Announcement deadline: Monday | | | | |
Sunday Worship November 16th | |
“The First Step is Gratitude” with Rev. Mary Gear
We explore the monthly spiritual practice of 'Nurturing Gratitude'. How do we use gratitude as a basis for resilience and resistance in challenging times?
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After-Service Forum:
Skill-Builder: Active Listening and Holding Space with Rev. Sara
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Sunday Worship:
“Gratitude for the Mystery” with Rev. Kathryn Bert
It is human nature to fear the unknown. The world provides us with plenty of uncertainties and even chaos these days. But what if we were to embrace the uncertainty and express gratitude for the mystery? How might that change us and the world?
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After-Service Forum:
Classism Part 3--UU Class Conversations with the Social Justice Team
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Important Community Updates | | Food Drive For Immigrant Neighbors | |
For the whole month of November, members of OUUC will collect culturally appropriate foods, showing our commitment to our neighbors. Many immigrant families have fear about leaving their homes, afraid they may be detained unexpectedly. In solidarity and support, we are working with local churches to collect food that we will then deliver to homes when the risk of grocery shopping feels too great. Please bring donations to the OUUC lobby where there will be collection boxes.
Here is what is needed:
Maseca (Corn masa flour); beans; lentils; rice; oil; staple vegetables such as potatoes, onions, and chilies; canned vegetables; Pozole (hominy); canned chili; canned meat (especially chicken)
Questions? Talk with Steve Tilly, Nancy Reid-McKee, Naki Stevens, Jenee Wolfram, Leah Kosik
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Beginning November 1st, OUUC is participating in the NexTrex Challenge. We will be collecting plastic film in the large box in the back hallway. Plastic films allowed are grocery, bread, dry cleaning, ice, cereal, ziplock and produce bags. Also included are bubble wrap, plastic shipping envelopes, overwraps from paper towels, and newspaper sleeves. Volunteers will be transporting the plastic collected to the Food Bank Warehouse where they will be sorted and continue on to the Trex Company who will use them in their composite decking. Thank you for helping us get plastic out of the waste stream and turning it into useful products.
| | | Beware of scams via email and text | |
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.
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In the Tiny Little News this week learn about the Social Justice Team and the events of this week. | | | | |
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Love at the Center Discussion Group
Wed, Nov 12th, 7:00 PM
OUUC
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It's not too late to join the Love at the Center Reflection Group! We will be discussing essays 7-9 in November.
In these pages, you’ll find personal testimony to love’s power, reminders of the centrality of love throughout the long histories of Universalism and Unitarianism, and theologies of love drawn from many different expressions of Unitarian Universalism—from the natural world to the justice rally, to a loved one’s deathbed, to the quiet moment before a worship service begins. May Love at the Center serve as an invitation to deepen your own understanding and practices of love.
Our group will meet monthly to discuss three essays from the book each month.
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Community Dinner: Chicken Soup for the Soul
Thurs, Nov 13th, 5:30 PM
OUUC
| This week's dinner theme will be Chicken Soup for the Soul. All are welcome for food and fellowship at 5:30pm PM at our weekly community dinner on Thursdays. If you can volunteer to help cook starting at 3:30 PM or set up tables at 4:30 PM, or clean up after at 6:30 PM, we are getting a bit more formal with a Sign-up Genius so we know who is going to be able to help with dinners. If you can help, please sign up. | | | |
Game Night!
Thurs, Nov 13th, 6:30 PM
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. | | | | |
Chaotic Climate Reflection Group
Thurs, Nov 13th, 6:30 PM
OUUC
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Chaotic Climate Reflection Group, facilitated by Rev. Mary Gear and Rev. Sara Lewis.
This group meets monthly to reflect on the 10 Steps of Good Grief, based on the book How to Live In a Chaotic Climate by LaUra Schmidt.
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OUUC Book Group
Thurs, Nov 13th, 6:30 PM
OUUC
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The OUUC Book Group will be discussing Orson Scott Card's science fiction novel Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus at OUUC and online after Community Dinner on November 13th. The book centers around a group of futuristic researchers using technology to look back through time to understand Christopher Columbus's fascination with a sea route to Asia across the Atlantic. In the course of their studies, they discover an unexpected twist that leads them through a journey of time and space to try to save all of humanity.
