Announcement deadline: Mondays at midnight | | | | |
Sunday Worship September 21st | |
“Harm Reduction” with Rev. Sara Lewis
Our Unitarian Universalist tradition affirms that all are worthy now, which is counter cultural in a society soaked in the Christian cultural urge to punish sin. How can we reduce harm without punishment? What do all deserve if we are worthy now?
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After-Service Forum:
Skill Builder on Covenant Creation
All are welcome to our monthly skill builder with Rev. Sara, as we practice how to create and live into small group covenants
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Last Sunday's Service
“Reconnection and Meaning” with Rev. Mary Gear and Rev. Sara
At this time in history, how do we reconnect to our values and what is important to us? How do we make meaning from what is happening to us, to others, and to the world? We explore these themes, and send the Transylvania pilgrims on their way with our blessing. After-Service Forum: “Hope and Grief”
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In this week's Tiny Little News learn who won the zucchini bread competition and all about the events of this coming week! | | | | |
Important Community Updates | |
Fall Into New Hours
The turning of the seasons reminds us that life is constantly changing—and so are OUUC's fall office hours! Starting this week, the building will be open for walk-ins Mon 10am - 1pm, Tues 10am - 12pm, Wed & Thurs 10am - 1pm, and Sun 8am - 2pm. Of course, you can email or call OUUC's staff any time and different staff may be available by appointment outside of those hours. Many of our staff work part-time, so we appreciate your patience as we respond to requests. If you haven't heard from us after a few days, give us a gentle nudge!
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Staff Away
Rev. Mary is away on vacation September 23 through September 29. She will not be checking email during this time.
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Who Do I Talk to About _____?
With an increase in the number of congregants over the last year, it became clear that we needed more staff to support the growing congregation. At the same time, former Office Manager Isaac and his family moved to Minnesota and former Office Assistant Rosie took a full-time job elsewhere, necessitating multiple staff transitions and reorganization in OUUC's operations. Isaac Jennings now works remotely as Finance Manager, Ian Stephan was hired as Office and Facilities Manager, Victoria Ridgway was hired as Office Assistant and Communications Specialist, Marie Arensmeyer shifted to Sexton, and Chloe Meyer was hired as Member Engagement Specialist. All of these positions are part-time. These personnel changes shifted tasks from some staff to others, and from those who have been here for years as well as those who are new to OUUC, we continue to hear the same question: "Who do I talk to about (fill in blank here)?"
Accordingly, we've created a resource to make finding the right person to help you easier. When you visit the "Contact Us" page, you'll now see a 3-column table of ministry areas and concerns with the people responsible for those tasks and their contact information. So the next time you're not sure just who at OUUC can help you with your issue, pull up the contact page to find the answer, and then send them an email, give them a call (phone numbers are at the bottom of the page), or find them at church. Don't hesitate to reach out—we're here to help!
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Get Grubby!
Wed Sept 17, 4:00 pm
GRuB Farms
The OUUC community has been invited to help on the Grub farm on Wednesday September 17th from 4-6 pm. Then workers will help Sara select Grub grown food for the Community dinner on September 18th. We are hoping for at least 4-8 volunteers to support GRUB and procure food for our community dinner. Please contact Sara Lewis, dcfd@ouuc.org to sign up for this great opportunity to help a community partner and gather locally sourced organic food for dinner.
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Community Dinner:
Eat Local
Thurs Sept 18, 5:30pm
OUUC Commons
September is Eat Local month, and we will celebrate with a meal sourced partly from our neighbor GRUB and partly from other local sources. 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
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Drop In Soul Matters Group
Thurs Sept 18, 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 September is Building Belonging.
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Sewing Ministry
Sat Sept 20, 12:30 pm
OUUC
If you enjoy simple sewing and friendly conversation, join us to work on an ongoing project. We'll be hand-sewing the binding on an almost-completed lap quilt, layering up a completed quilt top with batting and backing, and starting to sew blocks for two new lap quilts. No quilting experience needed! You're most welcome to just drop in, or contact Claudia McNeill if you'd like more info ahead of time.
