Announcement deadline: Mondays | | | | |
Sunday Worship October 26th | |
“The Wild in Us” with Rev. Mary Gear
This Halloween season, we explore why we want to stay connected to the wild. What does it mean that we humans are part of the animal kingdom? How does that affect our being in the world and our spirituality?
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After-Service Forum: Geoff Willard from Wolf Haven
An interview with Rev. Mary
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Sunday Worship: “Same and Different” with Rev. Mary Gear
We explore the human paradox that we are one and we are different. This is the 2025 auction service with John Tafejian and an original piece of music by Jeff Goates.
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After-Service Forum: “Who You Gonna Call?” Skill Builder with Rev. Mary
Join Rev. Mary for a practical walkthrough of OUUC's new ‘Who to Contact’ list on the Contact Us page. With recent staff changes and new roles across the congregation, knowing who handles what can feel confusing. This skill builder will help you navigate the updated contact sheet, understand who's responsible for different ministry areas, and feel confident reaching out when you need support. Whether you're wondering who to contact about facilities, communications, membership, or something else entirely, we'll make sure you know exactly where to turn. Bring your questions!
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Rosalie Raps Melnick's
Celebration of Life
Sat Nov 8, 10:00 am
OUUC
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the family and friends of Rosalie Raps Melnick will be welcomed for a Celebration of Life service at 10:00 am, both onsite in the OUUC Sanctuary and on Zoom. A reception will follow for those onsite.
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Important Community Updates | |
Staff Away
Tech Coordinator Teresa Madsen will be out of town on October 23 through October 28.
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Share the Plate Applications & Committee Spots Open
The Share the Plate Application is now open until October 31st, and the Committee is looking for new members to join the team.
The Share the Plate (STP) application is now accepting applications online through October 31st for 2026. If you know a deserving non-profit serving Thurston, Mason, or Lewis Counties, encourage them to apply at https://www.ouuc.org/give/share-the-plate/. Organizations that haven't received major contributions from OUUC in the last three years are eligible, and we've kept the application simple.
The STP Committee is also looking for a few new members to help review applications during the first two weeks of November and work with recipients to record the two-minute videos you see during Sunday services. We are a "meeting light" committee, as most of our work is reviewing applications. If you'd like to help determine how we distribute a major portion of OUUC's benevolence giving, contact Bob Brennand at bobbrennand@gmail.com or any STP Committee member shown below.
Learn more about the history and process of Share the Plate on our new STP History page (under the "Give" tab).
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Peanut-free Facility
One of our young ones has a severe peanut allergy and we are moving to become a peanut-free facility in response. This is one of the ways we take care of each other! Please do not bring any peanuts, peanut butter, or products that contain peanuts (including peanut oil) to OUUC. Thank you for helping keep our community safe for all.
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In this week's Tiny Little News see our Buildings and Grounds team trying to slice a pizza and hear about this week's book sale preparations | | | | |
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Community Dinner: Favorite Cookbooks
Thurs Oct 23, 5:30pm
OUUC
This week's dinner theme is a celebration of some of Rev Sara's favorite cookbooks. All are welcome for food and fellowship at 5:30pm at our weekly community dinner on Thursdays. If you can volunteer to help cook starting at 3:30pm or set up tables at 4:30pm, or to clean up after at 7:30pm, please email Rev. Sara at dcfd@ouuc.org
Note: the choir is no longer setting up tables, so strong backs at 4:30 are needed!
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New UU Class
Sun Oct 26, 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 2-3:30pm. This week's topic will be Pastoral Care. | | | |
Navigating Misinformation with Wisdom
Mon Oct 27, 6:30 pm
Online
| Led by Schyler Raad on Zoom, Mondays 6:30-8pm, this class affirms that wisdom and truth-seeking are interdependent and pluralistic, centered on love. Research supports the idea that wisdom is observed most often in older adults, usually emerging after 65 years of age. Meanwhile, truth-seeking is more difficult today with widespread misinformation, disinformation, and information overload. This threatens the development of wisdom in all ages over the following generations. Using guided exercises, we will practice critically examining sources, questioning claims, reflecting on our own biases, and applying discernment as both a cognitive and a spiritual practice. The class is for everyone, drawing on our lived experiences while introducing foundational concepts from research methodology and media literacy. Each session integrates personal reflection, small group conversation, and large group dialogue. | | | |
22nd annual Books, Brownies & Beans Used Book Sale
Fri Oct 24th & Sat Oct 25th, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
OUUC
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Our Book Sale is THIS WEEK—and we need YOU!
Mark your calendars for October 24th & 25th—our annual book sale is here, and we have an amazing selection ready to go.
We still have MANY volunteer slots to fill, including these key roles:
- Room Lead Support
- Volunteer Check-in
- Cashier Lead for Thursday's Volunteer Sale
- Crock Pot Mexican Rice
- Sustaining volunteers with snacks
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Friday Tidy
Whether you can spare an hour or the whole day, we'd love to have you on the team. Many hands make light work, and this event is always more fun when we're all in it together.
Go to SignUp Genius now to see all available shifts and volunteer roles.
Let's make 2025 our best year yet—see you at the sale!
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Nature Group at Sequalitchew Creek
Sat Oct 25, 10:00 am
OUUC
| All ages are invited to join the OUUC Nature Group with Rev. Sara and Anissa on 10/25 at 10am. This month we explore Sequalitchew Creek Trail in Dupont. RSVP to Rev. Sara or Anissa. | | | |
Worthy Now: A Harm Reduction program for UU Youth
Sun Oct 26, 1:30 pm
OUUC
| Youth will explore the concept of harm reduction as it relates to a variety of possible harms (substance use, mental health needs, violence prevention, and more) and increase their skills around harm reduction and decision making. | | | |
Faith in Action This Week (Oct 19th)
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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Nia Dance
Tue Oct 28, 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 fall in classroom 3 for Nia. 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! Bring a water bottle, optional yoga mat, and wear comfortable workout clothing. You can dance in shoes or barefoot. Cost: Donation. Contact instructor for more at kristy.woodford@proton.me or 360.508.2800.
