshop

Sat, March 14, 10:00am

OUUC

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. Register Here.

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

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 and register by clicking here.

Travel that Changes Hearts and Transforms Lives

Tues, April 21, 7:00pm

OUUC

The popular class is unfolding again, in 2026. Begun decades ago by OUUC member Billie Williams, the “travel series” offers vicarious adventures through the experiences of your fellow OUUC members. The slideshow presentations are meant to be more than a satisfying travelog; expect some introspection about the impact of these journeys on the presenters’ worldview and values. Learn more and sign up here.

Save the date for OUUC’s Annual Auction!

Sat, May 16, 2026

ASHHO Cultural Community Center

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.

Community Connections

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.

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.

Civic Engagement Training

Fri, Feb 25, 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 25 and a special "Sine Die" celebration on March 13.

Service of Lament!

Wed, Feb 25, 6:00pm

Westminster Presbyterian Church

If you feel like you are carrying the collective weight of everything that is going on in the world, you are not alone. Scripture is filled with stories of people bringing their concerns, burdens, and laments to God, knowing that God hears all of our prayers. If you feel like you need to bring your burdens to God, join us for a Service of Lament at Westminster Presbyterian on Wednesday, February 25, at 6:00 pm. We will have liturgy, music, and a chance for us to name what it is we are carrying.

The Woodlands: Monthly Trans & Nonbinary Gathering

Sun, Mar 1, 1:00pm

Online

We are excited to highlight The Woodlands, a UUA-sponsored monthly online gathering designed as pastoral care and spiritual grounding for trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people of all ages, as well as their parents, caregivers, and chosen family. Each session includes a shared grounding message, small-group breakout spaces tailored to different communities within the circle, and time for meaningful connection, celebration, and support. Register here.

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. Register here.