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Generation XYZ Lunch
Sun Sept 21, 12:15pm
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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New UU Class
Sun Sept 21, 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 starting on 9/21.
Find out more here!
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Quick Faith in Actions for the week of September 14th
Put your faith into action! Check out these quick impactful actions you can take from home to make change in our community, updated every week.
Click here to get started!
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Nia Dance
Tue Sept 23, 9:00am
OUUC
Sense. Notice. Mindful. Movement. Power. Barefoot.
Just a handful of words to describe the dance that is Nia. We’re bringing Nia to OUUC this fall. Join us! Every Tuesday from 9-10 a.m. Cost: Donation. Bring a yoga mat, water bottle, wear comfortable workout clothing and be prepared to take off your shoes. Get in. Be moved. Be you.
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Transitions: Finding Meaning & Spirit in Aging
Wed Sept 24, 3:00pm
Online
Where do we find meaning as we age? How does what matters to us change, and how does it remain the same? What is the spirit, the life-force that keeps us active and dynamic, that sustains and renews us?
This class will focus on these questions we face as we age. Each of us approaches aging as individual beings and may feel alone; yet we share the condition with everyone – our peers, those who came before us and those yet to come. In this way, we are profoundly connected. The class format is based on that suggested by Bruce Marshall in his book, In Later Years: Finding Meaning and Spirit in Aging. Led by Rev. Carol McKinley, Affiliated Community Minister Via Zoom on Rev. Carol’s account. Register Here
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Lessons of Loss
for ages 5-10
Thurs Sept 25, 6:30 pm
OUUC
In this 8 week class children will explore the important subject of death. Lessons will explore how change and loss are part of life, that death is bodies stopping working, that grief and hurt are normal and OK, how important it is to find ways to say goodbye well and to remember the lost, and what sources of resiliency and healing are. This class tackles a big tough topic in an age appropriate way, and is appropriate for children who have experienced loss and for those who have not done so yet. Suggested Donation of $50-$100.
Register here
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Nature Group at Frye Cove
Sat Sept 27, 10:00 am
Frye Cove Park
All ages are welcome to join Rev Sara and Anissa for our monthly nature group outing, this time to Frye Cove park. RSVP to Rev Sara at dcfd@ouuc.org
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Worthy Now: A Harm Reduction program for UU Youth
Sun Sept 28, 1:30 pm
OUUC
"Christian cultural urge to punish sin"
VS
"Worthy now theological frameworks"
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.
Six sessions, Sundays 9/28-12/7 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Register here
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Estate Planning
with attorney Lauren Pitman
Thurs Oct 2, 6:30 pm
OUUC
Do you have questions about estate planning? Know the value of having a will? Want to understand trusts or powers of attorney? Please join us Thursday, October 2 from 6:30-7:30 pm at OUUC for a free presentation about estate planning by local estate planning attorney Lauren Pitman. Lauren has presented this popular overview at OUUC in the past. Whether you’re just beginning to contemplate your decisions or have already made plans, you will appreciate her warm, compassionate and knowledgeable approach to estate planning and her ability to make a complex and often emotionally difficult topic accessible and understandable. She’ll share practical information about wills, trusts, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations, LGBTQ couples’ estate planning, charitable and legacy giving and more. OUUC’s Legacy Giving Committee offers this presentation to empower individuals and families to protect their assets, achieve personal goals for the future, and bring peace of mind through thoughtful planning. Achieve two things at once and plan to attend a regular Thursday evening Community Dinner before the presentation. Please plan to attend – and bring your questions!
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Trans Inclusion in Congregations
Thurs Oct 2, 4:30 pm
OUUC
This in-depth program is for anyone who wants to take their knowledge and skills to the next level in terms of trans identity and how to build congregations that are fully inclusive and affirming of the full breadth of gender diversity. Over six sessions we will deeply explore the intersection of trans identity, spirituality, and faith community and gain the grounding, context, and skills to transform as individuals and as a congregation.