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PropagationNation Tree Sale
Sat Nov 1, 10:00 am
OUUC
| PropagationNation, a WA nonprofit, is holding a Redwood and Sequoia Potted Tree Sale at OUUC on Saturday, November 1, from 10 AM to 3 PM. The potted redwoods and sequoias can be pre-ordered on our website, use the Preoder Here button above. Potted redwoods and sequoias are perfect for folks who are interested in starting with small resilient trees that already have 2-4 feet of growth. This event is being sponsored by OUUC's Environmental Action Team. | | | | |
Adult Our Whole Lives
Sexuality Education Workshops
Sat Nov 1, 11:00 am
OUUC
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The Our Whole Lives program offers age appropriate, comprehensive, values-based sexuality education for all ages and is a beloved program in our UU congregations. We are offering a two day workshop of the Adult OWL this fall:
Our Whole Lives 101, November 1st 11am-4pm
Our Whole Lives 102, December 6th 11am-4pm
Register for just 101 or for both!
Any questions contact Rev. Sara at dcfd@ouuc.org
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Write Your Obituary: Tell Your Own Story
Sat Nov 1, 12:30 pm
OUUC
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You will ease one burden for a family member just after you die, by having written your own obituary ahead of time. You are the one who knows you best, and you can best tell your own story. It will be part of the legacy you leave to family and friends. An interesting, well-written obituary can be the primary source for the eulogy at your memorial service, too.
In this 2-session class, we will use the 1st session to talk about the creation of your obituary. Then, Ann will invite you to do your first draft before we meet again. In the 2nd session, we will come together and share what we have written.
Ann Yeo has been an active member of OUUC since 2001. Incidentally, she is a still-licensed Registered Nurse (for volunteer work here and there), as well as a Certified Holistic Nurse. When she started drafting her mother’s obituary a year before she died, Ann got the idea of starting to write her own obituary.
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Resistance Lab: Strengthening Democracy Together
Mon Nov 3, 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 Environmental Action Team and Faith in Action 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: Nov 3, Dec 8, Jan 5.
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, 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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OUUC Book Group
Thurs Nov 13, 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 futuristic 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 reimagines 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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The opportunity of the week is the Buildings and Grounds team!
| The Buildings and Grounds team keeps our space safe and welcoming and is a great opportunity for those who like to be hands on and use tools. Watch the video above to learn more and follow up with Ian Hammond Stephan if you have more questions! | | |
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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Volunteer For Thursday Dinners
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!
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October 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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October Volunteer Newsletter
Monthly tips, resources, and updates to support you in your volunteer role.
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Vigil for Peace
Fri Oct 24, 4:30 pm
4th & Water Street, Downtown Olympia
The Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice invites you to continue to gather to hold vigil for peace and support for Palestine at the Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation's Vigil for Peace every Friday from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm at Percival Landing. Peace signs are provided.
| | | | Volunteers sought for Village Vans | Village Vans, a program of Intercity Transit, assists those in need by providing free rides. Volunteer drivers need a clean driving record and are able to give three or more hours a week. Volunteer drivers are given professional defensive driving training. | | | | |
Robert E. May: Debunking the Yule Log Myth
Sat Nov 1, 4:00 pm
Upstairs At Browsers Bookshop
| Browsers is pleased to welcome Olympia writer Robert E. May on Saturday, November 1 at 4:00 PM to speak about his new book, Debunking the Yule Log Myth: The Disturbing History of a Plantation Legend. Kirkus Reviews praises the book as "a thoughtful antidote to white Southern propaganda." | | | |
The Climate Challenge:
Divesting from Fossil Fuels
Thurs Nov 6, 6:30 pm
1601 North Street SE, Olympia & Online
| Did you know that banks, credit card companies, auto and home insurance and retirement accounts all commonly invest if fossil fuel extraction (coal mining, natural gas, oil and fracking, and gigantic pipelines, etc)? While there are a lot of climate change issues we do not have control over this is something we can do personally. Our presenter will walk us through a website that helps you easily and quickly identify if your financial institution, insurance, IRA, etc is invested in fossil fuels and then how to see alternatives in your community that you can switch to. After the presentation will be followed by support group time to figure out your own plan of attack. You can attend in person to Good Shepherd Church or online. | | | |
Become an Accompaniment Volunteer!
Sat Nov 8, 9:30 am
Downtown Olympia
| Accompaniment Group for Unity and Action (AGUA) invites you to join our next Accompaniment Team Training. Learn how to stand with immigrant community members by accompanying them to immigration court, ICE check-ins, and other appointments. In a time of fear and uncertainty, AGUA provides rides, resources, and steady support—because no one should face these experiences alone. We particularly need drivers to Tacoma/Seattle and Spanish speakers, but we welcome all who want to be present with someone on a stressful day. When we stand with our immigrant neighbors, we demonstrate that our community is mobilized against detention and deportation. | | | | |
Together We Rememebr: Honoring Trans Live Lost
Thurs Nov 20, 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, promote understanding by creating a safer world for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. Look for Rev. Mary. Facilitated by Concerned Clergy of Olympia, The Olympia Free Clinic, Leauge of Women Voters of Thurston Country, and PFLAG Olympia. | | | | |
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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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