For fans of alternate history, the novel offers a compelling "what if" scenario that re-imagines one of the most pivotal moments in world history, creating a thought-provoking alternate timeline. Blending science fiction with historical fact, the novel presents a detailed and sympathetic portrayal of Christopher Columbus, inviting readers to reconsider a complex historical figure. It explores the events surrounding his voyages in depth while imagining different outcomes. At its core, the book is a meditation on redemption, morality, and whether humanity's destiny can be changed. It asks difficult questions about responsibility, fate, and the true meaning of "progress".
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B&G Tree-Hole Digging Event
Sat, Nov 15th, 9:00 AM
OUUC
| B&G is digging holes and planting trees from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Saturday, Nov. 15th, on site. Anyone who wants to help should come and do so—and bring gloves and digging tools! | | | | |
Sewing Ministry
Sat, Nov 15th, 12:30 PM
OUUC
| The Sewing Ministry will meet from 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM on Saturday, November 15th in the Commons. If you like to sew, enjoy participating in group projects, and want to support members of our community who would benefit from a warm hug (a lap quilt), please join us! Please contact Wendy Tanner for additional information. | | | | |
Realm Clinic
Sun, Nov 16th, 12:15 PM
OUUC
| Join us on Sunday November 16th from 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM with your personal electronic devices to ask questions or become more comfortable with using Realm. Please contact Chloe Meyer (memberengagement@ouuc.org) for more information. | | | |
New UU Class
Sun, Nov 16th, 2:00 PM
OUUC
| Are you wanting to know more about OUUC or UUism or interested in becoming a member of OUUC? Our New UU class will be offered on Sundays from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. This week we have our final class of this series, a Q&A with Rev. Mary and Rev. Sara. | | | | |
Resistance Lab: Strengthening Democracy Together
Mon, Nov 17th, 6:15 PM
OUUC
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Are you concerned about the direction our country is going? And do you want to work together with other OUUC members to strengthen democracy and identify ways to resist the growing authoritarianism? All are welcome to join members of the Environmental Action and Faith in Action Teams as we learn from Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal's Resistance Lab—a three-session training on how non-violent movements have successfully resisted authoritarianism worldwide. We will meet on Mondays, November 17th, December 8th, and January 5th.
In these sessions, we'll understand how democracies fall and what makes resistance movements effective. We'll learn tools and tactics used globally to defend democratic principles and then turn anger and fear into concrete action by developing our own resistance strategies. Most importantly, we'll build community with others committed to protecting democracy.
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Faith in Action This Week (Nov. 9th)
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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Active Hope Reflection Group
Tues, Nov 18th*, 6:30 PM
OUUC
| *New date in November!
Active Hope Reflection Group, facilitated by Rev. Mary Gear and Rev. Sara Lewis. This group meets each month to reflect on the Work that Reconnects, based on the book Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. | | | |
UPLIFT: Trans Day of Remembrance Services (for trans & non-binary kin only)
Thurs, Nov 20th, 6:30 PM
Zoom
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Join the UUA on November 20th for our Transgender Day of Remembrance service. This year has been especially difficult for our trans and nonbinary communities. We’re holding this observance for trans people, by trans people—a sacred space for remembrance, grief, and connection within our own community. In recognition of the deep need for care and sanctuary this year, the service will remain open for trans and non-binary kin. Opportunities for allies to honor Trans Day of Remembrance will be offered through other UUA departments.
Two service times are available: 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM PST. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link for your chosen time.
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Drop In Soul Matters Group
Thurs, Nov 20th, 6:30 PM
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 November is Nurturing Gratitude. | | | | |
Nature Group at Kennedy Creek
Sat, Nov 22nd, 10:00 AM
Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail
| All ages are welcome to join Rev. Sara and Anissa for our monthly nature group outing, this time to Kennedy Creek to view the salmon. RSVP to Rev. Sara at dcfd@ouuc.org | | | |
Gen XYZ Friendsgiving
Sat Nov 22nd, 4:00 PM
OUUC
| November’s Gen XYZ lunch on November 16th is canceled; come to Friendsgiving instead!! Friendsgiving will be a potluck coordinated by Kedo Baye and Rebecca Jewell. Click the button above to sign up to bring an item or help with set up, tear down, and/or dishes. If this is a barrier for you, please just come and enjoy food and fellowship, no questions asked. If you need help signing up or have questions, contact Kedo Baye. | | | |
Thanksgiving Potluck
Thurs, Nov 27th, 2:00 PM
OUUC
| All are invited to join us for our annual Thanksgiving Potluck on November 27th at 2:00 PM. Please RSVP with the button above! This will be in lieu of our regularly scheduled Thursday community dinner and evening activities for the fourth week of November. | | | |
Compassion Meditation Series
Tues, Nov 25th, 7:15 PM
OUUC
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Your are warmly invited to partake in Interfaith Works' Fall Meditation Series which will take place at OUUC the last Tuesdays of October and November. The Compassion Meditation practice is offered to members of Interfaith Works-affiliated faith communities and organizations; it was developed in response to the City of Olympia’s ceasefire statement in support of ending the violence in Palestine and Israel. While we continue to focus on compassion for the Middle East, we also recognize the many places in the world where there is hardship and adversity.
