Announcement deadline: Mondays at midnight | | | | |
Sunday Worship October 12th | |
“Cultivating Compassion” with Rev. Mary Gear
We explore our monthly spiritual theme of Cultivating Compassion. As a people of faith, we use this word a lot, yet we may not have a shared understanding of its meaning and practice. What does cultivating compassion look like at this moment in history?
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After-Service Forum: Recycling and the WRAP Act
Heather Trim, Zero Waste Washington
Heather Trim will talk about the Recycling Reform Act, (aka the WRAP Act) which was signed into law in May 2025, as well as other zero-waste initiatives. The WRAP Act establishes a product stewardship program for packaging and printed paper, including recycling and reuse targets and plastic source reduction. Heather Trim has been the Executive Director of Zero Waste Washington since 2016. Prior to that, Heather was active in zero waste issues, including helping to lead the Seattle bag campaign and to get the ban on styrofoam serviceware passed. Previously, Heather was Director of Science and Policy at Futurewise, focusing on habitat, shoreline, stormwater, and other issues related to land use. Heather earned a BS in geology from Yale University and a PhD from UCLA in geochemistry.
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Last Sunday's Services
Sunday Worship: “Bear Witness: Save Lives” with CB Beal
At the Continental Congress as the final vote was taken, Elizabeth Willing Powel asked Benjamin Franklin, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” He famously replied, “A republic, if we can keep it!” We’ll reflect on the state of the republic, using some famous words from a Unitarian forefather, found in a surprising place.
After-Service Forum:“The Big Question” with the OUUC Board
Last April, we explored the question “We’re Growing! Now What?” The upcoming forum will continue with this discussion about growth — specifically, “how shall we adapt to being a bigger congregation?” The format will include an update from Board members, small group discussions, and time for sharing.
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In this week's Tiny Little News Show learn about the Environmental Action Team and this week's events at OUUC. | | | | |
Important Community Updates | |
Make a Legacy Series: Investing in the Future
Karin Landsberg, an OUUC member for nearly 10 years, is a member of the Legacy Circle. What does that mean? It means OUUC is a one of the designated beneficiaries in her will.
Why has she taken this step? This community is very important to her, now more than ever, and she wants to see it continue into the future. But, it’s not just about her, it’s also because of what this community offers to others. She was raised in the UU tradition and has seen how UU communities provide help to others. After seeing the support her father received from his UU community, she realized she also wanted to be connected to something like that and so joined OUUC. As has been said “people may come for the theology, but they stay for the people.”
She also wants long-term financial stability for OUUC. Being a self-confessed “personal finance nerd”, Karin understands the importance of having reserve or endowment funds that can be drawn on annually as needed. She has not designated her future gift be earmarked for something specific, but trusts future boards of trustees to make those decisions - whether it’s for major operating or capital expenses or even building expansion plans.
Karin was inspired by her mom’s generosity in supporting public TV in the days went you went to the phone and called in to pledge. “There have been times in my life when I could not be especially generous with my money and my energy. But, when you give from your abundance, it doesn’t feel like giving.” Now that she’s retired, she has more time to contribute her unique skills to OUUC and while there may be a limit to what she can financially contribute now, leaving a legacy gift is an easy way for Karin to continue her financial support in the future.
Karin would like to be remembered as a someone who supported the church not just in her life, but helped it to continue beyond. She doesn’t need or want a grand plaque, but wants her name to be somewhere on the list of people who made this place possible. And if her unique contributions (good data!) provide support in the background to make things run more smoothly, she would feel especially good about leaving that behind.
If you want to learn more about estate planning, plan to attend the October 2nd Estate Planning Presentation by local attorney Lauren Pitman to be held after the Thursday Community Dinner. If you have already included OUUC as a part of your estate plan, please let the office know by sending an email to officemanager@ouuc.org, or filling out the form here: Legacy Giving Form; and plan to join us October 19 for the first Legacy Circle gathering. For more info, contact Pam Toal. You can request contact information here.
This article is part of OUUC’s “Make a Legacy” series to raise awareness about how we can all make a legacy gift, no matter what size, to help sustain OUUC projects and operations, aligning with its mission of advancing social justice and community well-being. For more information, please contact Pam Toal, Chair, OUUC’s Legacy Giving Committee.
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Pastoral Care Team
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.
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, and Woodson Moore.
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Sit and Stitch
Tues Oct 7, 6:30 pm
OUUC
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.
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Love at the Center Discussion Group
Wed Oct 8, 7:00 pm
Online
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It's not too late to join the Love at the Center Reflection Group! We will be discussing essays 4-6 in October.