The course is based on six video lectures with discussion materials, with the videos available to watch online on your own or together as a group. We will show the videos from 4:30-5:30 on Thursday, take a break for the Community Dinner, and then hold the discussion from 6:30-7:30. Facilitated by Hearthorn Campbell, Allyx Steffens, and Kedo Baye Register here!
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Death Cafe
Mon Oct 6, 4:30 pm
OUUC
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. Death Cafes are intended to be discussion groups rather than grief support/counseling. For more information contact Jenée Wolfram
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Recycling and the WRAP Act:
Heather Trim, Zero Waste Washington
Sun Oct 12, 12:15 pm
OUUC
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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22nd annual Books, Brownies & Beans Used Book Sale
Friday and Saturday, October 24th and 25th 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
OUUC
Books Brownies and Beans: 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, share the news about the sale with all your friends!
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. Check out the Sign up genius to find the spot that is right for you here. Visit https://www.ouuc.org/books to learn more and volunteer. Let’s make 2025 best year ever!
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Help Wanted for Gregory Robinson's Celebration of Life
Fri Sept 26, 6:00 pm
OUUC
On Friday, Sept 26th, from 7-9 pm, we will celebrate the life of Gregory Robinson with stories, wine, and music. We are expecting about 100 people to fill The Commons, so lots of volunteers are needed. Set-up will start at 6 pm. Food should be delivered to the kitchen by 6:30 pm. Karmel has requested gluten-free cookies using recipes from http://www.glutenfreepalate.com. Gregory’s favorite cookies were snickerdoodles, chocolate chunk, and ginger. Clean-up will start at approximately 9 pm. See below for the link to sign up to help. Contact Melanie Ransom with questions.
Sign up here to volunteer
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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.
Sign Up Here To Help
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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!
Click Here to order your shirt
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Fellowship of Reconciliation Vigil for Peace
Fri Sept 19, 4:30 pm
4th & Water Street, downtown Olympia
The Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice invites you to show your support for Palestine at the Fellowship of Reconciliation Vigil for Peace every Friday from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm at Percival Landing 4th & Water Street, Downtown Olympia
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Fort Worden Camping Trip
Sep 22 - 25
Fort Worden Historical State Park
Let's go camping! Make connections in the congregation by sharing our love of nature, engaging in meaningful conversations, walking the trails and sitting around the campfire. Bring your tent, car, or RV- all are welcome! Sometimes we even rent cabins or yurts. Hike, bike, play board games, roast marshmallows, engage in other outdoor activities, or just hang-out. Join us on our next trip to Fort Worden on September 22nd. Sites are limited, so make your reservations soon! Contact Rich Kalman for more information.
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Kings of the Sound: A 21+ Drag Show
Sat Sept 27, 6:45 pm
The Olympia Center, 222 Columbus St NW
Show your support for the Puget Sounds Estuarium during the annual Jellyfish Jam Fundraiser! The Burley Barnacles present Kings of the Sound, A 21+ Drag Show at the Jellyfish Jam Fundraiser. $25 entry includes tickets to both the fundraiser and the drag show! Held at the Olympia Center located at 222 Columbus St NW in downtown Olympia.
Jellyfish Jam Bands start at 6:45 pm and the Pirate Drag After Party starts at 8:00 pm.
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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
Isaac Ezra Jennings,
Finance Manager
FinanceManager@ouuc.org
Ian Stephan,
Office and Facilities Manager
OfficeManager@ouuc.org | ext. 103
Chloe Meyer,
Member Engagement Specialist
MemberEngagement@ouuc.org | ext. 104
Marie Arensmeyer,
Sexton
Sexton@ouuc.org | ext. 105
Victoria Ridgway,
Office Assistant
Office@ouuc.org | ext. 100
Anissa Bentlemsani,
Religious Education Assistant
REassistant@ouuc.org
Teresa Madsen,
Tech Coordinator
TechCoordinator@ouuc.org | ext. 106
Carbon Marshall,
Tech Specialist
TechSpecialist@ouuc.org
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