Compassion is a core human value around which we hold the struggles in the world. In this practice, we focus on receiving compassion for ourselves and extending compassion to all who suffer in the world—the oppressed and the oppressors, to all beings, and to our Mother Earth—as each participant is so moved, by sitting together in sacred silence.
The gatherings will occur at 7:15 PM - 8:30 PM on November 25th, with meditation beginning at 7:30 PM.
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Adult Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education Fall Workshop Series
Sat, Dec 6th, 11:00 AM
OUUC
| The Our Whole Lives program offers age-appropriate, comprehensive, values-based sexuality education and is a beloved program in UU congregations. The second session of our two-day Adult OWL fall workshop series, Our Whole Lives 102, will be held on December 6th from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Contact Rev. Sara at dcfd@ouuc.org with any questions. | | | | |
The opportunity of the week is The Social Justice Team!
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The purpose and mission of OUUC’s Social Justice Team is to affirm and emphasize the ways in which we are interconnected in order to promote justice and combat racial, economic, and other types of disparities in our community.
We will strive toward this goal by informing the congregation and others of like mind about social justice issues and activities; connecting social justice activists to each other, to allies, and to institutional support; and demonstrating and encouraging behaviors that engage and welcome all.
The Social Justice teams meets monthly on Zoom and currently is emphasizing work on the causes and effects of classism in our community through forums and other means. If you would like to add your interests and skills to our efforts, please contact Anne Hundley (206) 794-3808 or Tim Ransom (360) 790-9188.
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November 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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November Volunteer Newsletter
All volunteers are encouraged to check out the latest resources and news for volunteers in our November Volunteer Newsletter.
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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.
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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
Fri, Nov 14th, 4:30 PM
4th & Water Street, Downtown Olympia
Join The Rachel Corrie Foundation at their weekly Olympia peace vigil on Friday from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM at Percival Landing as they 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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Together We Remember: Honoring Trans Live Lost
Thurs, Nov 20th, 7:00 PM
1601 North Street SE, Olympia
| Join us at The Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd in honoring the lives lost to violence against our transgender community members. Together we can create resiliency and promote understanding by creating a safer world for all individuals regardless of their gender identity. Rev. Mary will be speaking. Facilitated by Concerned Clergy of Olympia, The Olympia Free Clinic, League of Women Voters of Thurston County, and PFLAG Olympia. | | | |
Resetting Our Sacred Table
Sun, Nov 23rd, 2:00 PM
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
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Interfaith Works invites you to our free and family friendly annual autumnal celebration of community, culture, and music featuring OUUC musicians. This gathering continues to grow and evolve as we celebrate community through music, food, and storytelling, deepening our awareness, connection, and engagement with regional Tribal history and culture.
This year invites us into a new experience centered on connection and conversation rather than presentations. Together, we will explore our guiding values and how they can help us meet the challenges of our time. In a moment when deep listening is itself a form of peacebuilding, this evening offers space to practice that art. Through two interactive sessions, participants will share, listen, and learn from one another in a spirit of respect and genuine encounter.
A community potluck will follow. Seating is limited, so please RSVP to reserve your place at the table.
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WhaleCoast Alaska: A More Authentic Travel Experience
Summer 2026
| Two unique, exciting fundraising tours organized by four Alaska UU congregations are being offered again next summer by WhaleCoast Alaska. Experience majestic scenery, wildlife, Denali National Park, Alaska Native culture, glaciers, and UU homestays. For 32 years, WhaleCoast Alaska tours have been the BEST way to visit Alaska. Register now for this amazing experience! Questions: info@whalecoastak.org | | | | |
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Sunday Worship:
9:00 am (in-person only)
10:45 am (in-person and online)
Office Hours:
Mondays 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Tuesdays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesdays 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Thursdays 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sundays 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
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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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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