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 3 essays from the book each month.
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Community Dinner:
National Polenta Day
Thurs Oct 9, 5:30pm
OUUC
This week's dinner theme is a celebration of National Polenta Day. 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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Game Night
Thurs Oct 9, 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.
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Chaotic Climate Reflection Group
Thurs Oct 9, 6:30 pm
OUUC & Online
| The Chaotic Climate Reflection Group, facilitated by Rev. Mary Gear and Rev. Sara Lewis, meets on the second Thursday of every month to reflect on the 10 Steps of Good Grief, based on the book How to Live in a Chaotic Climate by LaUra Schmidt. | | | | |
OUUC Book Group
Thurs Oct 9, 6:30 pm
OUUC & Online
| The group meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at OUUC at 6:30, following the community dinner. At the October meeting, Bernie Brady will lead a discussion on the book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. The meeting will also be available on Zoom. Note: There will be no meeting in December. | | | | |
Fall Gathering at Rutledge
Sat Oct 11, 2:00 pm
Rutledge Family Farm
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All ages are invited to an OUUC gathering at Rutledge Farm. We have a firepit reserved, and will bring drinks and smores. There is an entrance fee to the farm, contact Rev. Sara if entry cost is a barrier.
RSVP to Chloe at memberengagement@ouuc.org
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Worthy Now: A Harm Reduction program for UU Youth
Sun Oct 12, 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. | | | |
New UU Class
Sun Oct 12, 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. On 10/12 the topic will be Worship. | | | |
Navigating Misinformation with Wisdom
Mon Oct 13, 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. | | | |
Faith in Action This Week (Oct 5th)
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 14, 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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Understanding Hearing Loss: Tools, Tips, and Awareness
Tues Oct 14, 1:00 pm
OUUC
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Presenter Heidi Crabtree lost her hearing as a child due to untreated infections. For years, she struggled with communication—until she discovered tools, apps, and strategies that helped her thrive. Heidi shares, “At 51, I found out that I was and extrovert, once I was finally able to hear clearly.” Now she shares the insights she wished she’d known decades earlier: how to protect your hearing, communicate effectively, and advocate for your needs.
Join us for a community presentation on an often-overlooked aspect of wellness: hearing health. Whether you’re experiencing hearing loss yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply curious, this session offers practical insight and tools for clearer communication. This engaging program will cover common causes and early signs of hearing loss, communication strategies for social and noisy environments, and tools and assistance devices that can make a difference.
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Active Hope Reflection Group
Tues Oct 14, 6:30 pm
OUUC & Online
| Active Hope Reflection Group, facilitated by Rev. Mary Gear and Rev. Sara Lewis, meets on the second Tuesday of every month to reflect on the Work that Reconnects, based on the book Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. | | | |
Drop In Soul Matters Group
Thurs Oct 16, 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 October is Cultivating Compassion.
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Generation XYZ Lunch
Sun Oct 19, 12:30pm
OUUC
All between the ages of 18-50ish are welcome for the monthly lunch at 12:15pm in one of the classrooms. Look for Kedo Baye with any questions.
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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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Only six weeks until our amazing event! We still need lots of BOOKS and lots of VOLUNTEERS. Do these things now:
Mark your calendars. for October 24th and 25th and share the news about the sale with all your friends!
Collect Donations. We need collection boxes in Shelton, Lacey, and Tumwater. Take a box from the commons and put it in a place you frequent in one of these towns. Remember to go back and collect the donated books and bring them in!
Bring in your books! Please take them to classroom 4 and put them in the rectangle on the floor marked with tape (please don't leave them in the Commons, hallway or in staff offices). Thank you!
Volunteer! There are many roles left to fill, including entertainment on Saturday, cashiering, book hauling, and more. Visit https://www.ouuc.org/books to learn more and volunteer. Let’s make 2025 best year ever!
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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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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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Vigil for Peace
Fri Oct 10, 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.
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Benefit Concert for Immigrant Services by Yale University Whiffenpoofs
Mon Oct 13, 7:30 pm
114 20th Ave SE, Olympia
The Yale University Whiffenpoofs will perform a mix of jazz standards, pop hits from across the decades, and old Yale tunes at St. John | San Juan Episcopal Church. All proceeds support immigrant services provided at SJSJ. Suggested donation is $25 online or at the door. The church is located at 114 20th Ave SE, Olympia (the church with the big bell tower on Capitol Way), on Intercity Transit Route 13. The accessible entrance is off the parking lot on 19th Avenue. For more information, contact SJSJ Music Director Steve O'Connor at (360) 352-2149 or steve@stjohnsoly.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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