Announcement deadline: Mondays at midnight | | | | |
Sunday Worship October 5th | |
“Bear Witness: Save Lives” with CB Beal
CB will share story and reflections about the spiritual practice of bearing witness, a vital part of Beloved Community. When we choose to be still and bear witness to one another with compassion, acknowledging and accepting what is shared, we can be present with curiosity, acceptance, and empathy that honors our different life experiences. This is a practice of becoming more trustworthy.
Guest Speaker Bio: CB Beal (they/them) is a Unitarian Universalist speaker, educator, and consultant specializing in facilitating learning experiences that address issues of marginalization, oppression, and privilege. CB supports people to hold the complexities of our lives as we co-create a safe[r] brave[r] space within which people can be challenged to learn and grow, all toward the purpose of bending the moral and material arc of the universe toward justice.
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After-Service Forum:
“The Big Question”
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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Last Sunday's Service
“Belonging to the UUUniverse” with Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee
We value church for the connections we make and the meaning we find together. It is also important to be connected with the Unitarian Universalist Universe because together we can do more than we can when acting alone. We will explore how we belong to the larger faith tradition.
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In this week's Tiny Little News get a behind the scenes glimpse into the making of our community dinner, and learn about current events and opportunities at OUUC. | | | | |
Important Community Updates | | | |
Staff Away & Office Closures
Rev. Mary is away on a retreat October 3 through October 5.
The office will be closed on October 13th in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day.
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Bulbs & Battery Collection
Welcome to October! Hopefully we’re all refreshed by the rains and our evenings are lit by working light bulbs! It’s going to be the first Sunday of October, so bring in your dead fluorescent bulbs and dead batteries! The OUUC Environmental Action Team will make sure they are recycled or properly disposed. Come to our table in the Commons and see what we’re up to. There may be something of interest to YOU!
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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 Woody Woodson.
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Community Dinner:
Pastafest
Thurs Oct 2, 5:30pm
OUUC Commons
This week's dinner theme is a celebration of pasta. 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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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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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.
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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
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New UU Class
Sun Sept 5, 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!
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October 5th Board Forum
Sun Oct 5, 12:15 pm
OUUC
The first Board Forum of the church year will be this Sunday @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.
Last April, we explored the question “We’re Growing! Now What?” This week, we will continue the 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.
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New UU Class
Sun Oct 5, 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 October 5th the topic will be Faith in Action.
Find out more here
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Death Cafe
Mon Oct 6, 4:30 pm
OUUC
It's time to return from our summer hiatus and get back to our monthly Death Cafe at OUUC. Join us Monday, October 6th from 4:30pm-6:00pm for an open conversation about all things death and dying. There's no registration required and no fee to attend. Just drop in. Tea and a snack will be served. Remember, this is a group led discussion, so bring the topics you'd like to discuss or the things that have been on your mind.
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Quick Faith in Actions for the week of September 28th
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 Oct 7, 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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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
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. Register here
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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.
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Fall Gathering at Rutledge
Sat Oct 11, 2:00 pm
Rutledge Family Farm
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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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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Worthy Now: A Harm Reduction program for UU Youth
Sun Oct 12, 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.
Register here
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Navigating Misinformation with Wisdom
Mon Oct 13, 6:30 pm
Online
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. Register Here
Led by Schyler Raad on Zoom, Mondays 6:30-8pm
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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
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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.
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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 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!
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The opportunity that we are highlighting for this week is the Adult Faith Development team!
They strive to build community, help the adults of the congregation develop new skills, knowledge, and understanding, as well as deepen the appreciation of our world around us through offering different classes and opportunities for fellowship. If you are interested in joining their team or would like to learn more, please reach out to Linda Whitcher or Linda Selsor.
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Help with Coffee Crew!
Our coffee hours are only possible through the help of volunteers who make the coffee, set everything up, and wash the dishes after. Please sign up 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 Oct 3, 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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Benefit concert will support programs for immigrants by Yale University Whiffenpoofs
Mon Oct 13, 7:30 pm
114 20th Ave. S.E., Olympia
Singing a mixture of jazz standards, pop music hits from across the decades, and old Yale tunes, the Yale University Whiffenpoofs will bring their amazing musicality to St. John | San Juan Episcopal Church.
“Our community is delighted to host these singers,” said the Rev. Dr. Janet Waggoner, rector at St. John | San Juan. “It will be a real treat, and most importantly, all proceeds will go to support ministries in the San Juan community.” Proceeds will help support immigrant services provided at SJSJ. Suggested donation is $25 here online or at the door. St. John | San Juan is located at 114 20th Ave. S.E., 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, please contact St. John | San Juan 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
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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