Announcement deadline: Mondays at midnight

Watch Last Sunday's Service Here

Find Last Week's Order of Service Here

Find Last Week's Forum Slides Here

In this week's Tiny Little News hear about the coffee crew and the events of this week.

The turning of the seasons reminds us that life is constantly changing—and so are OUUC's fall office hours! The building is now 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!

Gregory Robinson's Celebration of Life

Fri Sept 26, 7:00 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

Community Dinner:

It's A-Maizing!

Thurs Sept 25, 5:30pm

OUUC Commons


This week's dinner theme is a celebration of Maize (corn). 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! 

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

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 

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

New UU Class

Sun Sept 28, 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.

Find out more here!

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!

Nia Dance

Tue Sept 30, 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.

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!

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!

Parent Group

Thurs Oct 2, 6:30 pm

OUUC

All who are parenting (in any way) are welcome to join the OUUC Parent Group on the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:30pm. We meet in person and on zoom. Email Rev Sara at dcfd@ouuc.org to get the zoom link.

Family Pancake Breakfast

 Sun Oct 5, 9:00 am

OUUC

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 at 9am (during the 1st service) and then we encourage you to stay and attend the 2nd service after. We will be hosting the breakfast on the 1st Sunday of each month. Any questions contact our RE Assistant, Anissa Bentlemsani

Board Forum

 Sun Oct 5, 12:15 pm

OUUC

Save the date! The first Board Forum of the church year will be held Sunday October 5th @12:15pm. Board Forums are generally held once a month and serve a twofold purpose - your Board of Trustees seeks to share information with the congregation about what we are thinking about and working on, while also seeking to better understand the needs and ideas of the congregation. Participation is welcome in person or on Zoom and a recording will be available on YouTube for later viewing.

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. Please join us! All are welcome - members, friends and newcomers. Your voice matters and adds to the Beloved Community we aspire to at OUUC.

A recording of last April’s forum can be viewed here.

Death Cafe

Mon Oct 6, 4:30 pm

OUUC

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. Death Cafes are intended to be discussion groups rather than grief support/counseling.

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.

 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.

 Good Grief Reflection Group

Thurs Oct 9, 6:30 pm

OUUC

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.

2nd Thursdays of each month, 6:30pm at OUUC and on Zoom. Facilitated by Rev. Mary Gear and Rev. Sara Lewis. Email dcfd@ouuc.org to get the zoom link.

 Active Hope Reflection Group

Tues Oct 14, 6:30 pm

OUUC

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. 

2nd Tuesdays of each month, at OUUC and on Zoom. Facilitated by Rev. Mary Gear and Rev. Sara Lewis. Email dcfd@ouuc.org to get the zoom link.

Understanding Hearing Loss: Tools, Tips, and Awareness

Tues Oct 14, 1:00 pm

OUUC

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.

Register here

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 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. 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!

September Volunteer Newsletter

This year we will be creating a monthly newsletter for all volunteers at OUUC.

Check out the September edition by clicking here!

September Faith in Action Digest

Here are collected opportunities for engaging with Faith in Action in September. Faith In Action Digest September 2025 

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

Fellowship of Reconciliation Vigil for Peace

Fri Sept 26, 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 

Kings of the Sound: A 21+ Drag Show

Sat Sept 27, 6:30 pm

The Olympia Center, 222 Columbus St NW

Show your support for the Puget Sounds Estuarium during the annual Jellyfish Jam Fundraiser! After the fundraiser, The Burley Barnacles will present Kings of the Sound, A 21+ Drag Show. $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.

UU Ministry for Earth Common Read

The UU Ministry for Earth 2025-26 Common Read has begun this month! We will be discussing “What if We Get it Right?” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. Sign up here to join the Common Read group email list. We will be sending general reminders in our monthly newsletter, too, but this group will have more opportunities to connect with each other as we read along. We are considering using a platform to chat, such as Discord, so people do not have to wait until our meetings to connect with each other. If we decide to launch that, the email group will receive an invitation to join. We can’t wait to look toward an imaginative future for climate justice with you!

Contact & Hours

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

Our Staff Team

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